Books matching: early 1980s setting
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- #1
Save:'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the twisted minds of serial killers. The story follows FBI profiler Will Graham as he is reluctantly pulled back into the field to track down a brutal murderer known as the Red Dragon. As Graham delves deeper into the case, he must confront his own inner demons while forming an uneasy alliance with the infamous Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The novel expertly weaves together a dark and suspenseful narrative, exploring themes of empathy, trauma, and the fine line between good and evil. Harris' writing style is described as clean, efficient, and compelling, drawing readers into a world of chilling suspense and psychological intrigue.
The book is praised for its well-developed characters, particularly the complex and haunting portrayal of the main antagonist, Francis Dolarhyde, aka the Red Dragon. Readers are drawn into a web of suspense as they navigate the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and the killer, with unexpected twists and turns keeping them on the edge of their seats. Harris skillfully crafts a narrative that explores the depths of human darkness and the intricacies of criminal psychology, making 'Red Dragon' a standout entry in the Hannibal Lecter series.
“I don’t want to talk about it anywhere, Jack. You’ve got to talk about it, so let’s have it. Just don’t get out any pictures. If you brought pictures, leave them in the briefcase—Molly and Willy will... - #2
Save:"Thus Was Adonis Murdered" by Sarah Caudwell is a murder mystery set between London and Venice in the early 1980s. The story revolves around eccentric lawyer Julia Larwood who becomes the leading suspect in a murder case involving a young man found dead in her bed. Her London colleagues, along with their mentor Professor Hilary Tamar, work together to solve the mystery from a distance using letters and phone calls from the accused murderer. The plot is presented through witty dialogue, letters, and humor, creating a light-hearted atmosphere despite the serious subject matter.
Scholarship asks, thank God, no recompense but Truth. It is not for the sake of material reward that she (Scholarship) pursues her (Truth) through the undergrowth of Ignorance, shining on Obscurity th... - #3
Save:Dead Reckoning by Sam Llewellyn is a thrilling mystery novel set in the world of yacht racing. The story revolves around a deadly incident involving a faulty steering system on a boat, leading to accusations and a race to clear one's name. The plot is filled with double crossings, intrigue, and criminal masterminds, creating a page-turning read with twists and turns. The writing style is engaging, with detailed and exciting accounts of sailing that immerse the reader in the action, making it a compelling read for those interested in mystery and sailing.
- #4
Save:The Wonder Bread Summer by Jessica Anya Blau is a novel set in the early 1980s, offering a nostalgic escape from the technology-heavy present. The story follows the resilience of a young woman, Allie Dodgson, as she navigates serious subjects like drug use and dysfunctional families in a light, breezy manner. The plot is fast-paced, resembling a detective story set in the sunlit streets of 1980s California, with Allie relying on Chinese proverbs from her grandmother to guide her through the moral wasteland left by her parents' generation.
Allie was in a fitting room with a thirty-three-year-old man named Jonas, pulling pinches of cocaine out of a Wonder Bread bag that was more than three-quarters full. It was the first time she had tri... - #5
Save:The Inheritor by Marion Zimmer Bradley follows the story of Leslie, a psychologist with psychic abilities, and her sister Emily, a musical prodigy. The book begins with Leslie searching for a new home for them and stumbling upon a house with a mysterious past, setting the stage for a suspenseful and eerie tale. As the sisters move in, strange occurrences start happening, leading to a series of events involving creepy boyfriends, dark rituals, and a spine-chilling conclusion. The writing style of the author intricately weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological depth, keeping readers engaged and intrigued throughout the narrative.
- #6
Save:'I Want to Go Home!' by Gordon Korman is a hilarious tale of two misfit kids, Rudy and Mike, who meet at summer camp and form a bond. The story revolves around their attempts to escape Camp Algonquin, which is filled with quirky characters and comical situations. is set in a summer camp with no adults except for the camp counselors, who are seen as clones by Rudy, and a distracted camp director. The plot is filled with humor, sarcasm, and escapades that appeal to kids and adults alike. Gordon Korman's writing style is engaging, witty, and filled with 80s nostalgia that resonates with readers.
The early summer sunshine streamed down over Camp Algonkian Island. The trim on the twenty-two cabins was brightly painted, the excellent athletic fields had been freshly mowed, and an assortment of b... - #7
Save:'Tea with the Black Dragon' by R.A. MacAvoy is a charming and unique blend of fantasy and mystery set in San Francisco during the early 1980s. The story follows Martha Macnamara, a middle-aged woman, and Mayland Long, a Chinese philosopher who may be more than he appears, as they team up to search for Martha's missing daughter. The book delves into themes of technology, mysticism, and romance, with a touch of Chinese philosophy, creating an engaging and enthralling narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.
A gull plunged, kissed the water and veered right and away, all ten yards from Mrs. Macnamara. Her head rose to follow its flight and her hands lifted, echoing the bird’s gesture. For a moment it seem... 'The Man Whose Teeth Were All Exactly Alike' by Philip K. Dick is a mainstream story set in the 1950s Marin County, California, focusing on the lives of two couples, Leo Runcible and his wife Janet, and Walt Dombrosio and his wife Sherry Dombrosio. Leo, a real estate agent, faces a conflict with his neighbor Walt, leading to a series of events driven by revenge and consequences that spiral out of control. The plot revolves around a practical joke gone wrong, relationships strained by personal issues, and the complex dynamics between the characters in a rural community during a time of societal expectations and tensions. The author's writing style delves deep into the characters' personalities and psyches, exploring themes of trust, destruction, and the consequences of their actions.
The narrative of 'The Man Whose Teeth Were All Exactly Alike' doesn't follow a traditional plot structure but excels in its character development and the portrayal of a peculiar and bleak journey. offers a unique perspective on human relationships, societal norms, and personal struggles, creating an immersive experience for readers through the vivid illustration of characters and their interactions in a setting filled with tension and paranoia.
The West Marin Water Company repairman kicked among the rocks and leaves, finding the pipe and the break in it. A county truck had backed over the pipe and broken it by its weight. The truck had come ...- #9
Save:'My Name is Leon' by Kit de Waal is a poignant story that follows the life of Leon, a nine-year-old boy navigating the complexities of the foster care system in 1980s England. Born to a struggling mother dealing with postpartum depression and addiction, Leon finds himself separated from his baby brother, Jake, who gets adopted, while he continues to search for a sense of belonging and understanding in a world filled with challenges. The book beautifully captures Leon's emotional journey, touching on themes of family, love, identity, and resilience, all narrated through the innocent yet perceptive voice of a child.
The writing style of 'My Name is Leon' is deeply moving and thought-provoking, striking a delicate balance between heartbreak and hope. Through Leon's perspective, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as he grapples with loss, abandonment, and the yearning for connection amidst a backdrop of racial tension, mental health struggles, and the complexities of the foster care system. De Waal's storytelling skillfully weaves together themes of family dynamics, sibling relationships, and societal issues, creating a narrative that is both engaging and impactful.
She smiles at Leon and he knows that she’s kind and that she’ll look after the baby when he isn’t there. The baby has the smallest fingers Leon has ever seen. He looks like a doll with its eyes closed... - #10
Save:The Swimming-Pool Library by Alan Hollinghurst is a novel set in pre-AIDS London, focusing on the life of William Beckwith, a young, promiscuous aristocrat who leads a charmed yet reckless life. When Beckwith is asked to write the memoirs of an elderly Lord, he delves into a world of diaries and journals that reveal a past filled with war, university life, and changing attitudes towards class, sexuality, and race over several decades. The book explores themes of white privilege, gay culture, and the impact of the AIDS epidemic on the gay community, all through Hollinghurst's poetic and explicit writing style.
I came home on the last train. Opposite me sat a couple of London Transport maintenance men, one small, fifty, decrepit, the other a severely handsome black of about thirty-five. Heavy canvas bags wer...
