Books matching: dark family history
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- #1
Save:Simone St. James has mixed some Henry James Shirley Jackson paranormal horror into what would already be a good and gritty murder mystery, with great twists and memorable characters. Shea, a part-time true crime blogger, gets the opportunity to interview a woman, Beth, accused of being a serial killer but acquitted at trial in the 1970s. The crimes remain unsolved, and Shea can't refuse the chance to explore, and possibly solve, the crime. The story is told in alternating POVs of Shea and Beth, with St. James excelling at creating an atmospheric, tense setting with a wonderfully frightening feel that will make readers second guess the breeze across their face.
The Greer mansion sat high on a hill, overlooking the town and the ocean. To get to it from downtown, you had to leave the pretty shops and the creaking seaside piers and drive a road that wound upwar... - #2
Save:'It Will Just Be Us' by Jo Kaplan is a haunting tale of the Wakefield family living in the eerie Wakefield Manor on the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia. The story follows Samantha 'Sam' Wakefield, an archaeologist, who uncovers the dark and mysterious history of her family as ghostly memories and supernatural forces begin to intertwine with their lives. With the arrival of her pregnant sister Elizabeth, the haunting intensifies, leading to a climax of chilling revelations and disturbing apparitions. Kaplan's writing style beautifully captures the Southern Gothic atmosphere, intertwining familial relationships with a sense of dread and ancestral memories.
In Wakefield Manor, a decaying ancestral mansion brooding on the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia, there is a locked room. For years it has been inaccessible, closing out from the world all ... - #3
Save:'Innocent Blood' by P.D. James is a suspense novel that delves into the dark secrets of a young adoptee, Philippa, who discovers that her birth mother is a convicted murderess. As Philippa navigates the complexities of her identity and family history, she is drawn into a web of revenge, betrayal, and shocking revelations. The book intricately weaves together themes of deception, loss, and the search for truth, all set against the backdrop of British society's underbelly and class divide.
The writing style of 'Innocent Blood' has been praised for its literary quality, intricate plot, and well-crafted characters. P.D. James expertly explores the psychological depths of her characters, creating a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of suspense and mystery, the novel offers a compelling narrative that keeps readers on edge as they unravel the intricate connections between the characters and their dark pasts.
The social worker was older than she had expected; perhaps the nameless official who arranged these matters thought that greying hair and menopausal plumpness might induce confidence in the adopted ad... 'The Death of Santini: The Story of a Father and His Son' by Pat Conroy is a memoir that delves into the author's family dynamics and upbringing, focusing on his complicated relationship with his father, who was the inspiration for the character in Conroy's fictional work, The Great Santini. The book explores the impact of Conroy's literary fame on his family, the struggles faced by his siblings due to their father's abusive behavior, and the process of reconciliation between Conroy and his dad. Through detailed descriptions of their military family life and various ups and downs, the reader gets immersed in the story, gaining insights into the Conroy family's journey of forgiveness and understanding.
The narrative in 'The Death of Santini' is emotionally resonant and engaging, as Conroy opens up about his personal struggles, family dynamics, and the complexities of forgiveness. The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of the author's childhood, his relationship with his father, and the process of coming to terms with his family's past. With a mix of poignant storytelling and introspection, Conroy invites readers to reflect on the profound impact of family relationships on one's identity and personal growth.
On June 4, 1963, I walked off the graduation stage of Beaufort High School without a single clue about where I was attending college next year or if I’d be attending one at all. My parents had driven ...- #5
Save:A Dark-Adapted Eye by Barbara Vine is a psychological mystery that delves into a family's dark secrets and the repercussions of a murder committed by Aunt Vera. The story is narrated from the perspective of Faith Severn, the niece of the murderer, as she uncovers the twisted motives and hidden truths behind the tragic events. The writing style is described as dense and atmospheric, capturing the upper crust snobbishness of the characters while slowly unraveling a complex web of jealousy, madness, and family dynamics.
On the morning Vera died I woke up very early. The birds had started, more of them and singing more loudly in our leafy suburb than in the country. They never sang like that outside Vera's windows in ... 'Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish' by David Rakoff is a unique verse novel that tells interconnected stories about characters experiencing various emotions and life events. The writing style of the book is described as ingeniously written, emotionally compelling, and cleverly crafted in rhyming couplets, providing a blend of humor, sadness, and revelation. Despite initial skepticism about the concept of a novel in verse, readers found themselves immersed in the rhythm of the story and were surprised by the genuine emotions evoked by the characters' experiences.
The infant, named Margaret, had hair on her head Thick and wild as a fire, and three times as red. The midwife, a brawny and capable whelper, Gave one look and crossed herself. “God above help her,” S...- #7
Save:The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler follows the story of Simon, a librarian, who receives an old carnival record book that reveals a dark family history of drowning women. The narrative alternates between the present day and the late 1700s, intertwining Simon's quest to uncover the family curse with the mysterious events of the past involving a traveling circus. As Simon delves deeper into his family's past, he must race against time to prevent a tragedy from repeating itself, all while navigating themes of family, love, curses, and the mystical.
Perched on the bluff’s edge, the house is in danger. Last night’s storm tore land and churned water, littering the beach with bottles, seaweed, and horseshoe crab carapaces. The place where I’ve spent... - #8
Save:'The Obsession' by Nora Roberts is a romantic suspense novel that follows the story of Naomi, a woman who witnessed her father being arrested as a serial killer when she was just 11 years old. The book delves into Naomi's journey of overcoming her traumatic past, settling in a new town, and falling in love with Xander while being haunted by her past. The plot is a mix of romance and suspense, with elements of home renovation, photography, and a lovable dog named Tag. The writing style is described as gripping, with a strong sense of place and well-developed characters.
Still, she was used to that, to lying on top of summer-moist sheets, with the windows open wide to the relentless chorus of cicadas—and the faint hope even a tiny breeze would slither through the sult... - #9
Save:"The Death of Bees" by Lisa O'Donnell is a gripping and darkly humorous tale of two sisters, Marnie and Nelly, who find themselves burying their neglectful parents in the backyard to avoid being separated by Social Services. The story is narrated in alternating voices, providing insight into the sisters' struggles and the complexities of their relationships with each other and their neighbor, Lennie. As secrets unravel and unexpected characters enter their lives, the girls navigate through a world of poverty, loneliness, and resilience, making difficult choices to protect each other and survive in a harsh environment.
The book delves into themes of family, survival, and the impact of neglect, offering a raw and poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by the young protagonists. Through a mix of dark humor, vivid characterizations, and a fast-paced narrative, the author weaves a compelling story that keeps readers engaged as they follow the sisters' journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity.
Izzy called me Marnie after her mother. She’s dead now, actually they’re both dead. I’m just saying that’s how I got it, my name. My mum had a boring name, didn’t suit her at all. She was an Isabel ca... - #10
Save:Barbara Michaels' "Be Buried in the Rain" tells the suspenseful tale of Julie Newcomb, a medical student who is summoned to care for her cantankerous Aunt Martha at the decaying estate of Maidenwood. As Julie delves into her duties, she uncovers a web of family secrets, old betrayals, and mysterious occurrences, including the discovery of skeletons on the property. The novel weaves together elements of mystery, Gothic suspense, romance, and a touch of paranormal, creating a gripping narrative set in the brooding, isolated mansion in Carrsville.
THE OLD PICKUP HIT A POTHOLE WITH A BUMP THAT SHOOK A FEW more flakes of faded blue paint from the rusted body. Joe Danner swore, but not aloud. He hadn’t used bad language for six years, not since he...
