Books matching: atmospheric writing style
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- #1
The Lost Coast by A.R. Capetta is a novel set in Northern California, following the story of Danny who moves to a small town and befriends a group of queer witches called The Grays. The book explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and magic as Danny helps the witches find their missing friend Imogen while discovering her own powers. The writing style of the book is described as lush and atmospheric, capturing the mystical vibe of the Northern California setting.
His name is Sebastian. He’s another transplant to Tempest. Besides that, what I know about him is as flimsy as the name tags they made us wear at new-student orientation. He has sprigs of dark hair. H... - #2
Seventeen-year-old Verity Boone returns to her hometown of Catawissa, Pennsylvania after a long absence to reconnect with a father she barely knows and marry a man she has never met. However, upon her return, she discovers mysteries surrounding her mother's death, a buried aunt, and caged graves in the local cemetery. As Verity delves into the secrets of her past, she navigates the challenges of love, family expectations, and societal gossip, all set against a backdrop of historical fiction, mystery, and romance.
IN COMPLETE disregard of the conductor’s instructions, Verity Boone sprang from her seat before the train came to a full stop. The other passengers glanced at her with disapproval, but she paid no hee... - #3
Night Soldiers by Alan Furst follows the journey of Khristo Stoianev, a young Bulgarian who is recruited into the NKVD Soviet secret intelligence service after his brother is killed by local fascists. The story spans from 1934 to 1945, covering Khristo's training, operations in the Spanish Civil War, escape to France, and involvement in guerrilla operations with the French underground. Furst's writing style is described as atmospheric, with detailed geographical research and well-developed characters that bring the historical setting to life.
His brother was fifteen, no more than a blameless fool with a big mouth, and in calmer days his foolishness would have been accommodated in the usual ways—a slap in the face for humiliation, a few col... - #4
'Black Dog' by Stephen Booth is the first book in the 'Ben Cooper & Diane Fry' series, set in England's Peak District. The novel follows the investigation of a murder involving a teenage girl in a small town filled with secrets. The plot is described as moody, with a somber tone that delves into the complexities of the characters, especially the psychologically complex cops, Ben Cooper and Diane Fry. The book is praised for its vivid descriptions of the Peak District, the well-drawn setting, and the subtle characterizations that make the protagonists relatable and intriguing.
The sudden glare of colours beat painfully on the young woman’s eyes as she burst from the back door of the cottage and hurled herself into the brightness. She ran with her bare feet slapping on the s... - #5
'Road of Bones' by Christopher Golden is set along Siberia's Kolyma Highway, a place with a tragic history where prisoners built and died along the road, their bones becoming the base of the road itself. The story follows Felix Teigland and his cameraman on a journey to find a hook for a TV deal, leading them to the coldest place on earth and possibly to the gates of hell. weaves a tale of extreme cold, hardship, and spirits, creating a perfect setting for a horror story in a cold, bleak, and isolated environment. However, some readers found the characters lacking depth and the ending unsatisfactory, while others appreciated the well-crafted characters and the slow burn that builds up to a heart-pounding adventure.
- #6
'Mary Ventura and the Ninth Kingdom' by Sylvia Plath is a short story that takes readers on a mysterious and dark journey. Mary embarks on a train journey to an unknown destination, accompanied by enigmatic fellow passengers and encountering symbolic elements along the way. The narrative delves into themes of hopelessness, desperation, self-discovery, and the uncertainty of life's journey, leaving readers pondering the deeper meanings behind the eerie events unfolding.
Plath's writing style in this short story is described as gripping, atmospheric, and symbolic. Through her use of allegorical approaches and symbolism, she creates a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of control, freedom, death, and the complexities of human emotions. The story unfolds in a dream-like manner, engaging readers with its dark and mystical nature, ultimately leaving them with unanswered questions and a sense of lingering mystery.
The long black hand of the clock on the wall clipped off another minute. Everywhere there were people running to catch trains. Above them, the vault of the railroad station lifted like the dome of a h... - #7
The Man in the Picture by Susan Hill is a short ghost story that revolves around a mysterious painting with a dark past, set in Venice and Cambridge. The story follows Oliver, who learns about the cursed painting from his former tutor, Theo Parmitter. As the tale unfolds, it reveals a malevolent force within the painting that affects all who come into contact with it. The writing style is described as eerie, atmospheric, and gothic, creating a sense of suspense and intrigue throughout the novella.
The painting was not, in fact, as good as had been made out and I did not want to bid for it, but I was keen to buy at least one of the drawings, and I also saw a couple of watercolours which I knew I... - #8
In the book "Those Across the River" by Christopher Buehlman, a Northern couple moves to a small Southern town in the 1930s and encounters eerie and mysterious occurrences related to the woods across the river. As they uncover the dark secrets of the town and its inhabitants, they become entangled in a terrifying supernatural force, leading to a gripping and suspenseful narrative. The writing style is described as atmospheric, with a slow-burn horror introduction that builds tension and establishes a sense of community before delving into the unsettling events that unfold.
THE MOVERS CAME not at the hottest part of the day, but about an hour after that, when the heat had built up so that it stood under the eaves and porches and made the moisture in the ground steam unde... - #9
In The Manual of Detection by Jedediah Berry, readers are taken on a surreal journey through a mysterious noir world where clerk Charles Unwin unexpectedly finds himself promoted to detective status. With shades of Jasper Fforde and Jonathan Barnes, the story unfolds in a quirky and imaginative setting where reality blurs with fantasy. As Unwin navigates a complex plot involving missing detectives, surreal dream sequences, and a gothic city caught in perpetual rain, readers are drawn into a world reminiscent of classic noirs and visionary films like Brazil.
Berry expertly weaves together multiple plot strands, creating a narrative that requires close attention to detail and rewards readers with a richly layered story. With elements of mystery, surrealism, and fantasy, The Manual of Detection keeps readers engaged as they follow Unwin's quest to solve a series of crimes committed through people's dreams. Through a blend of unique characters, intricate plot twists, and a writing style that balances whimsy with depth, Berry crafts a genre-bending mystery that is both captivating and original.
Lest details be mistaken for clues, note that Mr. Charles Unwin, lifetime resident of this city, rode his bicycle to work every day, even when it was raining. He had contrived a method to keep his umb... - #10
Set in 14th century England, 'Morality Play' by Barry Unsworth follows a young monk, Nicholas Barber, who joins a theatre troupe and gets involved in investigating a murder in a small town. The troupe decides to enact the murder as a play to attract an audience, leading to a deeper investigation that uncovers surprising truths about the crime and the people involved. The novel is praised for its rich historical detail, exploration of moral dilemmas, and the clever intertwining of the improvised play with the real-life drama.
Brendan and I saw the moment of it. I saw them gather round and crouch over him in the bitter cold, then start back to give the soul passage. It was as if they played his death for me and this was a s...