Books matching: gratuitous violence
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- #1
Save:'The Auctioneer' by Joan Samson is a chilling tale set in a small rural town, where a mysterious outsider, Perly Dunsmore, arrives and starts holding auctions that gradually take a sinister turn. The story delves into themes of greed, corruption, and the invasion of the idyllic countryside by malevolent forces. Through a slow burn plot and well-realized characterizations, the book explores the tensions between rural and urban America, portraying the struggles of the townspeople against the manipulative auctioneer who threatens to strip them of everything they hold dear.
The fire rose in a perfect cone as if suspended by the wisp of smoke that ascended in a straight line to the high spring sky. Mim and John dragged whole dry saplings from the brush pile by the stone w... - #2
Save:'Enthralled' in the series 'The Spider's Mate' by author Tiffany Roberts is a gripping continuation of the story that takes readers on a journey to a planet where the protagonist, Ketahn, struggles to escape the clutches of the cruel Queen Zurvashi. The plot unfolds with Ketahn finding himself amidst humans on a ship, forming new relationships and facing unexpected challenges. The book is praised for its seamless continuation from the first installment, intense cliffhangers, well-developed characters, and the intricate web of relationships and conflicts that keep readers engaged throughout the story.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Spider's Mate ) - #3
Save:'I'm Thinking of Ending Things' by Iain Reid follows a young woman on a road trip with her boyfriend to meet his parents, contemplating ending their relationship. As the journey progresses, unsettling events unfold, including mysterious phone calls from her own number and a sense of foreboding. The narrative builds tension through eerie moments and a creeping feeling that something terrible is on the horizon, reminiscent of classic horror elements.
Reid's writing style in this psychological thriller is described as atmospheric, disturbing, and mind-bending. The story keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists and a sense of unease that lingers throughout the book. The author skillfully weaves a plot that blurs the lines between reality and perception, leading to an ending that leaves readers questioning what is real and what is imagined.
The road is mostly empty. It’s quiet around here. Vacant. More so than anticipated. So much to see but not many people, not many buildings or houses. Sky. Trees. Fields. Fences. The road and its grave... 'Tokyo' by Mo Hayder is a gripping thriller that intertwines the past and present, focusing on the haunting events of the Nanking Massacre in 1937 and their impact on the characters in modern-day Tokyo. The story follows Grey, a woman obsessed with uncovering the truth about the atrocities in Nanking, who forms an uneasy alliance with a Chinese professor to delve into a dark underworld involving a dangerous Yakuza boss and a mysterious Chinese folk remedy. Through a mix of eerie atmospheres, vivid characters, and meticulous pacing, the narrative unfolds to reveal chilling secrets and a satisfying climax that ties together the historical horrors and contemporary mysteries.
To those who fight and rage against superstition, I say only this: why? Why admit to such pride and vanity that you carelessly disregard years of tradition? When the peasant tells you that the great m...- #5
Save:'Come Closer' by Sara Gran is a short novella that tells the chilling story of a woman named Amanda who is slowly being possessed by a demon. The book delves into the psychological aspects of possession, drawing parallels to mental illness like schizophrenia. The writing style is described as creepy, unsettling, and suspenseful, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged until the thrilling conclusion.
NOT THAT Ed wasn’t attentive, not that he didn’t notice what was going on in my life. He just wasn’t able to put the pieces together as quickly as the dog. Ed was my hero, my savior. Ed was the man wh... Readers praise M.R. James for his mastery in crafting ghost stories that evoke fear and suspense. The stories are described as moody, inventive, and classically scary, appealing to lovers of creepy and sinister tales. The author's works are recommended for those seeking a spooky and safe read, with titles like "A Warning to the Curious" and "Oh, Whistle And I'll Come To You, My Lad" standing out as favorites. The stories often revolve around scholars encountering unusual texts or artifacts and slowly realizing they are in a ghost story, creating a sense of dread and tension.
M.R. James's writing style is commended for being sharply written, slyly composed, and scary as hell, with stories that are quiet, spooky, and filled with ominous tones. The author's ability to create a chilling atmosphere through his narratives, such as in "A Warning to the Curious," is highlighted as a key strength. Readers appreciate the historical backdrop and sense of dread in James's tales, making them both effective and inspirational for those interested in classic horror and folk horror elements.
- #7
Save:'The Girl Next Door' by Jack Ketchum is a disturbing and dark novel based on a true story of torture and abuse. The plot revolves around Ruth Chandler, who starts to take a dislike to Megan, leading to verbal abuse escalating to extreme torture with the involvement of Ruth's children. The story is narrated from David Moran's perspective, a fictitious neighbor who witnesses the disturbing events and tries to help Megan. Ketchum's writing style is described as graphic and detailed, drawing readers in and horrifying them with the events depicted in the book.
The book delves into the ugliest sides of human behavior, showcasing the depravity and cruelty that people are capable of. It explores themes of child abuse, torture, and the darkness that can reside within individuals and society. The narrative is engaging, emotional, and harrowing, with a focus on the power dynamics and the impact of the horrific events on the characters involved.
She is driving down a rain-slick highway on a hot summer morning in a rented Volvo, her lover by her side, driving slowly and carefully because she knows how treacherous new rain on hot streets can be... - #8
Save:The Fisherman by John Langan is a cosmic horror novel that offers a fresh take on the genre, focusing on the underlying horror of loss rather than existential dread. The story follows Abe and Dan, two men bonded by heartbreak and fishing, as they are drawn to Dutchman's Creek by a local legend. The narrative weaves together elements of cosmic horror, quiet horror, and psychological terror, creating a dark and brooding tale that explores themes of grief, obsession, and the consequences of seeking the unknown.
I had most of it [Howard said] from Reverend Mapple. He was minister at the Lutheran Church in Woodstock, and what you’d call a local history buff. After I heard the story I’m going to tell you, I did... - #9
Save:"The Tenant" by Roland Topor is a psychological horror novel that delves into themes of paranoia, identity loss, and descent into madness. The story follows Monsieur Trelkovsky, a man who takes over the apartment of a woman who committed suicide, only to find himself entangled in a web of persecution, paranoia, and self-destruction. The narrative is described as powerful, nightmarish, and filled with dark humor, as the protagonist's internal imagery teeters between the banal and the grotesque, leading to a captivating yet disturbing portrayal of psychological terror.
The book is praised for its captivating storytelling and the gradual spiral into madness that Topor creates, blurring the lines between reality and surrealism. The writing style is noted for being convincingly told, with a sly dark humor peeking out from the corners, making it a unique and intense read that explores the complexities of human psyche and the terrifying consequences of losing touch with reality.
Trelkovsky was on the point of being thrown out in the street when his friend Simon told him about an apartment on the rue des Pyrénées. He went to look at it. The concierge, an ill-tempered woman, re... - #10
Save:In 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters, the story revolves around Doctor Faraday, who becomes entwined with the Ayres family residing in the deteriorating Hundreds Hall. As strange occurrences start happening at the mansion, a mix of psychological and supernatural elements come into play, leading to a gripping narrative that delves into the decline of the English landed gentry post-World War II. Waters masterfully crafts a tale that not only explores the haunted house but also delves deep into the characters' emotions and behaviors, creating a nuanced story set in a time of societal change and decay.
I first saw Hundreds Hall when I was ten years old. It was the summer after the war, and the Ayreses still had most of their money then, were still big people in the district. The event was an Empire ...
