Books matching: brutal murders
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- #1
Save:A beautifully written, emotionally charged story about loss, love, and healing - a memorable read, but best for those prepared for a heavy, sometimes unsettling journey.
'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold is a poignant and haunting story narrated by a murdered fourteen-year-old girl, Susie Salmon, speaking from heaven. The book explores the aftermath of her death on her family and friends as they cope with the tragedy and try to find her killer. The unique perspective of the deceased protagonist offers a fresh and emotional insight into grief, loss, and the struggle for justice. The writing style is described as beautiful, clear, and powerful, creating a compelling narrative that delves into both the heartbreaking and hopeful aspects of the story.
The plot of 'The Lovely Bones' unfolds through Susie's observations from the afterlife as she watches over her loved ones and the man who took her life. The book touches on themes of coping with loss, seeking redemption, and the impact of a tragic event on relationships. Despite some readers finding certain aspects disturbing or slow-paced, the overall story is praised for its unique perspective, emotional depth, and thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the human experience.
My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973. In newspaper photos of missing girls from the seventies, most looked like me: white girls...January 2000•360 pages - #2
Save:A solid, brooding introduction to Swedish crime fiction - great for fans of character-driven, realistic detective stories, but those seeking nonstop thrills or a sparkling narrative may want to look elsewhere.
"Faceless Killers" by Henning Mankell is the first in the Inspector Wallander series, featuring a flawed but determined detective, Kurt Wallander, investigating the brutal murder of an elderly couple in a rural Swedish village. The story delves into the strains in Swedish society due to the rise in immigration, adding depth to Wallander's need to solve the case amidst a vivid atmosphere of a cold Swedish winter. The plot unfolds methodically, with red herrings and clues scattered throughout, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties loose ends together in a realistic manner.
The writing style of "Faceless Killers" is praised for its atmospheric setting, realistic portrayal of police work, and well-developed characters. captures the essence of a police procedural with a middle-aged detective facing personal struggles, engaging in a suspenseful investigation filled with subtle humor and hope. The narrative unfolds at a sedate pace, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Wallander's world and appreciate the intricate details of the plot that culminate in a satisfying resolution.
The Random House Group Limited supports The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the leading international forest certification organisation. All our titles that are printed on Greenpeace approved FSC ce...1991•321 pages - #3
Save:A refreshing shot of urban fantasy noir - brutal, witty, and addictive. Perfect for fans of gritty anti-heroes, inventive magic, and stories that never pull their punches.
'Dead Things' in the 'Eric Carter' series by Stephen Blackmoore is a dark urban fantasy novel that follows the protagonist, Eric Carter, a necromancer with a troubled past. The story delves into a gritty and violent world of magic, where Eric navigates through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles to investigate the brutal murder of his sister. The writing style is described as intense, brutal, and engaging, reminiscent of a thriller, with a blend of noir and urban fantasy elements that create a morbidly enchanting atmosphere.
When I pull up to the bar, the truck kicking up dust and gravel behind me, I know it’s already too late to help anyone. Of the eight or nine cars in the parking lot, two of them are Texas State Troope...February 2013•305 pages - #4
Save:A twisty, dark, and absorbing Scandi-noir that will grip thriller devotees - just know it's long, intense, and can get a bit over the top. If you’re into dense, character-driven crime stories, give this a try.
The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler follows the story of a hypnotist, Erik Bark, who is called in by detective Joona Linna to hypnotize a young boy whose family has been murdered. As the plot unfolds, Erik's son is kidnapped, leading to a series of twists and turns in the narrative. The book contains two distinct plots that are related to each other only through the actions of the characters involved in both, with suspense building in the second half of the story. The writing style includes detailed psychological issues of the characters, flashbacks to past events, and multiple perspectives that contribute to the complexity of the plot.
He fumbles to find the ringing phone, creeping out of the bedroom with it and closing the door behind him to avoid waking Simone. A detective named Joona Linna asks if he is sufficiently awake to abso...2009•593 pages - #5
Save:Fast-paced, funny, and overflowing with sexual tension, but the heroine’s personality is a dealbreaker for some. If you love laugh-out-loud romantic suspense with a side of drama, give it a whirl.
Rules of Protection by Alison Bliss is a romantic suspense novel that follows the story of Emily Foster, who witnesses a mob crime and is placed in witness protection under the care of FBI agent Jake Ward. The book showcases the intense chemistry and complicated relationship between Emily and Jake as they navigate danger, romance, and humor in a small town setting in Texas. The plot is filled with twists, humor, and suspense, keeping readers engaged with a mix of light-hearted moments and intense interactions between the characters.
I wasn’t sure how I managed it while wearing stilettos, but I ran the entire length of the hallway. The men burst out the door as I rounded the corner to the next corridor. One shouted from behind me,...August 2014•392 pages - #6
Save:A fun, binge-worthy thriller packed with twists and creepy vibes - if edge-of-your-seat suspense is your thing, strap in and enjoy. If you need realism or layered characters, this might leave you wanting more.
The Murder House by James Patterson and David Ellis is a thrilling mystery set in the Hamptons, focusing on the investigation of brutal murders in an old, creepy mansion. The story follows former NYPD undercover detective Jenna Rose Murphy as she delves into the dark past of the mansion, uncovering a series of barbaric murders and facing unexpected twists and turns. The plot moves in a zig-zag pattern through different voices in a series of flashbacks, keeping the reader guessing right up to the surprise ending. The writing style features short chapters that make for easy reading, with well-developed characters and catchy dialogue that enhance the suspenseful atmosphere.
NOAH WALKER stands carefully on the roof of his house, takes a moment to ensure his balance, and removes the Yankees cap from his head to wipe the sweat off his brow under the scorching early-June sun...2001•488 pages - #7
Save:Bold, brutal, and deeply unsettling - Neonomicon is a provocative modern horror for Lovecraft fans who can handle graphic content, but it’ll polarize even die-hard fans.
Neonomicon is a graphic novel by Alan Moore that serves as a modern take on H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos. The plot centers around an FBI agent investigating a series of brutal, inexplicable murders linked to a strange drug called aklo and a shadowy dealer named Johnny Carcosa. As the agent delves deeper, he encounters horrifying situations that blur the line between reality and madness, ultimately leading to a grim fate. The story explores themes of sexuality, violence, and the unknown nature of evil, reflecting Moore's interpretation of Lovecraftian horror in a contemporary setting.
The writing style combines sharp dialogue and a dark narrative, effectively capturing the chaotic and disturbing atmosphere that surrounds the mythos. The artwork, crafted by Jacen Burrows, complements the writing with exquisite illustrations that depict both the grotesque and the surreal, enhancing the overall mood of dread. While some readers appreciate the explicit approach to themes often left vague by Lovecraft, others criticize the lack of character depth and emotional impact, viewing it as a descent into graphic horror rather than a profound exploration of fear.
2010•176 pages - #8
Save:Inventive, gripping, and thought-provoking, "His Bloody Project" is a must-read for lovers of true crime fiction and cleverly constructed mysteries, though its chilly atmosphere and ambiguous answers won't be for everyone.
'His Bloody Project' by Graeme Macrae Burnet is a historical crime novel set in the Scottish Highlands during the late nineteenth century. The book takes the unique form of a collection of documents, including witness statements, confessions, and trial accounts, all related to the brutal murder of three members of the Mackenzie family. Through these various documents, the author explores themes of poverty, class distinctions, religion, and the harsh realities of life in a rural Scottish community. The novel delves into the motivations behind the murders, the mental state of the accused, and the impact of the trial on the small village of Culduie.
I am writing this at the behest of my advocate, Mr Andrew Sinclair, who since my incarceration here in Inverness has treated me with a degree of civility I in no way deserve. My life has been short an...November 2015•287 pages - #9
Save:Gripping, chilling, and packed with twists – 'The Legacy' is a solid start to a new Nordic Noir series that’s perfect for fans of dark, psychologically rich crime fiction. Just be ready for a slow burn and some serious chills.
The Legacy by Yrsa Sigur ardottir is a Nordic Noir thriller that follows Detective Huldar as he investigates a series of brutal murders with the only witness being a traumatized seven-year-old girl named Margret. The plot unfolds with the involvement of the Children's House, a group specializing in dealing with traumatized children, where psychologist Freyja plays a crucial role in coaxing information from Margret. As the investigation progresses, the story delves into the complexities of the murders, intertwined with short wave radio transmissions and the dynamics between the characters. The writing style is described as unhurried, descriptive, and involving, gradually revealing clues and unraveling the mystery behind the killings.
2014•467 pages - #10
Save:Bleak, brutal, and mind-bendingly twisty - The Leopard is classic Harry Hole at his most battered and brilliant. If you're craving a dark, layered Scandinavian crime novel with a deeply flawed but fascinating detective, you'll want to sink your teeth into this one.
'The Leopard' by Jo Nesbø follows Inspector Harry Hole on his 8th investigation where he is tasked with solving a series of mysterious and brutal murders in Norway. The plot is intricate, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. The writing style is captivating, with detailed descriptions of characters and settings, creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere that adds depth to the story.
SHE AWOKE. BLINKED IN THE PITCH DARKNESS. YAWNED, and breathed through her nose. She blinked again. Felt a tear run down her face, felt it dissolve the salt of other tears. But saliva was no longer en...
