Books matching: gothic setting
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Lady Julia Grey and her family are summoned back to their country home in England for Christmas, where they are met with a ghost, stolen jewels, and a murder mystery to solve. Amidst relationship issues and subplots, Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane work together to uncover the truth while navigating family dynamics and romantic tensions. The book is praised for its intriguing characters, engaging plot, and a blend of multiple mysteries that keep the reader hooked.
I threw my elder brother a repressive look. “Do not be so morose, Plum. Father’s only really angry with Lysander,” I pointed out, brandishing the letter from England with my fingertips. The paper fair...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lady Julia Grey ) - #2
'The Mysteries of Udolpho' by Ann Radcliffe is a gothic romance novel set in the late 1700s, following the story of the young orphaned heroine, Emily St. Aubert, who faces various trials and tribulations under the guardianship of her unkind aunt and evil step-uncle. The plot unfolds in a creepy castle in the Italian countryside, filled with mysteries, suspense, and gothic elements. Radcliffe's writing style includes long, evocative descriptions of landscapes, frequent references to poetry and sonnets, and a focus on character emotions and psychological states.
VOLUME 1 CHAPTER I CHAPTER II CHAPTER III CHAPTER IV CHAPTER V CHAPTER VI CHAPTER VII CHAPTER VIII CHAPTER IX CHAPTER X CHAPTER XI CHAPTER XII CHAPTER XIII VOLUME 2 CHAPTER I CHAPTER II CHAPTER III CH... - #3
Phantasma (Wicked Games) by Kaylie Smith is a dark gothic fantasy set in a haunted mansion in New Orleans. The story revolves around Ophelia Grimm, who must navigate a dangerous competition to save her family home and her sister, Genevieve. Along the way, she inherits her mother's necromancer magic and forms a complicated relationship with Blackwell, a charming ghost. They make a deal: Blackwell will help Ophelia survive the nine trials inspired by Dante’s circles of hell, but there’s a catch—if she fails, he will steal ten years from her lifespan.
Smith’s writing style shines with vibrant imagery and engaging dialogue, making readers feel immersed in the atmospheric setting. The story tackles themes like mental health, particularly Ophelia’s OCD, which adds depth to her character. The banter between Ophelia and Blackwell is witty and enjoyable, avoiding clichés found in many romantasy novels. Although some plot twists may be predictable, the execution keeps readers invested, making Phantasma a captivating read that balances suspense, romance, and character growth.
- #4
'The Devil On Horseback' by Victoria Holt is a gothic romance novel set during the time of the French Revolution. The story follows Minelle Maddox, a young teacher who becomes a governess companion to the impetuous daughter of a French nobleman, the Comte Fontaine Delibes. The plot is filled with suspense and drama, with Holt's talent shining through in her storytelling. However, some readers found the romance aspect of the book to be flat and unconvincing, highlighting Holt's tendency to avoid passion in her novels.
- #5
The Companion by Katie Alender tells the story of Margot, a survivor of a tragic accident who is taken in by the wealthy Sutton family to be a companion to their catatonic daughter, Agatha. Set in an isolated estate, the book creates an unsettling and claustrophobic atmosphere, with a gothic horror vibe that keeps the reader on edge. As Margot uncovers family secrets and strange occurrences, she navigates through mind games and twists while developing a genuine relationship with Agatha.
MY TOOTHBRUSH WAS slime green, and the bristles, after only six weeks of use, were beginning to fray and spread outward. They also came unattached and got stuck between my teeth when I brushed, which ... - #6
Carmilla, written by J. Sheridan Le Fanu and published in 1872, is a classic vampire novel that follows the story of Laura, a young and lonely noblewoman living with her father in a remote castle in Styria. When Carmilla, a mysterious girl her age, arrives at the castle after a carriage accident, Laura is overjoyed but soon realizes that Carmilla's true nature is shrouded in mystery. The novella explores the eerie and suspenseful relationship between Laura and Carmilla, hinting at a love relationship that defies conventions of the time period. The writing style is described as old school, with a feminine atmosphere and sensuousness that sets it apart as the female version of Dracula.
In Styria, we, though by no means magnificent people, inhabit a castle, or schloss. A small income, in that part of the world, goes a great way. Eight or nine hundred a year does wonders. Scantily eno... - #7
The Lake House by Kate Morton is a captivating mystery novel that weaves together the stories of Detective Sadie Sparrow and elderly crime writer Alice Edevane. The plot revolves around a 60-year-old unsolved missing persons case that tore apart the Edevane family. With intricate storytelling, alternating perspectives, and a mix of past and present timelines, the novel delves into family secrets, suspense, and the art of plotting the perfect crime. Set in Cornwall, the book explores themes of love, loss, family relationships, and the unraveling of mysteries, creating a compelling and suspenseful narrative.
Clouds covered the moon, a stroke of luck she didn’t deserve, and she made her way through the thick, black night as quickly as she could. She’d come earlier to dig the hole, but only now, under veil ... - #8
'Bloodlist' in the series 'Vampire Files' by P.N. Elrod follows the story of Jack Fleming, a former investigative reporter who wakes up as a vampire and sets out to solve his own murder in the seedy underbelly of 1930s Chicago. The plot revolves around Jack's encounters with mobsters, his newfound vampire abilities such as turning into mist and hypnotism, and his journey into the world of vampires and detectives. The writing style is described as a mix of classic vampire lore and detective noir, creating a fast-paced, mysterious, and entertaining narrative set in a unique historical backdrop.
It was a well-engineered accident, involving no small skill on the part of the driver. A body, depending on its size and weight in relation to the speed and position of the car usually does two things... - #9
Crooked River by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is the 19th book in the Agent Pendergast series. The story revolves around Special Agent Pendergast investigating the mysterious appearance of severed feet in shoes washing up on the beaches of Captiva Island, Florida. As Pendergast delves into the case, he teams up with his partner Special Agent Coldmoon, his ward Constance Greene, and other intriguing characters to uncover a vast conspiracy involving rogue military, bizarre scenarios, and plot twists that keep the reader engaged till the end. The writing style is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and suspenseful, with quirky ideas and plenty of suspense that adds to the overall excitement of the story.
All hell broke loose on the bridge—organized, focused hell. The general alarm went off. Baugh could just see the Cuban warship now, a wavering dot on the horizon at 265 degrees off the port bow. It ha...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Agent Pendergast ) - #10
In the book 'Lakesedge', we follow Violeta Graceling and her younger brother Arien as they arrive at the haunted Lakesedge estate, expecting to find a monster in the feared Rowan Sylvanan. As Leta falls for Rowan, she discovers his connection to the sinister death god, the Lord Under, and must confront the darkness in her past to save him and herself. The book is described as a gothic fantasy romance with a slow burn romance, strong character development, and an atmospheric setting blending medieval and decadent Victorian elements.
The writing style in 'Lakesedge' is praised for its lush and beautiful descriptions, providing a visual experience for readers. The plot unfolds with a mix of magic, romance, curses, and alchemy, keeping readers enthralled and eager to discover what happens next. The author, Lyndall Clipstone, weaves a captivating story filled with intense and passionate romance, complex characters, and a world that captivates readers of atmospheric fantasy reads.