Books matching: dark atmosphere
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- #1
'Dog Eat Dog' by Edward Bunker is a gritty and realistic portrayal of three lifelong criminals trying to survive in the harsh world of crime. Set in California, the book follows the characters as they navigate the criminal underworld and plan daring heists. Bunker's writing style is described as visceral, intense, and raw, providing an authentic look into the lives of convicts and the challenges they face upon reentering society.
- #2
'Nineteen Seventy Four' by David Peace is the first in the Red Riding Hood Quartet, set in northern England in 1974. It follows the story of journalist Ed Dunford as he investigates the brutal torture and murder of a young girl, leading him into a web of police corruption and brutality. The plot is described as suspenseful, filled with action and tension, creating a bleak society filled with unspeakable crimes. The writing style is noted for being raw, gripping, and dark, vividly portraying the corrupt world of Yorkshire in the 1970s.
The whole bloody pack sat waiting for the main attraction, pens poised and tapes paused; hot TV lights and cigarette smoke lighting up the windowless room like a Town Hall boxing ring on a Late Night ... - #3
'Midnight in a Perfect World' by Ambrose Ibsen is a horror novel that delves into a world filled with twists, shocks, and horror. The story follows a cast of characters who are intertwined by a wonder drug and face terrifying events that leave readers breathless. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, introducing various characters and creating a sense of suspense and fear throughout the book. Ibsen's writing style, while different from his usual horror genre, focuses on psychological elements, adding depth to the storyline and creating a chilling atmosphere for the readers.
The book presents a unique concept of using men's bodies as tools, creating a sense of unease and horror. Despite some divisive opinions on the ending, the book maintains a fast pace and keeps readers engaged with its unpredictable plot twists. Overall, 'Midnight in a Perfect World' is recommended for fans of Ambrose Ibsen and those who enjoy scary, imaginative horror with a psychological edge.
'I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down: Collected Stories' by William Gay is a collection of Southern Gothic short stories that delve into dark and disturbing elements while painting vivid depictions of characters in Tennessee. The stories are filled with broken relationships, haunted characters, and atmospheric backcountry scenery, showcasing Gay's lyrical and poetic writing style. The plots feel like they are taken from old blues songs, with a touch of melancholy and a hint of Southern Gothic flair.
WHEN THE TAXICAB let old man Meecham out in the dusty roadbed by his mailbox the first thing he noticed was that someone was living in his house. There was a woman hanging out wash on the clothesline ...- #5
'Black Out' by John Lawton is a historical mystery novel set in London during the World War II era. The story follows Inspector Frederick Troy of Scotland Yard as he investigates a series of murders and disappearances involving emigres and spies. Troy, a complex character with a gentry background, navigates through the challenges of wartime tensions, espionage, and national security while piecing together clues and facing obstacles from various authorities. The plot is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns, and set against the backdrop of a war-torn London, providing a rich historical context.
The Blitz had levelled them late in 1940. Four whole streets blasted into a sprawling mass of jagged, undulating rubble. In the spring of 1941 nature reclaimed them – blackberry and elder took hold, n... - #6
The Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard is a historical mystery novel set in the early 19th century at West Point Academy. The story follows retired NYC police detective Augustus Landor as he investigates a gruesome murder of a cadet with the help of a young cadet named Edgar Allan Poe. The book captures the essence of the macabre and noir detective genre, intertwining the voices of the main characters to unravel a case possibly involving devil worship. The plot is filled with twists and turns, set in a detailed and well-defined historical backdrop, creating a different and delightful mystery experience.
I mention it because it puts things in a certain perspective. My fingers, for instance, have become interesting to me of late. Also the lowermost slat in the Venetian blinds, a bit askew. And outside ... - #7
'Red Harvest' by Joe Schreiber is a horror novel set in the Star Wars universe during the time of the Old Republic. The story revolves around a new plague virus that turns force-sensitive beings into flesh-eating monsters. The novel combines elements of horror, mystery, and gore, keeping the readers engaged with surprises and chills. The plot involves a Sith academy on a dark planet, where a Sith master discovers a method to create zombies using the Force, leading to a relentless spread of the virus across the galaxy. The book introduces unique elements like zombie tauntauns and zombie living tree aliens, adding a fresh twist to the Star Wars universe.
The writing style of 'Red Harvest' is described as a genre mashup, combining b-movie horror elements with the Star Wars universe. Despite some continuity issues and borrowed elements from other movies, the book manages to deliver an entertaining narrative filled with violence, gore, and death. The author, Joe Schreiber, brings forth a dark and imaginative portrayal of the Star Wars universe, exploring the Sith mentality and introducing intriguing characters like a brother-sister Jedi team and a Sith master obsessed with eternal life.
The cold morning air of Odacer-Faustin tasted like ozone, numbing his tongue and lips, making his heart pound harder in his chest until it actually shook the heavy fabric of his wind-resistant tunic. ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Star Wars Legends ) Are You Loathsome Tonight?: A Collection of Short Stories by Poppy Z. Brite is a haunting and evocative collection that delves into the realms of erotic horror, grotesque imagery, and captivating prose. The stories follow a range of characters on eerie adventures, from grave robbing to encounters with conjoined twins, all set in atmospheric locations like North Carolina, Georgia, New York, and Calcutta. The writing style is described as poetic, luscious, and addictive, drawing readers into a world where the gruesome is made beautiful and the characters are deeply explored.
The book features a mix of stories that range from post-apocalyptic scenarios to intimate reflections on lost love, all wrapped up in a gothic and horror-infused narrative. Poppy Z. Brite's unique ability to create seductive and captivating prose is evident throughout the collection, with some stories drawing comparisons to Lovecraft and Flannery O'Connor. The book is praised for its ability to immerse readers in a dark and intriguing world filled with vivid imagery and memorable characters.
Nightfall in Gabon, and the bush was the darkest thing Cobb had ever seen. It rambled along the edge of the little beachside town and stretched away into the West African hills. If you stood at the ed...- #9
'Her Smoke Rose Up Forever' by James Tiptree Jr. is a collection of bleak and twisty science fiction tales that delve into profound issues while showcasing the author's unique perspective. The stories cover themes such as femicide, gender roles, sexuality, and the inevitability of death, all presented in a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful manner. Tiptree's writing style is described as sophisticated, deep, and sometimes incomprehensible yet achingly emotional, rewarding readers with layers of meaning upon re-reading.
Jilshat pushed the heavy cargo loader as fast as she dared through the darkness, praying that she would not attract the attention of the Terran guard under the floodlights ahead. The last time she pas... - #10
"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.
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