Books matching: deception and danger

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  1. #1

    The Last Necromancer - The Ministry of Curiosities by C.J. Archer
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    'The Last Necromancer' by C.J. Archer is a young adult fantasy novel set in 19th century London. The story follows Charlie, a young girl who has the ability to influence the dead, leading to her being disowned by her father. Living as a boy on the streets to survive, Charlie is kidnapped by a group of men with mysterious intentions. The book is praised for its good writing, fresh imagination, and the portrayal of a strong, witty protagonist in a gritty and engaging plot.

    The other prisoners eyed me as if I were a piece of tender meat. I was someone new to distract them from their boredom, and small enough that I couldn't stop one—let alone four—from doing what they wa...

  2. #2

    Wicked River by Jenny Milchman
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    Wicked River by Jenny Milchman is a thrilling wilderness survival story that follows a newlywed couple, Natalie and Doug, on their honeymoon trek through the Adirondacks. What starts as a romantic adventure soon turns into a harrowing tale of deception, danger, and survival. The author expertly weaves rich details of the wilderness setting with nail-biting suspense, creating a roller coaster of emotions for the characters and readers alike. As the couple faces unforeseen challenges, including encounters with a cannibalistic hermit and a perilous trail, the true test of their relationship and resilience unfolds in a heart-pounding narrative.

    The book delves into themes of love, trust, and betrayal, exploring the complexities of human relationships amidst life-threatening situations. With well-developed characters and intricate plot twists, Wicked River keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending elements of thriller, psychological suspense, and emotional depth. Jenny Milchman's writing style immerses readers in the wilderness experience, evoking both the beauty and brutality of nature, while delivering a gripping story of survival and self-discovery.

    It was a terrible thing to think, especially when you were about to get married, and Natalie immediately rolled over in the lofty bed and tried to fall back asleep. Today would be a huge day, and tomo...

  3. #3

    Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane
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    'Since We Fell' by Dennis Lehane is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Rachel Childs, a former journalist who experiences a public breakdown that drastically alters her life. As Rachel navigates through insecurities, anxieties, and uncertainties, she finds herself in a tumultuous marriage and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering shocking truths about her husband and her own past. The plot starts slow, building up the characters and setting the framework for a tale filled with deceptions, chase scenes, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

    The narrative is a rollercoaster ride of family relationships, romance, personal growth, and intrigue, with complex characters and intricate plotting that make the story compelling despite its implausibilities. Dennis Lehane weaves a tale that delves into themes of identity, trust, and resilience, leading the protagonist, Rachel, from a state of isolation to a world of danger and deception, culminating in a thrilling and suspenseful journey that challenges her perceptions and beliefs.

    Rachel was born in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts. It was known as the Region of the Five Colleges—Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and the University of Massachusetts—and it emp...

  4. #4

    Uncle Silas by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
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    Uncle Silas by J. Sheridan Le Fanu is a gothic novel set in the mid-1800s, following the story of Maud Ruthyn, a young heiress placed under the guardianship of her mysterious and possibly dangerous uncle, Silas. As Maud navigates her uncle's secluded estate, Bartram Haugh, she encounters a cast of eerie characters including her uncouth cousin Dudley, a malevolent French governess, and her enigmatic uncle Silas. The plot unfolds with dark conspiracies, suspicions of murder, and a sense of impending danger, all wrapped in a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    Le Fanu's writing style in Uncle Silas is described as deliciously slow-building, classic gothic at its best, and filled with chilling suspense and atmospheric tension. The novel intricately weaves elements of horror, mystery, and psychological intrigue, drawing readers into a world of eerie happenings, creepy characters, and a sense of foreboding that culminates in a nail-biting conclusion.

    It was winter—that is, about the second week in November—and great gusts were rattling at the windows, and wailing and thundering among our tall trees and ivied chimneys—a very dark night, and a very ...

  5. #5

    The Fourth Durango by Ross Thomas
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    The Fourth Durango by Ross Thomas is a novel filled with quirky and memorable characters engaging in a plot that involves sudden violence and dark humor. Set in a small isolated town in California, the book follows the story of a disgraced judge and a disbarred lawyer seeking refuge in Durango, where the chief of police and the mayor provide sanctuary for a price. The narrative unfolds with complex and nuanced plots, engaging dialogue, and a touch of outrageousness that keeps readers entertained from start to finish.

    When the white bedside telephone rang at 4:03 A.M. on that last Friday in June, the thirty-six-year-old mayor answered the call halfway through its fourth ring and kicked the thirty-nine-year-old chie...

  6. #6

    Six Years by Harlan Coben
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    'Six Years' by Harlan Coben is a gripping mystery thriller that follows the story of Jake Fisher, a man who watched the love of his life, Natalie, marry another man six years ago. Despite promising to stay away, Jake's life is turned upside down when he discovers that Natalie's husband has died, leading him on a quest to find her. As Jake delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and danger, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Coben's writing style seamlessly weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and suspense, creating a fast-paced and captivating narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and betrayal.

    Natalie wore white, of course, looking extra mock-me-forever gorgeous. There had always been both a fragility and quiet strength to her beauty, and up there, Natalie looked ethereal, almost otherworld...

  7. #7

    The Ministry of Fear by Graham Greene
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    'The Ministry of Fear' by Graham Greene is a psychological thriller set in WW2 London during the Blitz. The story follows Arthur Rowe, a man haunted by guilt after committing a mercy killing of his ill wife. A chance encounter at a fair leads him into a dark mystery involving spies, chases, and supernatural elements. As Arthur navigates through a web of deception and danger, he grapples with his own identity, memories, and the fear of uncovering the truth. Greene skillfully weaves together elements of mystery and espionage against the backdrop of wartime London, creating a tense and gripping narrative that explores themes of morality, guilt, and love.

    The book delves into Arthur's journey of self-discovery and redemption, as he finds himself entangled in a Nazi conspiracy and forced to confront his past actions. Through a series of twists and turns, Arthur's character evolves, from a man burdened by his past to a hero willing to make profound sacrifices for the greater good. Greene's writing style is evocative and atmospheric, capturing the fear and unease of wartime London while delving into complex themes of innocence, patriotism, deceit, and heroism.

    There was something about a fête which drew Arthur Rowe irresistibly, bound him a helpless victim to the distant blare of a band and the knock-knock of wooden balls against coconuts. Of course this ye...

  8. #8

    The Ivy Tree by Mary Stewart
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    In "The Ivy Tree" by Mary Stewart, the plot revolves around Mary Grey, a young woman who is mistaken for the missing heiress Annabel Winslow. She is convinced to impersonate Annabel in a scheme to deceive a dying man and gain control of an old family estate. The story is filled with deception, danger, and unexpected twists, set in the atmospheric Northumberland countryside. The writing style is described as lush and original, with a gothic atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged till the thrilling climax.

    I MIGHT have been alone in a painted landscape. The sky was still and blue, and the high cauliflower clouds over towards the south seemed to hang without movement. Against their curded bases the fells...

  9. #9

    The Second Duchess by Elizabeth Loupas
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    The Second Duchess by Elizabeth Loupas is a historical fiction mystery set in the Italian Renaissance. The novel follows Barbara of Austria, who marries Duke Alfonso d'Este II of Ferrara. Rumors swirl that Alfonso may have poisoned his first wife, Lucrezia Medici, leading Barbara to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death. The story is narrated by both Barbara and Lucrezia's spirit, providing a unique perspective on the unfolding events in the glittering court of Ferrara. As Barbara delves deeper into the mystery, she faces danger and deception, all while navigating the constraints placed on women in the 16th century.

    And I, Barbara of Austria, neither young nor beautiful, would be the duke’s second duchess before the pale December sun set. What did the woman expect me to do, shriek and fall down in a faint? Jump u...

  10. #10

    Polar Star - The Arkady Renko Novels by Martin Cruz Smith
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    "Polar Star" in 'The Arkady Renko Novels' series by Martin Cruz Smith follows the story of Arkady Renko, a former police investigator who has been exiled to work on a Russian factory ship in the Bering Sea. When a female crew member's body is discovered in the catch, Arkady is reluctantly pulled back into his role as an investigator, uncovering a complex web of crime, politics, and danger on the ship. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War tensions between the United States and Russia, the novel offers a dark and gripping tale of Arkady's quest for truth amidst a harsh and unforgiving environment.

    The writing style of "Polar Star" is praised for its atmospheric and suspenseful tone, with readers highlighting the author's ability to vividly describe the setting of the fish processing ship and the harsh weather conditions in the Arctic waters. The plot is described as layered and complex, offering a mix of mystery, political intrigue, and character development that keeps readers engaged and invested in Arkady Renko's journey as he navigates through a world of deception, danger, and moral dilemmas.

    2Originally when it came down the rails in Gdansk, the Polar Star’s four superstructures had been a dazzling white and the gantries and booms a candy-yellow. The decks were clear; silver chains wound ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Arkady Renko Novels )

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