Books matching: atmospheric settings
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- #1
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 ) - #2
Save:Set in late nineteenth-century New York, 'Church of Marvels' by Leslie Parry weaves together the lives of extraordinary characters facing dark and gritty challenges. From a night soiler discovering an abandoned baby to a woman searching for her missing sister, the novel delves into themes of family, loyalty, and the social impacts of disabilities. Parry's writing style is described as descriptive, lyrical, and atmospheric, transporting readers to a vivid and haunting world filled with unusual characters and unexpected twists.
SYLVAN FOUND THE BABY ON A BALMY SUMMER NIGHT, WHEN he was digging out the privies behind a tenement on Broome Street. All night long the damp air had clung to his skin like a fever, and now, with onl... - #3
Save:'Blacklands' by Belinda Bauer is a gripping debut novel that follows 12-year-old Steven Lamb as he embarks on a dangerous quest to find the body of his uncle, Billy, who was murdered by a serial killer 19 years ago. Steven's family has been haunted by Billy's disappearance, and he believes that by locating the body, he can bring closure and peace to his grandmother. The narrative alternates between Steven's innocent perspective and the chilling correspondence he engages in with the killer, Arnold Avery, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. The book delves into dark themes of loss, family dynamics, and the psychological impact of crime, all while maintaining a quick pace that keeps the reader engaged.
EXMOOR DRIPPED WITH DIRTY BRACKEN, ROUGH, COLORLESS grass, prickly gorse, and last year’s heather, so black it looked as if wet fire had swept across the landscape, taking the trees with it and leavin... - #4
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... - #5
Save:Linden Manor by Catherine Cavendish is a gothic horror novella that follows the story of Leslie Carpenter, a woman conducting research on the origins of a local superstition. As Leslie delves deeper into her investigation, she uncovers dark secrets and mysteries that lead her to Linden Manor, a place with a haunted history and an enigmatic owner, Ms. Isobel Warrender. The narrative weaves together elements of ghostly hauntings, ancient curses, and familial ties, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book's plot unfolds through a mix of past and present timelines, blurring the boundaries between reality and the supernatural, making it a timeless and engaging read for fans of gothic horror.
The writing style in Linden Manor is described as atmospheric, brooding, and immersive, with Catherine Cavendish skillfully crafting a tale that is both haunting and mysterious. The author's ability to create a sense of dread and suspense throughout the novella, coupled with well-developed characters and unexpected plot twists, ensures that the story lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.
- #6
Save:The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse is a ghost story set in the French Pyrenees post-World War I. The protagonist, Freddie Watson, is still grieving the loss of his brother and embarks on a journey to France to find solace. After a car accident, he finds himself in a mysterious village where he meets a woman named Fabrissa, and their stories intertwine, leading to a resolution that helps Freddie come to terms with his grief. The book is described as a mix of historical facts, ghostly encounters, and a tale of love and loss, all set in a hauntingly beautiful landscape.
Keeping his eyes on Saurat, Freddie carefully slipped the letter from its casing. It was a heavy weave, the colour of dirty chalk, not paper at all, but something far older. The handwriting was uneven... - #7
Save:'The Clockmaker's Daughter' by Kate Morton is a multi-layered novel that intertwines stories from different time periods, all centered around Birchwood Manor. The plot follows characters linked by the house, from the tragic life of the clockmaker's daughter, Birdie Bell, to present-day archivist Elodie Winslow's quest to uncover the mysteries of the past. With elements of mystery, love, loss, and art, the book navigates through various timelines, offering a rich and complex narrative that keeps readers engaged as they piece together the connections between the characters and the house.
We came to Birchwood Manor because Edward said that it was haunted. It wasn’t, not then, but it’s a dull man who lets truth stand in the way of a good story, and Edward was never that. His passion, hi... - #8
Save:The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker is a macabre and disturbing novella that follows Frank Cotton as he unlocks a puzzle box seeking unimaginable pleasures, only to find himself bound by spirits in an upper room of his brother's house. The story delves into a world where evil is unhinged, portraying a battle between good and evil in a surreal setting. The book is filled with grotesque and dark imagery, featuring unforgettable characters like the Cenobites promising sensations beyond belief.
The plot of The Hellbound Heart is fast-paced, featuring action-packed scenes and gory elements that keep readers engaged. While some readers found the book short and wished for more character development, others appreciated its imaginative storytelling and the balance between visceral horror and redemptive themes. Overall, the novella is praised for its originality, dark atmosphere, and the way it explores human depravity in a compelling manner.
So intent was Frank upon solving the puzzle of Lemarchand's box that he didn't hear the great bell begin to ring. The device had been constructed by a master craftsman, and the riddle was this-that th... - #9
Save:'These Fleeting Shadows' by Kate Alice Marshall is a book that follows a mysterious and complex plot filled with twists and turns. The story revolves around the main character, Helen, and her unusual relationship with the other characters, especially Bryony, the Witch of Harrow. The writing style is compelling, with great descriptions creating a spooky and atmospheric setting. The book combines elements of fantasy, spooky houses, and a sweet love story, making it a unique and captivating read.
- #10
Save:'Sun Storm' in the series 'Rebecka Martinsson' by author Asa Larsson is a Swedish mystery novel that follows the story of Rebecka Martinsson, a tax attorney, who is drawn back to her hometown of Kiruna after a brutal murder occurs in a local church. The murder victim, Victor Strandgard, has been mutilated, leading to a complex investigation involving Rebecka, the victim's sister Sanna, and the police detectives Anna Maria Mella and Sven Erik Stalnacke. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets from the past are revealed, intertwined with the present mystery, set against the atmospheric backdrop of the cold and eerie Swedish landscape.
As the story progresses, Rebecka finds herself entangled in the murder case, facing challenges from her past and present relationships, while navigating the intricate dynamics of the church community and the personal struggles of the characters involved. The novel explores themes of trust, betrayal, religious fanaticism, and the dark underbelly of human nature, all woven together in a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged with its intense and disturbing storyline.
Rebecka Martinsson was woken by her own sharp intake of breath as fear stabbed through her body. She opened her eyes to darkness. Just between the dream and the waking, she had the strong feeling that...
