Books matching: family's dark history
16 result(s)
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- #1
Save:Maggie Holt returns to Baneberry Hall, a house her family fled in terror when she was five years old. Her father wrote a bestselling memoir about their haunting experience, but Maggie has no memories of it and believes it to be lies. After inheriting the house upon her father's death, she decides to uncover the truth behind the horrors of the house, alternating between present-day experiences and excerpts from her father's book. The book weaves a thrilling horror story filled with suspense, false clues, and red herrings, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end.
From the moment I enter the office, I know how things are going to go. It’s happened before. Too many times to count. And although each incident has its slight variations, the outcome is always the sa... - #2
Save:'The Roanoke Girls' by Amy Engel is a disturbing thriller that delves into taboo subjects like incest, sexual violence, and family dysfunction. The story follows Lane Roanoke as she returns to her family home in Kansas, uncovering dark family secrets and trying to find her missing cousin, Allegra. The narrative alternates between past and present timelines, creating a suspenseful and engaging read that keeps readers hooked until the very end. Amy Engel's writing style is described as captivating, with well-developed characters and a skillful weaving of multiple timelines to reveal the sinister truths of the Roanoke family.
The second time I saw Roanoke was a month after my mother committed suicide. She hanged herself from her bedroom doorknob while I was at school. Made a noose of her bathrobe sash and knelt in supplica... - #3
Save:The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy is a novel that delves into the complex dynamics of the Wingo family, focusing on siblings Tom and Savannah, as well as their troubled past and the impact it has on their lives. The narrative unfolds through Tom's perspective as he recounts the family's dark secrets and struggles, including mental illness, abuse, and trauma. Conroy's writing style is described as lyrical and poetic, painting a vivid picture of the American South, particularly South Carolina, and exploring themes of love, tragedy, healing, and redemption.
It was five o’clock in the afternoon Eastern Standard Time when the telephone rang in my house on Sullivans Island, South Carolina. My wife, Sallie, and I had just sat down for a drink on the porch ov... - #4
Save:'A Double Life' by Flynn Berry is a psychological suspense thriller set in present-day London and Scotland. The story follows Claire, a British General Practitioner, who embarks on a courageous journey to investigate a vicious murder she witnessed as a child. Through flashbacks and contemporary scenes, Berry weaves a tale of privilege, murder, and the haunting repercussions of crimes committed by the Upper Class. The narrative delves into the life of Claire, the daughter of a man accused of murder, as she navigates through the complexities of her past and present while trying to uncover the truth about her father's whereabouts.
The book unfolds with a mix of psychological depth and suspense as Claire unravels the mysteries surrounding her father's disappearance and the impact of his actions on her life. Berry's writing style seamlessly combines intricate character development with a gripping plot, offering readers a compelling exploration of family dynamics, privilege, and the quest for justice amidst dark secrets and hidden motives.
The man is wearing a hat and a wool overcoat with the collar turned up. When he stops to light a cigarette, I’m close enough to see his knuckles rising under his gloves, but his face is hidden by the ... - #5
Save:The novel 'All Heads Turn When the Hunt Goes By' by John Farris is a Southern Gothic horror story that revolves around a prominent Southern family plagued by a voodoo curse. The plot kicks off with a ghastly wedding day tragedy in 1942, leading to a series of dreadful events that unfold within the accursed family. Farris skillfully weaves historic details, cultural tidbits, and voodoo lore into the narrative, creating a rich sense of time and place. The writing style is described as engrossing, gripping, and horrifying, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in a dark and mysterious atmosphere.
I've always wondered about my ultimate capacity for good sour mash sipping whiskey, and now I see that I've nearly finished the bottle which the indispensable Hackaliah brought to my room about eight ... - #6
Save:The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys is a historical fiction novel set in 1950s Spain under the dictatorship of General Franco. The story follows Daniel, a young American photographer, as he navigates the complexities of Franco's regime and falls in love with Ana, a local hotel maid. Through multiple perspectives, the book sheds light on hidden aspects of Spanish history, including the struggles faced by ordinary people under the oppressive rule of Franco.
A weak glow from a bare bulb whispers light onto the supply shelf. Ana spots the tiny sewing kit and throws it into her basket. She runs to the stairs and falls in step with Lorenza, who balances an a... - #7
Save:'The Rats in the Walls' by H.P. Lovecraft is a short story that delves into the horrors that man can inflict upon each other. The plot is engaging and expertly developed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as lurid and compelling, reminiscent of classic horror literature.
On July 16, 1923, I moved into Exham Priory after the last workman had finished his labours. The restoration had been a stupendous task, for little had remained of the deserted pile but a shell-like r... - #8
Save:'Lasher' by Anne Rice is the second installment in the 'Lives of the Mayfair Witches' series. It continues the tale of the Mayfair family, the Talamasca, and their shared interest in Lasher, a mysterious fiend spirit. The plot delves into the history and origins of Lasher, revealing dark secrets and entwining the characters in a complex web of intrigue and supernatural elements. The writing style shifts between past and present, narrating the story from different perspectives like Lasher himself, Julien, and Mona, creating a multifaceted narrative that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.
“Emaleth!” whispering close to her mother’s belly while her mother slept. And then singing to her, the long songs of the past. Songs of the Glen of Donnelaith and of the castle, and of where they woul...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lives of the Mayfair Witches ) - #9
Save:THE BETTER TO BITE, the first installment in Cynthia Eden's young adult Howl trilogy, introduces the town of Haven and its magical inhabitants of werewolves, witches, and hunters. The story follows 16-year-old Anna, cursed with the ability to find lost things, as she navigates the secrets of Haven while trying to conceal her powers. As she uncovers the mysteries of the town and her own family, Anna finds herself entangled in a love triangle and faces unexpected dangers from both wolves and humans.
THE BETTER TO BITE is a fast-paced storyline with twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the very end. Cynthia Eden creates a fascinating group of characters, with young adults taking center stage amidst a backdrop of magic, supernatural elements, and hidden family secrets. The book delves into themes of prejudice, stereotyping, and the struggle for survival in a town filled with dark mysteries and dangerous creatures.
At first, I wasn’t scared at all. Truth be told, I’m not the kind to scare easily, but that’s because I’m…different. My dad’s word. He doesn’t like to call me a freak or anything since he’s my dad, so... - #10
Save:In the city of Lovecraft, the Proctors rule and a great Engine turns below the streets, grinding any resistance to their order to dust. The necrovirus is blamed for Lovecraft's epidemic of madness, for the strange and eldritch creatures that roam the streets after dark, and for everything that the city leaders deem Heretical born of the belief in magic and witchcraft. Aoife Grayson, a spirited and feisty girl, is on the cusp of her 16th birthday, a fate shared by her mother and elder brother, who both went mad at that age. Determined to change her destiny, Aoife navigates a world filled with steampunk elements, dark fey fantasy, and mysterious creatures, embarking on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about her family. The story unfolds in an alternate Boston, where the government controls its people, and beliefs in magic are deemed heretical, creating a dystopian society with elements of supernatural and steampunk.
My mother likes to tell me about her dreams when I visit. She sits in the window of the Cristobel Charitable Asylum and strokes the iron bars covering the glass like they are the strings of a harp. “I...
