Books matching: brutal killings
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- #1
Save:'Camp Blaze' by Jon Athan is a fast-paced slasher novel that pays homage to 80's slasher movies like Friday the 13th. The book follows the classic slasher tropes of counselors being dispatched one by one, a mysterious killer, and a final girl. Readers appreciated the nods to slasher movies and the nostalgic feel of the story. However, some readers found the supernatural twist at the end to be a deviation from the typical slasher storyline, impacting their overall enjoyment of the book.
The writing style in 'Camp Blaze' is described as clunky and overly dramatic at times, with frequent use of purple prose and awkward dialogues. While the book delivers on creative and brutal killings, some readers found the character development lacking and the main character, Regina, to be a bit one-dimensional. Despite these criticisms, the book offers entertaining moments and satisfying kills that align well with the genre of 80's slashers.
- #2
Save:Night Shoot by David Sodergren is a fast-paced horror novel that follows a group of university film students led by a pretentious director, Robert Crawford, as they attempt to shoot a horror movie in a creepy old manor. Despite warnings to leave before dark, the crew decides to break into the manor after hours, leading to terrifying consequences. The book blends elements of '80s slasher films with a gothic haunted house tale, keeping readers guessing and on the edge of their seats. The main character, Elspeth, is a film major who becomes the reluctant heroine in a story filled with suspense, gore, and disturbing situations.
The writing style of Night Shoot expertly embraces horror tropes, taking readers on a wild, bloody ride from the opening chapter to the very end. Sodergren's narrative keeps readers engaged with its fast pacing, vivid descriptions, and a mix of campy monster flick elements and gritty, disturbing scenes. The book is described as a rollercoaster of delightfully disturbing situations that will leave a lasting impression on readers long after they finish the story.
- #3
Save:Red Sorghum by Mo Yan is a multi-generational novel set in rural China during the Japanese invasion, told through a non-linear narrative style. The book delves into themes of family history, folk tales, superstition, myth, tradition, and the extraordinary violence of the Chinese gang wars and the Japanese occupation. The author's unique storytelling weaves together short vignettes that provide a vivid portrayal of the characters and the setting, creating a powerful emotional impact on the reader. Despite the graphic violence and challenging timeline, the book offers a deep exploration of the characters' motivations and actions during difficult times, leaving a lasting impression on those who delve into its pages.
THE NINTH DAY of the eighth lunar month, 1939. My father, a bandit’s offspring who had passed his fifteenth birthday, was joining the forces of Commander Yu Zhan’ao, a man destined to become a legenda... - #4
Save:'The Maul and the Pear Tree' by P.D. James is a historical true crime book that delves into the gruesome Ratcliffe Highway murders that shook London in 1811. The book provides a detailed and informative account of the murders, the investigation process, and the social conditions of the time. Through a mix of historical facts, analysis, and speculation, the authors reconstruct the events surrounding the killings and shed light on the primitive methods of crime detection and law enforcement in early 19th-century London. The narrative captures the atmosphere of Wapping in 1811, painting a vivid picture of the era and the challenges faced by the authorities in solving the crimes.
Mark Haddon's 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' delves into the world of Christopher, a developmentally disabled teenager with a unique perspective on life. The book follows Christopher as he navigates through his ordered and specific view of the world, including his relationships with his flawed parents. The story is told through Christopher's eyes, offering readers a glimpse into his brilliant mind and his struggles with social situations, all while trying to solve the mystery of a neighbor's dog's death.
Through a first-person narrative, the book provides insight into the daily struggles faced by an autistic teenager like Christopher. The writing style captures the essence of Christopher's character, showcasing his quirks, intelligence, and challenges. With a mix of humor, emotion, and a touch of mystery, the book offers a unique perspective on autism and the complexities of human relationships.
THEN THE POLICE arrived. I like the police. They have uniforms and numbers and you know what they are meant to be doing. There was a policewoman and a policeman. The policewoman had a little hole in h...- #6
Save:The Woman, the third book in the Dead River series by Jack Ketchum, delves into a dark narrative of a family's hidden secrets and the brutal dynamics within. The story revolves around the capture of a wild woman by a seemingly normal family, led by the demented patriarch Mr. Cleek. As the plot unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey of horror, violence, and psychological turmoil, challenging the notions of civilization and savagery. Through a fusion of gory cannibal horror and a female perspective, the book explores themes of human cruelty, toxic masculinity, and the depths of depravity within individuals.
The narrative unfolds through multiple viewpoints, including that of the wild woman and members of the Cleek family, revealing layers of darkness and twisted motivations. The writing style combines graphic horror with psychological depth, creating an intense and gripping read that keeps the audience on edge till the very last page.
She herself is not beautiful. Not unless power is beauty, because she is powerful, over six feet tall, with long arms and legs, almost simian in their lean strength. But her wide grey eyes are empty...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dead River ) - #7
Save:"The Monster of Florence" is a nonfiction book chronicling the real-life investigation of a serial killer in Florence, Italy. The authors, Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi, delve into the unsolved murders of couples in the Tuscan countryside, highlighting the incompetence and corruption within the Italian police and judicial system. The narrative follows Preston and Spezi's quest to uncover the identity of the killer, intertwining personal anecdotes with a harrowing portrayal of the Italian justice system.
The writing style of the book is described as captivating, with elements of suspense and horror that draw the reader into the chilling investigation. Readers are taken on a journey through the complexities of the case, the suspects, and the challenges faced by the authors as they navigate the dark underbelly of Italian society. Despite the unresolved nature of the murders, the book offers a gripping and eye-opening narrative that sheds light on the haunting legacy of the Monster of Florence.
The morning of June 7, 1981, dawned brilliantly clear over Florence, Italy. It was a quiet Sunday with blue skies and a light breeze out of the hills, which carried into the city the fragrance of sun-... - #8
Save:Set in the same world as 'The First Law' trilogy, 'Best Served Cold' follows the story of Monza Murcatto, a fierce and vengeful woman seeking revenge after being left for dead by her enemies who also killed her brother. The book is praised for its brutal and violent nature, showcasing a tale of betrayal, revenge, and the dark side of humanity. Readers are drawn into a world filled with complex characters, intricate plots, and a writing style that delves deep into the darker aspects of fantasy storytelling.
The sunrise was the colour of bad blood. It leaked out of the east and stained the dark sky red, marked the scraps of cloud with stolen gold. Underneath it the road twisted up the mountainside towards...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series First Law ) - #9
Save:'We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families' by Philip Gourevitch is a non-fiction account that delves into the Rwandan Genocide. The author presents the heartbreaking stories of the genocide survivors, painting a vivid and haunting picture of the atrocities that occurred in Rwanda in 1994. Gourevitch's writing style is described as very well written, making the reader deeply feel the sadness and horror of the events depicted in the book.
The narrative in 'We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families' is said to be extremely depressing yet captivating. provides a deep insight into the Rwandan Genocide, shedding light on the tragic events that unfolded during that dark period in history. Readers mention that once they got into the book, the sadness and horror portrayed in the stories started to make sense, showcasing the author's ability to convey the brutal reality of the genocide.
IN THE PROVINCE of Kibungo, in eastern Rwanda, in the swamp- and pastureland near the Tanzanian border, there’s a rocky hill called Nyarubuye with a church where many Tutsis were slaughtered in mid-Ap... - #10
Save:Conversation in the Cathedral by Mario Vargas Llosa is a challenging historical novel set in Peru during the 1950s, delving into themes of political turmoil, corruption, and personal freedom. The narrative style is complex, with multiple simultaneous conversations, non-linear storytelling, and shifts between different characters and time frames, creating a layered and immersive reading experience. The book follows the life of Santiago Zavalita, a wealthy businessman's son, and his interactions with characters like Ambrosio, his father's old chauffeur, as they discuss their lives against the backdrop of a country torn between different ideologies and social classes.
The author, Mario Vargas Llosa, employs a fragmented writing style that reflects the state of the country and its people, with intricate narratives and stylistic pyrotechnics that gradually give way to a more linear storyline towards the end. Through political, psychological, and spiritual layers, the novel unfolds as a Bildungsroman of Santiago, exploring his disillusionment with various -isms and his quest for integrity amidst a corrupt society. Despite its challenging nature, the book offers a deep dive into Peru's recent history, presenting a nuanced portrayal of characters and events that resonate with readers long after they finish the book.
FROMTHE DOORWAY of La Crónica Santiago looks at the Avenida Tacna without love: cars, uneven and faded buildings, the gaudy skeletons of posters floating in the mist, the gray midday. At what precise ...
