Books matching: coastal town setting
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:A retired homicide detective is found dead near the sea wall in a coastal town, prompting investigations by local and Tokyo detectives. The plot unfolds with intricate and beguiling twists, revealing a surprise cause of death and a web of family secrets. The story is set in Hari Cove, a struggling resort town, where the eccentric physicist Yukawa, also known as Detective Galileo, is staying at a local inn and gets involved in solving the mysterious death alongside a fifth-grade boy named Kyohei.
Kyohei found the transfer gate from the bullet train to the express line without any difficulty, and by the time he ran up the stairs to the platform, the train was already there. The sound of people ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Detective Galileo ) - #2
Save:'They Drown Our Daughters' by Katrina Monroe is a haunting and atmospheric tale that delves into a multi-generational curse plaguing a family of women. Set near the ocean, the story explores the deep bonds between mothers and daughters, as well as the tragic consequences of a curse that compels the women towards the water, leading to a series of drownings across generations. The narrative shifts between timelines, revealing the struggles and sacrifices made by the women in the family, all while maintaining a sense of mystery and creepiness.
The plot unfolds as each generation grapples with the curse, reflecting on the flawed relationships between mothers and daughters, the unresolved traumas, and the desperate attempts to break free from the cycle of drownings. Through a gothic and slow-burning storytelling style, the author weaves a tale that is both sad and beautiful, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of familial bonds amidst the backdrop of a chilling curse that haunts the family through the ages.
- #3
Save:'I Found You' by Lisa Jewell is a gripping thriller that intertwines the lives of Alice, a single mother who takes in a man with amnesia found on the beach, and Lily, a young bride whose husband mysteriously disappears. The story is told through multiple perspectives and timelines, revealing a complex web of connections between past and present events. Lisa Jewell's writing style is praised for its suspenseful and measured unraveling of the plot, keeping readers engaged with well-developed characters and unexpected twists.
Lily’s stomach is clenched as hard as a rock. Her heart has been beating so fast and for so long that she feels like she might pass out. She stands and heads for the window as she’s done every couple ... - #4
Save:'The Back of the Turtle' by Thomas King is a novel that delves into the aftermath of an environmental disaster known as The Ruin. The story follows a diverse set of characters including a suicidal man who ends up saving a boatload of people, a young boy searching for salvage, an old sea dog and storyteller, an artist confronting the loss of her family, and a lonely CEO. Through their individual stories, the book gradually reveals the cause of The Ruin and how each character is connected to or affected by it. King's writing style is observant and expressive, capturing his characters' emotions through great dialogues and a mocking portrayal of the corporate world.
THE MAN STOOD AT THE BOUNDARY OF THE BEACH, IN THE shadows of the hanging cedars, and listened to the heavy surf run in from deeper water. The beach pitched up sharply here, the high sand soft and dry... - #5
Save:Secret of the Sirens by Julia Golding follows the story of Connie Lionheart, a girl with the special ability to communicate with animals, who discovers she is part of a secret society that protects mythical creatures from being exposed to the world. As Connie navigates her newfound role as a Universal Companion, she must face evil forces threatening both the creatures and humanity. The book blends mythology, environmental messages, and a sense of mystery as Connie delves into the world of magical beings and the responsibilities that come with her unique gift.
- #6
Save:"Mr. Nobody" by Catherine Steadman follows Dr. Emma Lewis, a neuropsychiatrist, who is called to consult on a case of a man found on a beach with no memory. As she delves into his condition, she uncovers unsettling connections to her own past, leading to a suspenseful and twisty plotline. The story alternates between Emma's perspective and the unidentified man's, gradually revealing secrets and building tension. explores themes of memory loss, identity, and the impact of past traumas on the present, with a writing style that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth.
The fast flutter of eyelashes as awareness blossoms within and, just like that, he’s awake. Consciousness floods through him; he feels the skin of his cheek pressed against the brittle cold of the bea... - #7
Save:Manazuru is a haunting and melancholic story of loss and renewal, following Kei's journey as she grapples with the disappearance of her husband, Rei, over a decade ago. The narrative is a poetic exploration of memory, grief, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination, set in the coastal town of Manazuru. The writing style is described as quiet, ethereal, and atmospheric, focusing on Kei's internal struggles and relationships with her daughter, lover, and family.
I had set out before noon from the guest house on the inlet, headed for the tip of the cape. I stayed there last night, in that small building set amidst an isolated cluster of private houses, run by ... - #8
Save:"Comes The Blind Fury" by John Saul tells a chilling tale of a young girl named Michelle who moves to Paradise Point with her family, only to get caught up in a century-old curse that affects her dramatically. The story unfolds as Michelle starts experiencing eerie occurrences and encounters a ghostly presence that seems to be seeking revenge. As the plot progresses, the narrative weaves elements of supernatural mystery, family dynamics, and dark secrets, keeping the reader engaged in the eerie atmosphere created by the author.
The writing style in "Comes The Blind Fury" is described as suspenseful, thrilling, and psychologically engaging. John Saul intricately delves into the psyche of the characters, particularly Michelle, and creates a realistic setting that immerses the reader in the haunting world of Paradise Point. The story is filled with twists and turns, building up the suspense and tension as Michelle navigates through the dark mysteries surrounding her new home and the enigmatic figure of Amanda, the blind girl from the past.
- #9
Save:'Sea Witch Rising' by Sarah Henning is a captivating sequel that follows the intertwining stories of Runa, Alia's twin sister, and Evie, the sea witch. Set against the backdrop of an impending war both on land and in the sea, the book explores themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones. Through multiple points of view, the narrative unfolds with a mix of magic, intrigue, and the consequences of wielding power, all set in the early months of WWI. The story delves into the complexities of relationships, the balance of magic between land and sea, and the struggle to shape one's destiny amidst turbulent times.
The book intricately weaves together elements of the original Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale with new twists and turns, offering a fresh take on the classic story of 'The Little Mermaid.' With rich character development, unexpected plot twists, and a blend of land and sea magic, 'Sea Witch Rising' immerses readers in a world where alliances are tested, sacrifices are made, and the fate of both realms hangs in the balance. The writing style evokes a sense of mystery and adventure, inviting readers to explore a realm where sisterly love, magic, and the consequences of wielding power take center stage.
(Also, see 69 recommendations for the series Sea Witch ) - #10
Save:In "The Brothers Bishop" by Bart Yates, the story revolves around two brothers, Nathan and Tommy, who have a complex relationship shaped by their embittered father's abuse after their mother's death. The narrative is told through Nathan's perspective, a high school English teacher living in a small coastal town, as he navigates the arrival of his extroverted brother and his friends, leading to a series of events that delve into dark themes of grief, abuse, and complex family dynamics.
Yates's writing style in "The Brothers Bishop" is praised for its nuanced portrayal of human behavior, its ability to integrate sexuality into the story without being gratuitous, and its exploration of taboo topics with honesty and depth. The book is described as a heart-wrenching and powerful tale that grips the reader with its emotional depth and complex characters, ultimately leading to a poignant and impactful conclusion.
When I was five years old I stuck a pencil in a nice man’s eye. He was at a desk, typing a letter, and I was sitting on a stool next to him, scribbling a brontosaurus on a sheet of typing paper. I rem...
