Books matching: chilling climax
30 result(s)
- #1
'Pickman's Model' by H.P. Lovecraft is a short story that revolves around the protagonist Thurber and his encounter with the artist Pickman. Thurber narrates the story to his friend Elliot, explaining how he dropped Pickman as an admired artist after witnessing his gruesome paintings. The tale takes a dark turn when Pickman invites Thurber to his secret studio in the slums of Boston, revealing his macabre and disturbing art. Lovecraft expertly weaves a narrative filled with foreboding, unease, and a sense of impending horror, culminating in a shocking revelation that challenges the boundaries of sanity and artistry.
You needn’t think I’m crazy, Eliot—plenty of others have queerer prejudices than this. Why don’t you laugh at Oliver’s grandfather, who won’t ride in a motor? If I don’t like that damned subway, it’s ... - #2
Sleeping Murder in the Miss Marple series by Agatha Christie follows the story of a young couple, Gwenda and Giles, who move to England and purchase a house that triggers memories in Gwenda of a murder she might have witnessed as a child. With the help of Miss Marple, they unravel the mystery of the past, uncovering hidden truths and dangerous secrets. The plot is filled with twists and turns, creating a suspenseful and engaging mystery that keeps the reader hooked. Agatha Christie's writing style is direct and skillful, providing all the clues while maintaining an air of misdirection, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties up the loose ends of the intricate plot.
In Sleeping Murder, Agatha Christie expertly weaves a tale of retroactive reflection and reconstruction, showcasing Miss Marple's keen investigative techniques and ability to gain the trust of those involved in the mystery. The book delves into themes of memory, deception, and human nature, presenting a compelling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the final reveal. The Gothic atmosphere of the novel adds an eerie and haunting element to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience and drawing readers into the intricate web of secrets and lies.
After all, why should she? No one was waiting for her, nobody expected her. She had only just got off that heaving creaking boat (it had been an exceptionally rough three days through the Bay and up t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Miss Marple ) - #3
'The Witches of Worm' by Zilpha Keatley Snyder follows the story of a lonely girl named Jessica who finds a kitten named Worm. As Worm grows up, Jessica realizes that the cat is not ordinary and may be influencing her to do strange and bad things. delves into themes of loneliness, imagination, and the blurred line between reality and fantasy, culminating in a chilling climax involving an exorcism and attempted murder. Snyder's writing style effectively portrays Jessica's descent into darkness and inner turmoil, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative that challenges the reader's perception of good and evil.
Jessica looked up from her magazine and stared at her mother, a point-blank unwavering stare that said something important by not saying anything at all. But it didn’t matter, because Joy wasn’t looki... - #4
Angel Sullivan and Seth Baker, two teenagers tormented by bullies, find solace in each other's friendship as they uncover the dark secrets of the haunted house at Black Creek Crossing. The story delves into themes of bullying, witchcraft, and revenge, leading to a chilling climax that leaves readers breathless. John Saul weaves a fast-paced plot with vivid descriptions and relatable characters, creating a supernatural tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
S IT REALLY OURS, MOM?” ANGEL SULLIVAN ASKED ASher mother pulled the Chevelle to a stop well behind the big yellow truck Marty had rented the day before. All three of them had been up until past midn... - #5
'The Seven Days of Peter Crumb' by Jonny Glynn is a dark and twisted tale following the protagonist, Peter Crumb, as he embarks on a week-long spree of violence and debauchery in inner-city London. The story is narrated in a first-person account, delving into Crumb's disturbed mind and split personality that drives him to commit gruesome acts, leading to a chilling climax where his alter ego plans to kill him.
The writing style of the book has been compared to a mix of Edgar Allan Poe and Chuck Palahniuk, with a focus on grotesque descriptions, twisted dark humor, and a narrative that delves deep into the mind of a psychotic individual. The book is described as suspenseful, disturbing, and thought-provoking, leaving readers both fascinated and horrified by the intense and graphic portrayal of Crumb's descent into madness.
- #6
In 'The Seance' by John Harwood, Constance Langton inherits the haunted Wraxford Hall and delves into the dark history of the house, uncovering mysteries of disappearances and deaths. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives, intertwining tales of fraudulent mediums, broken families, and eerie occurrences. As Constance seeks to uncover the truth behind the sinister events, she is drawn into a web of secrets and dangers, leading to a chilling climax that ties together the threads of the story.
The book combines elements of a gothic mystery with themes of family heritage, the supernatural, and curses set in Victorian England. Through intricate storytelling and atmospheric descriptions, the author creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they unravel the haunting secrets of Wraxford Hall and its inhabitants.
If my sister Alma had lived, I should never have begun the séances. She died of scarlatina, soon after her second birthday, when I was five years old. I remember only fragments from the time before sh... - #7
In the novel 'The Devil Aspect' by Craig Russell, set in 1935 Prague, Dr. Viktor Kosarek takes up a position at an asylum for the criminally insane, known as the Devil's Six. As he delves into the minds of these dangerous individuals, a parallel storyline follows a police investigation into a brutal serial killer named Leather Apron. The book weaves together elements of psychology, history, and horror, culminating in unexpected twists and a chilling climax. The writing style is described as engaging, atmospheric, and immersive, with a blend of mythology, culture, and psychology that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
In the late autumn of 1935, Dr. Viktor Kosárek was a tall, lean man in his twenty-ninth year. He was handsome, not the unexceptional handsomeness of most of the Bohemian race, but with a hint of ancie... - #8
The Patient by Jasper DeWitt is a quick and engrossing horror novel written in the form of blog posts or forum entries by a young psychiatrist named Parker H. The story follows Parker's experiences treating a mysterious and dangerous mental patient named Joe, who has been in the asylum since he was a young boy. The plot unfolds through a series of online posts, creating a sense of unease and mystery as readers delve into the dark and creepy world of the mental hospital.
The book combines elements of psychological thriller and horror genres, with a unique writing style that keeps the story flowing quickly and maintains the reader's interest. Set in a remote asylum with supernatural possibilities, The Patient explores themes of madness, isolation, and the dangers of delving too deep into the unknown. As Parker delves into Joe's case, the plot takes unexpected twists and turns, leading to a chilling and suspenseful climax that will leave readers questioning what is real and what is imagined.
I write this because, as of now, I am not sure if I am privy to a terrible secret or if I myself am insane. Being a practicing psychiatrist, I realize that would obviously be bad for me both ethically... - #9
'172 Hours on the Moon' by Johan Harstad is a YA sci-fi horror novel that follows the story of three teenagers who are chosen to go on a mission to the moon by NASA. The book explores their individual struggles and fears as they face mysterious and terrifying events on the moon. The plot unfolds slowly, building up tension and suspense, eventually leading to a chilling climax that leaves readers thoroughly creeped out. The writing style incorporates elements of realism by blending facts about space, the moon, and past space travel, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the story.
The book delves into themes of secrets, love, family dynamics, and the unknown, as the characters navigate through a series of eerie and spine-tingling experiences on the moon. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the dark history of the DARLAH station and the moon missions, culminating in a haunting and unforgettable ending.
It seemed like half of Japan was at Narita International Airport. But most of them weren’t actually going anywhere. They had all come to see Midori Yoshida say good-bye to the old country on her way t... - #10
'The Night Strangers' by Chris Bohjalian follows the story of Captain Chip Linton, a pilot who experiences a traumatic plane crash that leaves him struggling with PTSD and survivor's guilt. Chip, along with his wife Emily and twin daughters, relocates to a small town in New Hampshire to start afresh. However, they soon discover that the community is filled with mysterious elements, including herbalists, witches, and a haunted house with a door sealed by 39 bolts. As Chip delves into the secrets of the town, supernatural occurrences and eerie plot developments unfold, leading to a chilling and unexpected ending. The narrative style alternates between different viewpoints, providing a unique and suspenseful reading experience that keeps the reader engaged.
delves into themes of trauma, supernatural elements, and psychological struggles faced by the characters, creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere throughout the story. The author weaves together a complex plot involving ghosts, witches, and a town shrouded in mystery, while exploring the impact of a tragic event on the lives of those involved. With elements reminiscent of Stephen King's storytelling and a focus on character development, 'The Night Strangers' offers a blend of horror, suspense, and psychological depth that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the surprising conclusion.
You see the long, wide, perfectly straight strip of asphalt before you, the hangar to your right with the words GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS painted in billboard-size letters along the side. You recognize it a...