Books matching: atmospheric descriptions
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'The Quick' by Lauren Owen is a gothic tale set in late Victorian London, where the story follows James Norbury as he moves to London to pursue a career as a poet. However, things take a dark turn when he gets caught up with a mysterious club of vampires, leading to his disappearance. His older sister, Charlotte, sets out on a mission to uncover the truth and rescue her brother, delving into a world of horror, suspense, and eerie atmospheres. The narrative weaves through various viewpoints, exploring the themes of social class, repressed desires, and the thin line between sanity and insanity in a fog-shrouded Victorian setting.
At the end of the hall gardens, the ground gave way to a sudden drop that felt like the edge of the world. Below was a ditch full of nettles, which was called a ha-ha. Beyond that there were wide flat... - #2
Save:After businessman George Duncan is found savagely murdered, his adult children Dave and Lucy Duncan travel back to Inverurie, Scotland for the funeral, and are left with more questions than answers in regard to who killed him. No one in the town is talking, and it's up to Detective Inspector Roberts to find out why. The story not only follows the Duncan children but Detective Inspector Roberts, a transplant from Glasgow, and Sergeant MacLeod trying to solve the puzzling murders at that board meeting. The Auld Mither lurks behind in the entire story, occasionally stepping out to play mind games or do something horrifically violent. The Auld Mither is an engrossing, short 93 pages story that brings Scottish lore and myth to life in a bloody, brutal way.
- #3
Save:Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart is a gothic romance novel set in the French countryside. The story follows Linda, a young English governess, who takes a position to care for the orphaned Philippe de Valmy. As Linda delves deeper into her role, she becomes suspicious that someone is attempting to harm Philippe. The plot is filled with suspense, danger, and romance, reminiscent of classic gothic thrillers. Stewart's detailed descriptions bring the French countryside to life, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding events. The book's writing style is praised for its pace, beauty, and character development, with the author expertly weaving together suspenseful elements and atmospheric details.
We reached Paris just as the light was fading. It had been a soft, grey March day, with the smell of spring in the air. The wet tarmac glistened underfoot; over the airfield the sky looked very high, ... - #4
Save:In the book 'The Wolf and the Watchman' by Niklas Natt och Dag, readers are transported to the brutal and violent world of 18th century Stockholm, Sweden. The story follows a mutilated corpse discovered by watchman Mikel Cardell, leading to a partnership with lawyer Cecil Winge to solve the heinous crime. As the narrative unfolds, readers are immersed in the dark and gritty living conditions of the era, exploring the depths of human malevolence and the complexities of society through a cast of compelling characters.
Above the Southern Isle, the skies have not yet begun to lighten. Cardell staggers out and down the steps of the Hamburg and follows the children along the empty street, halfheartedly listening to a s... - #5
Save:In 17th-century Iceland, the novel "The Glass Woman" by Caroline Lea follows Rosa, a young woman who marries a wealthy but eccentric man named Jon, who is rumored to have murdered his first wife. Rosa faces suspicion and isolation in her new community, where strange occurrences and dark secrets unsettle her. The atmospheric tale weaves together themes of forbidden love, madness, and the oppressive religious and cultural norms of the time, creating a gripping narrative filled with twists and turns.
The writing style of "The Glass Woman" is described as haunting, bleak, and beautiful, capturing the chilling atmosphere of Iceland's harsh landscape and the characters' enigmatic personalities. The novel delves into themes of isolation, suspicion, and the struggle for independence in a society where witchcraft accusations loom large, creating a sense of unease that keeps readers engrossed till the end.
Rósa sits in the baðstofa of the croft that newly belongs to her and her mamma. A biting plume of wind shafts through the gaps between the turf wall and the tiny window, which is made of pale sheepski... - #6
Save:'The Pines' by Robert Dunbar is a dark horror novel set in the eerie Pine Barrens of New Jersey. The plot revolves around Athena, a widow struggling to cope with her deformed son and the brutal deaths occurring in the area. The story unfolds with a sense of impending danger and supernatural occurrences, as the characters try to unravel the mysteries of the woods and the evil lurking within.
The writing style of 'The Pines' is described as dark and gothic, with vivid imagery and well-developed characters adding depth to the narrative. The book captures the essence of a troubled community, blending elements of realism with horror to create a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers engaged till the end.
This humid oppression strangely amplifies the dripping, clicking noises: the moldy rasp of dead leaves stirred by tiny animals, the constant murmur of a brook threading the loamy ground, the oozing sp... - #7
Save:'The Pendragon Legend' by Antal Szerb is a gothic murder mystery with occult elements, set in a Welsh castle and revolving around the adventures of János Bátky, a Hungarian academic. The novel combines elements of popular genres such as gothic novels and murder mysteries, with a touch of satire. Through the eyes of the narrator, readers are taken on a journey filled with strange occurrences, secret passages, stolen manuscripts, and supernatural elements, all wrapped in a veil of mystery and intrigue. Szerb's writing style is characterized by a mix of erudition, wit, and self-effacing humor, making the story both entertaining and engaging.
Strictly speaking, I suppose all my stories begin with the fact that I was born in Budapest and that soon after—though it escaped my notice at the time—I was given the name I still bear today, János B... - #8
Save:'Song of Kali' by Dan Simmons is a dark and chilling tale set in Calcutta, India, where journalist Robert Luzcak is sent to investigate new poetry by an Indian poet who was presumed dead. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a secret religious society devoted to the goddess Kali, the destroyer of life. The story is filled with suspense, horror, and a sense of impending doom from the very beginning, painting a vivid picture of the city as a monstrous entity in itself. The narrative explores themes of culture shock, supernatural elements, and the thin line between reality and manipulation, leaving readers on edge throughout the book.
It was June of 1977, and I had come down to New York from New Hampshire in order to finalize the details of the Calcutta trip with my editor at Harper's. Afterward I decided to drop in to see my frien... - #9
Save:The Companion by Katie Alender tells the story of Margot, a survivor of a tragic accident who is taken in by the wealthy Sutton family to be a companion to their catatonic daughter, Agatha. Set in an isolated estate, the book creates an unsettling and claustrophobic atmosphere, with a gothic horror vibe that keeps the reader on edge. As Margot uncovers family secrets and strange occurrences, she navigates through mind games and twists while developing a genuine relationship with Agatha.
MY TOOTHBRUSH WAS slime green, and the bristles, after only six weeks of use, were beginning to fray and spread outward. They also came unattached and got stuck between my teeth when I brushed, which ... - #10
Save:'Child of the Morning' by Pauline Gedge is a historical fiction novel that vividly brings to life the story of Queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut, the only woman to ever reign as Pharaoh of Egypt. Set in the 15th century BC, the book portrays Hatshepsut's journey from being trained to rule Egypt by her father to her struggles against her brother's attempts to take the throne from her. The author's writing style immerses the reader in the ancient Egyptian culture, painting a detailed picture of the time period with descriptions that evoke the sights and scents of the era.
The novel combines fiction with historical facts, showcasing Hatshepsut as a strong and tenacious woman who defied societal norms to rule Egypt for twenty years. The plot delves into the power struggles within the royal family, the political maneuvering to maintain control, and the challenges Hatshepsut faced during her reign, including threats from her nephew and the need to balance her personal desires with her responsibilities as Pharaoh. Despite some discrepancies with historical accuracy, the book captivates readers with its portrayal of an enigmatic historical figure and the ancient world she inhabited.
Although the north wall of the schoolroom opened onto the garden, the prevailing summer wind did not blow between the dazzling white, color-splashed pillars. It was suffocatingly hot. The students sat...
