Books matching: exploration of evil
100 result(s)
- #1
'Killer on the Road' by James Ellroy delves into the twisted mind of a serial killer named Martin Plunkett. The narrative follows Plunkett's journey from childhood to maturity, exploring the moments and events that shape his uncaring and evil nature. Ellroy's writing style captivates readers with its clipped, terse sentences and wild shifts in personality, convincing them that they are reading the musings of a real killer. The plot allows readers to see first-hand the twisted rationalizations and reasons that set the killer into motion, rather than just describing pure evil in the third person.
Despite starting out with an amazing first act, the book takes a dark turn as Plunkett begins his killing spree, losing the initial tension of when he will commit his first murder. As the story progresses, the book becomes a countdown to Plunkett's inevitable arrest and conviction, with the narrative interspersed with newspaper reports and the diary of an FBI agent tracking unsolved murders. Ellroy's exploration of evil in 'Killer on the Road' is chilling and hard to put down, showcasing the author's deft hand at characterization and story development.
- #2
'My Pet Serial Killer' follows the story of Claire, a graduate criminology student with a chilling hobby of grooming serial killers to be her perfect pets. The narrative delves into Claire's twisted relationships with these killers, her manipulation of them, and her relentless pursuit of academic success through their actions. The book combines elements of psychological exploration, graphic violence, and a unique writing style that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, keeping the reader engaged with Claire's dark world.
Claire's journey with her pet killers takes unexpected turns as she embarks on a quest to shape a new killer for her doctoral thesis, leading to a series of audacious kills and bizarre relationships. The novel explores themes of possession, control, and the blurred boundaries between fiction and reality as Claire's project spirals out of control, challenging both her and the reader to confront the dark depths of human nature.
- #3
'The Anatomy of Evil' by Michael H. Stone delves into the topic of evil by analyzing the childhood lifestyle crimes of various killers and defining different levels of evil. The book provides psychological analyses, case studies, and scientific insights into the concept of evil, challenging traditional views and emphasizing the importance of recognizing evil actions when observed. Dr. Stone's writing style combines detailed crime analysis with a focus on understanding the minds of criminals, exploring factors such as genetics, neurochemistry, and behavior to categorize evil acts.
O muse, o alto ingegno, or m'aiutate; O muse, o lofty mind, now help me; O mente che scrivesti ciò ch'io vidi, O memory that wrote down what I saw, Qui si parrà la tua nobilitate. here will your nobil... - #4
'Bad Men' by John Connolly is a departure from his usual Charlie Parker series, delving into a standalone novel set on a small island off the coast of Portland, Maine. The story involves a dark past resurfacing, supernatural elements, and a group of settlers from 1692 facing brutal adversaries. The writing style is described as detailed, atmospheric, and engaging, drawing readers into a suspenseful and eerie environment. The book combines elements of crime, mystery, suspense, and the paranormal, creating a gripping narrative that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.
Set in Paris just before and during WWII, the novel focuses on various characters who visit the Chameleon Club, which is reminiscent of the musical Cabaret. Genders slide easily at the club, where anyone can change their colors. The central character is Lou Villars, a transvestite woman who trains for the Olympics, sidetracks into dancing at the club, becomes a race car driver, and then betrays her country by working for Hitler. The story is told through the writings of different characters, including journals of the Baroness, Gabor the Hungarian photographer, Suzanne the French teacher, and Lou Villars' biographer. The narrative intertwines letters, memoirs, and biographies to present a story based on true facts about a lesbian athlete and Nazi sympathizer. The book raises questions about the nature of good and evil, exploring themes of love, relationships, and personal history.
Last night I visited a club in Montparnasse where the men dress as women and the women as men. Papa would have loved it. And Mama’s face would have crinkled in that special smile she has for Papa’s pa...- #6
"Doll House" by John Hunt follows the gripping and dark story of Olivia and two other girls who are abducted by two serial killers. Olivia emerges as the strongest of the group, taking extreme measures to ensure her safety, even adopting a dog for protection. The narrative is filled with plot twists, unexpected revelations, and multiple perspectives that keep the readers on edge, making it a page-turner that evokes fear and unease. The author's writing style is described as fast-paced, brutal, and immersive, with vivid descriptions that emphasize the depravity of the antagonists and the chilling contrast in behaviors.
delves into themes of fear, trust, survival, and the darkness of human nature, leaving a lasting impact on the readers. It is a story that keeps the readers engaged, always guessing, and feeling terrified for the characters, with a narrative that is both dark and twisted yet relatable and realistic. is not for the faint-hearted, with trigger warnings for sensitive topics like sexual assault, but it is praised for its ability to keep the readers gripped till the very last page, making it a must-read for those who enjoy mystery and thriller genres.
- #7
'The Plague of the Undead' by Joe McKinney is set thirty years after the zombie apocalypse, offering a unique perspective on how survivors have adapted to the new world. The story follows Jacob and his companions as they venture out from their secure village to explore the changed world, encountering dangers and challenges along the way. The narrative delves into the complexities of human nature in a post-apocalyptic society, exploring themes of survival, adaptation, and the definition of evil.
is praised for its intriguing premise of a post-apocalyptic world many years after the zombie outbreak, providing a fresh perspective on the genre. Readers appreciate the exploration of different societies that have developed over time, as well as the unexpected twists and turns that the characters face in their journey. The writing style of Joe McKinney is commended for its ability to captivate readers and keep them engaged in the story, with relatable characters and immersive storytelling.
- #8
'Siegfried' by Harry Mulisch is a novel that delves into the complex themes of evil, particularly through the enigmatic character of Hitler. The book offers a unique perspective on Hitler's nature, exploring his essence through mystical and alchemistic elements. Mulisch weaves a tale that challenges the conventional understanding of history and psychology, presenting Hitler as a symbol of evil that transcends rational explanations. The plot unfolds through a series of thought-provoking events, leading the reader on a journey to uncover the hidden truths behind Hitler's persona.
Mulisch's writing style in 'Siegfried' has been described as philosophical, mysterious, and unpredictable. The narrative grips the reader with its exploration of deep and complex themes, such as the nature of evil and the mystical connection between Hitler and Nietzsche. Despite some initial reservations about the book's pacing and structure, readers find themselves drawn into the plot as it unfolds, ultimately culminating in a surprising and impactful ending that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
- #9
"Make Me Burn" in the series "Isle of the Forgotten" by Tiffany Roberts follows the story of Morthanion, a demon stripped of his magic and banished to a prison island. There, he encounters Aria, a woman born on the island who has managed to stay hidden from its dangerous inhabitants. As their relationship evolves from initial distrust to a deep connection, the story explores themes of redemption, love, and the capacity for change in the midst of a hostile environment filled with supernatural beings. The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions bringing the island and its inhabitants to life, while the plot unfolds with a mix of romance, action, and suspense that keeps readers hooked.
The five mages spread out in a line, shoulder-to-shoulder. Their bared swords pulsed with reflections of the fire all around, their figures dark against the intense light. This village would be visibl... - #10
'In the Fall' by Jeffrey Lent is a multi-generational family saga that spans from the end of the Civil War to the Great Depression, focusing on the Pelham family in Vermont and New Hampshire. The story revolves around themes of interracial marriage, transgenerational relationships, and the impact of past events on future generations. Lent's writing style is described as evocative, richly descriptive, and emotionally resonant, capturing the essence of the time and place in a languid narrative style.
The boy’s grandfather came down off the hill farm above the Bethel road south of Randolph early in the summer of 1862, leaving behind his mother and the youngest girl still at home along with a dwindl...