Books matching: fantasy and crime thriller elements

13 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 13 
  1. #1

    The Dark Tower: The Wind Through the Keyhole - The Dark Tower by Stephen King
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    Fans of the Dark Tower series were pleasantly surprised by "The Wind Through the Keyhole," a story within a story within a story that takes readers on a journey through Roland's past adventures. Set between the fourth and fifth books, the novel provides a glimpse into Roland's early days as a gunslinger, his encounters with a shapeshifter in a small town, and a fairy tale involving a boy on a quest. The book offers a mix of fantasy and crime thriller elements, adding depth to the Dark Tower mythology while keeping readers engaged with its multi-level storytelling.

    Stephen King's writing style shines in this book, with cleverly crafted words and a narrative structure that weaves together different tales seamlessly. The novel stands alone well, appealing to both dedicated Dark Tower fans and newcomers to the series. Despite not advancing the main plotline of the Dark Tower series, "The Wind Through the Keyhole" is praised for its nostalgic feel, providing readers with a heartwarming and enriching experience as they delve into Roland's past and the magical world of Mid-World.

    Not long after the death of my mother, which as you know came by my own hand, my father—Steven, son of Henry the Tall—summoned me to his study in the north wing of the palace. It was a small, cold roo...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Dark Tower )

  2. #2
    Immortal City
    Book 1 in the series:Immortal City

    Immortal City - Immortal City by Scott Speer
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    Scott Speer's 'Immortal City' is a thrilling blend of YA romance, crime thriller, paranormal suspense, and cultural critique set in a reimagined Los Angeles. The story follows the lives of teens Jackson and Maddy, where Jackson, a hot Angel celebrity, becomes entangled in a serial killing spree investigation. The novel explores themes of power, idolatry, and the societal divide between the privileged Angels and mortals, all while providing a fast-paced and scathing portrayal of American celeb culture.

    The plot of 'Immortal City' revolves around the forbidden interspecies love affair between Jackson and Maddy, as they navigate through the complexities of their intertwined lives in a multilayered society. Speer's writing style, though not masterful, is described as adequate yet engaging, with a focus on genre mix-up and storytelling rather than intricate character development, delivering a fun and enthralling read that keeps readers hooked till the end.

    At 3a.m., the Pacific Coast Highway was nothing more than a gray ribbon winding through the ocean fog. Despite being more than a little buzzed, Brad downshifted, smashed the gas pedal, and sent his BM...

  3. #3

    The Shambling Guide to New York City - The Shambling Guides by Mur Lafferty
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    'The Shambling Guide to New York City' follows Zoe Norris, a travel writer looking for a job, who stumbles upon an opportunity to edit a series of travel guides aimed at supernatural beings living in New York City. As Zoe delves into this new world of vampires, zombies, gods, and demons, she faces paranormal dangers and uncovers a dangerous plot that puts her in the midst of a thrilling adventure. The story is filled with humor, romance, and mystery, with a unique twist of incorporating segments from the travel guide Zoe is working on, providing insights into the supernatural community hidden among humans in the bustling city.

    October seemed completely unaware that she was having a shit day. The crisp weather and the blue sky couldn’t help but cheer Zoë a little bit. She had simply loved coming home. Full of people and secr...

  4. #4
    The Outsider
    Book 1 in the series:The Outsider

    The Outsider - The Outsider by Stephen King
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    'The Outsider' by Stephen King is a gripping mystery thriller that begins with the horrific murder of an eleven-year-old boy in Flint City. All evidence points towards Terry Maitland, a well-respected teacher and coach, who is arrested in a very public manner. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Terry may have been in two places at once, leading to a supernatural twist in the plot. Detective Ralph Anderson, along with a team of characters, delves deep into the case, uncovering chilling details and facing the possibility of otherworldly elements influencing the events. The story is suspenseful, with vivid attention to detail and well-developed characters that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

    King's writing style in 'The Outsider' is described as haunting and suspenseful, keeping readers guessing and invested in the storyline. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, blending elements of crime, detective work, and the supernatural seamlessly. addresses themes of innocence, guilt, human nature, and the dark side of society, while also showcasing King's talent for character development and intricate storytelling.

    It was an unmarked car, just some nondescript American sedan a few years old, but the blackwall tires and the three men inside gave it away for what it was. The two in front were wearing blue uniforms...

  5. #5

    Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead - Claire DeWitt Mysteries by Sara Gran
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    Claire DeWitt, a unique and intuitive private detective, returns to New Orleans post-Katrina to investigate the disappearance of a District Attorney. Using unconventional methods like dreams, visions, and the teachings of a French detective, Claire navigates through the damaged city, unraveling a dark and gritty mystery that delves into poverty, crime, and corruption. The book offers a vivid and heart-wrenching portrayal of post-Katrina New Orleans, seamlessly blending the past with the present in a noir and zen-like narrative style.

    A crow flew overhead as we talked. I was in Northern California, near Santa Rosa. I sat at a picnic table by a clump of redwoods. A blue jay squawked nearby. Crows used to be bad omens, but now they w...

  6. #6

    The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
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    'The 71/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton is a complex murder mystery novel set in a country estate where the protagonist, Aiden Bishop, wakes up in a different body each day to solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle. The plot unfolds in a Groundhog Day-like scenario where Aiden must navigate through various perspectives and characters to unravel the mystery. The writing style is described as intricate, original, and engaging, offering a unique blend of genres like murder mystery, time travel, and psychological thriller.

    My mind has gone blank. I don’t know who Anna is or why I’m calling her name. I don’t even know how I got here. I’m standing in a forest, shielding my eyes from the spitting rain. My heart’s thumping,...

  7. #7

    The City & The City by China Mieville
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    'The City & The City' by China Mieville is a unique murder mystery set in two intertwined cities, Beszel and Ul Qoma, where the residents are required to unsee each other despite sharing the same physical space. Inspector Tyador Borlu investigates a murder that blurs the boundaries between the cities, leading to a complex and intriguing narrative. The writing style is described as immersive and atmospheric, reminiscent of classic detective noir novels but with a fantastical twist that challenges the reader's perspective.

    I COULD NOT SEE THE STREET or much of the estate. We were enclosed by dirt-coloured blocks, from windows out of which leaned vested men and women with morning hair and mugs of drink, eating breakfast ...

  8. #8

    Before the Coffee Gets Cold - Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
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    'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a novel centered around a small cafe in Tokyo where customers can time travel by sitting in a specific seat and following a set of rules. Each section of the book features a different character seeking to travel back in time for various reasons, such as seeking closure, revisiting past relationships, or gaining a new perspective on life. The writing style is described as straightforward, with a focus on character development and emotional depth, set against the backdrop of the cafe's unique time-traveling concept.

    She glared with uncertainty. She hadn’t heard him say it was over. But he had called her – his girlfriend of three years – to come out for a serious conversation . . . and now he had suddenly announce...

  9. #9
    The Diviners
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    Book 1 in the series:The Diviners

    The Diviners - The Diviners by Libba Bray
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    "The Diviners" by Libba Bray is a historical fiction novel set in 1920s New York City, blending the supernatural with a murder investigation. The story follows Evie O'Neill, who possesses a supernatural power, as she becomes involved in solving a series of brutal murders with ties to the occult. Through a diverse set of characters and multiple intersecting plotlines, the book weaves a tale of mystery, dark forces awakening, and the characters' unique gifts coming together to confront a serial killer seeking to bring about the end of the world.

    In a town house at a fashionable address on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, every lamp blazes. There’s a party going on—the last of the summer. Out on the terrace overlooking Manhattan’s incandescent sky...

  10. #10

    The Absolute Book by Elizabeth Knox
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    'The Absolute Book' by Elizabeth Knox is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of Taryn Cornick after her sister is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Seeking revenge, Taryn arranges for the culprit to be killed, setting off a chain of events involving demons, fairies, gods, and a mysterious indestructible book. The narrative weaves together elements of urban fantasy, ancient folklore, and bygone religions, taking the reader on a labyrinthine exploration of different worlds and myths. The book introduces a wide cast of characters, each with distinct voices, as they navigate through a complex plot involving the search for a powerful scroll box known as the Firestarter.

    The writing style of 'The Absolute Book' has been described as beautifully written, masterfully conceived, and operating on multiple levels. The author, Elizabeth Knox, demonstrates a careful attention to sensory experiences, vivid descriptions, and wonderful similes that bring the story to life. The book is praised for its depth and complexity, with readers highlighting the need for multiple readings to fully appreciate its nuances and layers.

    When Taryn Cornick’s sister was killed, she was carrying a book. People don’t usually take books when out on a run, but Beatrice must have planned to stop, perhaps at the Pale Lady, where she was ofte...

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