Books matching: clean prose
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:In 'Five Decembers' by James Kestrel, readers are taken on a gripping journey alongside Detective Joe McGrady in 1940s Honolulu, as he investigates a gruesome double murder involving a college student and a young woman of Japanese heritage. The story unfolds against the backdrop of WWII, with McGrady's determination to solve the case leading him on a harrowing journey across the Pacific, ultimately culminating in a showdown with the mastermind behind the crimes.
James Kestrel, the pen name of author Jonathan Moore, expertly weaves together elements of noir, mystery, historical fiction, and romance, creating a multi-layered narrative that keeps readers immersed from start to finish. The book intricately balances the historical events of WWII with a compelling mystery, offering a unique perspective on the era and delivering a truly unforgettable reading experience.
- #2
Save:'The Kiss' by Kathryn Harrison is a beautifully written memoir that delves into the disturbing subject of an incestuous relationship between a father and daughter. The author's writing style is described as evocative, rich with symbolism, and artfully crafted, drawing readers in despite the dark and painful subject matter. Harrison bravely reveals her personal experiences with her father, exploring themes of desire for love and belonging, as well as the complexities of familial relationships and psychological pathologies.
My father is an absence, a hole like one of those my grandmother cuts out of family photographs. Rather than discard the entire picture of an event that includes someone she dislikes, she snips the of... - #3
Save:"The Riders" by Tim Winton follows the story of Fred Scully, a man whose wife mysteriously disappears, leaving him and their young daughter behind. Scully embarks on a journey across Europe in search of his wife, encountering various challenges and revelations along the way. The narrative explores themes of abandonment, grief, and the complexities of family relationships. Winton's writing style is described as dark, haunting, and gripping, with vivid descriptions of landscapes and characters that immerse the reader in the emotional turmoil of the protagonist.
WITH THE NORTH WIND hard at his back, Scully stood in the doorway and sniffed. The cold breeze charged into the house, finding every recess and shadowy hollow. It rattled boards upstairs and lifted sc... - #4
Save:"Pied Piper" by Nevil Shute is a heartwarming story set during World War II, following an elderly British gentleman, John Howard, who finds himself in France at the onset of the German invasion. Howard's journey back to England becomes complicated as he takes on the responsibility of protecting a growing group of children he encounters along the way. The book portrays the challenges, adventures, and sacrifices made by Howard as he navigates occupied France with the children, showcasing themes of kindness, courage, and resilience. Shute's writing style is praised for being quietly humorous, colorful, and filled with richly drawn characters, making the story both poignant and satisfying.
His name is John Sidney Howard, and he is a member of my club in London. I came in for dinner that night at about eight o’clock, tired after a long day of conferences about my aspect of the war. He wa... - #5
Save:'Hey Nostradamus!' by Douglas Coupland is a poignant exploration of the aftermath of a school shooting in an East Vancouver High School. The narrative is told from the perspectives of four different characters - Cheryl, Jason, Heather, and Reg - spanning over fifteen years. The story delves into the impact of the tragic event on the lives of those involved, particularly focusing on Jason's struggles to move on from the loss of Cheryl, his high school sweetheart who was one of the victims. Coupland's writing style intricately weaves themes of faith, murder, personal growth, and introspection, creating a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant narrative.
I believe that what separates humanity from everything else in this world - spaghetti, binder paper, deep-sea creatures, edelweiss and Mount McKinley - is that humanity alone has the capacity at any g... - #6
Save:Miami Blues by Charles Willeford is a classic cop thriller featuring the no-nonsense detective Hoke Moseley investigating a psychopath named Junior Frenger who arrives in Miami and starts a crime spree. The book delves into the interactions between Junior, Hoke, and a naive young prostitute named Susan as they get entangled in a web of violence, robberies, and revenge. The writing style is described as fast-moving, sparse, and filled with dark humor, capturing the essence of '80s Miami vividly and convincingly.
- #7
Save:Edith Hope, a romance writer, finds herself at the Hotel du Lac in Switzerland, sent away by friends to reflect on her recent scandalous behavior. The book delves into Edith's observations of the other guests at the hotel, her internal struggles, and her journey towards making a life-changing decision. Anita Brookner's writing style is described as exquisite, introspective, and evocative, focusing on the musings of the protagonist and the interactions with the eccentric characters she encounters.
From the window all that could be seen was a receding area of grey. It was to be supposed that beyond the grey garden, which seemed to sprout nothing but the stiffish leaves of some unfamiliar plant, ... - #8
Save:Set in the post-World War II era, 'The Jane Austen Society' by Natalie Jenner revolves around a group of individuals from the village of Chawton who come together due to their mutual love for Jane Austen. Facing the threat of the sale of Jane Austen's former home, the diverse characters form the Jane Austen Society with the goal of preserving her legacy by converting the cottage into a museum. As they navigate personal losses, relationships, and obstacles, the characters find solace and healing through Austen's works, forming friendships and possibly finding romance along the way.
Jenner's writing style beautifully weaves together the stories of the characters, capturing the essence of English village life and the enduring relevance of Austen's novels. The novel delves into discussions about Austen's heroines and heroes, paralleling the characters' lives with those in Austen's works, creating a charming and heartwarming tale that immerses readers into the world of the Jane Austen Society.
He lay back on the low stone wall, knees pulled up, and stretched out his spine against the rock. The birdsong pierced the early-morning air in little shrieks that hammered at his very skull. Lying th... - #9
Save:'The Wife Between Us' is a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and unexpected twists. The story revolves around a complex relationship between a married couple, their past, secrets, and a love triangle that challenges assumptions. The narrative is filled with suspense, misdirection, and psychological depth, as readers are constantly forced to revise their understanding of the characters and events.
She let out a tight laugh as she realized she was safe. The illusion was merely her wedding dress, ensconced in plastic, hanging on the back of her closet door, where she’d placed it yesterday after p... - #10
Save:'The Wolves of Midwinter' by Anne Rice is a captivating sequel that delves into the world of werewolves, ghosts, vampires, and the newly introduced Forest Gentry. The plot follows Reuben Golding and his interactions with a diverse cast of characters, including his tormented brother Jim, his father Phil, and the mysterious Beloved Minions. The narrative unfolds in a vivid setting of the Nideck Forest, filled with atmospheric descriptions of the Midwinter pageantry and a haunting Christmas ghost story. Anne Rice's writing style shines through in her detailed character development and the creation of a world where immortals and mortals coexist, raising ethical questions and exploring themes of love, loss, and mystery.
IT WAS THE BEGINNING of December, deeply cold and gray, with the rain pounding as always, but the oak fires had never burned brighter in the vast rooms of Nideck Point. The distinguished gentlemen, wh...
(Also, see 94 recommendations for the series The Wolf Gift Chronicles )
