Books matching: atmospheric setting
100 result(s)
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- #1
Save:John Dickson Carr's 'It Walks by Night' introduces readers to the suave and mysterious Henri Bencolin, a master detective tasked with solving a locked room mystery in a lavish Parisian casino. The plot unfolds with the gruesome murder of the Duc de Saligny, setting the stage for a tale filled with decadent Parisian atmosphere, intricate clues, and colorful red herrings. Carr's writing style, influenced by Poe and Fitzgerald, weaves an atmosphere of supernatural horror and suspense, creating a captivating and suspenseful narrative.
The narrative is driven by the dynamic between Bencolin and his American sidekick Jeff Marle, as they navigate through a web of secrets, love triangles, and a villain with a lust for blood. Carr's skill in crafting a puzzling mystery, combined with his ability to create a spooky and atmospheric setting, keeps readers engaged as Bencolin unravels the seemingly impossible murder and the dark secrets lurking in the shadows of Paris.
(Also, see 4 recommendations for the series Henri Bencolin ) - #2
Save:'The Yellow Dog' by Georges Simenon is set in a small Breton fishing port, where Commissaire Maigret investigates a series of violent incidents involving the peripheral characters of the town. The plot unfolds with mysterious shootings, poisonings, and disappearances, all while Maigret maintains his passive and observant demeanor, allowing the events to unravel around him. As the story progresses, the intricate plotting and atmospheric sense of place create a moody backdrop, leading to a satisfying and clever resolution of the case, ultimately revealing Maigret's unique approach to justice and judgement of the bourgeoisie in the town.
They have no shutters, but through their murky greenish panes the figures inside are just barely visible. Huddled in his booth less than a hundred metres away, the customs guard stares enviously at th...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Maigret ) - #3
Save:The story of 'A Fatal Inversion' by Barbara Vine unfolds when the bodies of a young woman and a baby are found buried in the grounds of a country house, where a group of young people had spent a summer ten years before. The plot is filled with psychological suspense, interesting characters, and a gradual unwinding of a ten-year-old crime. The setting in the decadent 70s and the character development are highly praised, making the book a gripping and memorable read.
The body lay on a small square of carpet in the middle of the gun-room floor. Alec Chipstead looked around for something to put over it. He unhooked a raincoat from one of the pegs and, covering the b... - #4
Save:Set in a big house near the Cornish coast during the second half of the 1800s, "Mistress of Mellyn" follows Martha Leigh, a prim governess determined to win the respect of her difficult charge, Alvean. The plot is filled with suspense, eerie dreams, and a hint of supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere of realism with an edge of suspense. As Martha delves into the mysteries surrounding the death of Alvean's mother and the brooding master of the house, Connan TreMellyn, the tension builds, leading to a surprising ending. The writing style is described as engaging, with well-thought-out plots and convincing characters, such as the sharp-tongued and steel-spined Martha Leigh.
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of bin... - #5
Save:"The Return" by Rachel Harrison follows the story of four friends who reunite after their missing friend, Julie, returns two years later with no memory of her disappearance. As the friends gather at a remote inn, strange events unfold, leading them to realize that the returned Julie is not the same person they once knew. The plot is described as a mix of horror, suspense, and psychological exploration of relationships, with vivid descriptions, eerie atmosphere, and a dark setting that keeps the readers on edge. The narrative gradually builds tension, leading to a climactic turn of events that leaves the characters and readers questioning the true nature of Julie's return.
I watched frantic ants descend upon a nearby apple core and a facedown slice of pizza. A renegade splinter faction marched across the parking lot with tiny bits of food on their backs. The raccoons mu... - #6
Save:"March Violets" in the series "Bernard Gunther" by Philip Kerr follows the story of Bernie Gunther, a German detective, set in Berlin before, during, and after World War II. The plot revolves around Gunther navigating the complexities of Nazi Germany, dealing with moral ambiguities, and facing challenges in a noir-style setting. The author's writing style is described as detailed and immersive, providing a glimpse into the day-to-day struggles of living in a time of changing societal climates.
This morning, at the corner of Friedrichstrasse and Jäger-strasse, I saw two men, S A men, unscrewing a red Der Stürmer showcase from the wall of a building. Der Stürmer is the anti-Semitic journal th... - #7
Save:In the book 'Murder of a Lady' by Anthony Wynne, the story unfolds in a Scottish castle where an old lady, Miss Mary Gregor, is found dead in her locked bedroom under mysterious circumstances. The protagonist, Dr. Hailey, a physician with expertise in locked room mysteries, is drawn into the investigation. As the plot thickens, the reader is introduced to a cast of engaging characters and a tense atmosphere within the old Scottish household. The narrative is rich with personal dramas, love, pride, jealousy, and superstitious fears, all set against the backdrop of a classic locked room mystery.
The writing style in 'Murder of a Lady' combines elements of the Golden Age of mystery and detective fiction with intricate storytelling and character development. The book offers a gripping puzzle that intertwines the complexities of human nature with the suspense of a murder investigation, all within the confines of a secluded Scottish mansion by a loch. The author's focus on locked room mysteries and death by invisible agents adds layers of intrigue to the plot, keeping readers engaged in unraveling the secrets hidden within the castle walls.
- #8
Save:"All Rhodes Lead Here" by Mariana Zapata is a slow burn contemporary romance novel set in a small town in Colorado. The story follows Aurora, who moves to the town after a difficult breakup to start fresh. She meets Tobias Rhodes, her landlord, who is described as grumpy and distant at first but undergoes a transformation throughout the book. The relationship between Aurora and Tobias is characterized by a slow burn romance, with readers praising the character dynamics and banter between the two main characters. The writing style is noted for its detailed descriptions of outdoor elements, such as hiking and camping, adding depth to the setting and atmosphere of the story.
My eyes burned. Then again, they hadn’t stopped stinging since it had gotten dark a couple of hours ago, but I squinted anyway. Coming up ahead, on the very, very edge of my car’s headlights, there wa... - #9
Save:Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a gothic mystery set in Mexico in the 1950s, following the story of a young socialite named Noemi Taboada. Noemi receives a troubling letter from her cousin who recently married into the Doyle family and is unwell. She travels to the family's eerie mansion, High Place, where she encounters strange inhabitants and begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding her cousin's illness. The book combines elements of classic gothic romance, a haunted house mystery, and explores themes of colonialism and horror in a unique setting.
The writing style of Mexican Gothic is described as atmospheric and immersive, drawing readers into the cold and haunted environment of the mansion. The plot unfolds with suspenseful pacing, blending Victorian sensibilities with creepy and grotesque elements like mushrooms, mysterious dreams, and family secrets. The protagonist, Noemi, is highlighted as a strong and brave heroine who must navigate the dark secrets of High Place to save her cousin and herself, making for a gripping and eerie tale.
The parties at the Tuñóns’ house always ended unquestionably late, and since the hosts enjoyed costume parties in particular, it was not unusual to see Chinas Poblanas with their folkloric skirts and ... - #10
Save:'Original Sin' by P.D. James is a detective novel in the 'Adam Dalgliesh' series that delves into complex plots and nuanced characters. Set in an imposing mock Venetian publishing house on the banks of the Thames, the story revolves around a murder mystery intertwined with themes of revenge and moral ambiguities. The book is known for its atmospheric setting, well-constructed plot, and strong cast of characters. P.D. James weaves a tale that not only engages readers with a gripping mystery but also leaves them contemplating deeper questions about life and values.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Adam Dalgliesh )
