Books matching: haunting disappearance
38 result(s)
- #1
'The Katharina Code' revolves around Detective William Wisting who is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of Katharina Haugen, a case that has remained unsolved for twenty-four years. Wisting, along with his journalist daughter Line, delves into the investigation of a cold case in Norway, where the plot thickens as they uncover new information and potential links between different missing persons cases. The story unfolds through dialogue-driven interactions, meticulous police procedures, and the gradual unraveling of cryptic clues left behind by the missing individuals.
The narrative of 'The Katharina Code' is characterized by a slow-burning mystery that keeps readers engaged as they follow Wisting's pursuit of truth, the involvement of his daughter in the case from a journalistic angle, and the complexities that arise as the investigation progresses. weaves together elements of family dynamics, police investigations, and the intricate web of connections between the characters, culminating in a suspenseful journey towards solving the cold case and deciphering the cryptic codes left behind by the missing women.
- #2
December Park by Ronald Malfi is a coming-of-age novel set in a small town haunted by the disappearance of teenagers. The story follows a group of friends led by Angelo as they embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the missing children, delving into the secrets of their town and confronting the mysterious figure known as the Piper. The narrative weaves together themes of friendship, loss, and the blurred lines between childhood and adulthood, creating a compelling and suspenseful tale that keeps readers engaged until the surprising and bittersweet ending. Malfi's writing style is praised for its realistic characters, vivid descriptions, and ability to evoke nostalgia for a time when childhood innocence and belief in the supernatural were intertwined.
We stood at the intersection of Point and Counterpoint,cigarettesdangling from our mouths like we were serious about something but too cool to show it, and shivered against the wind. Farther up Counte... - #3
'The Other Emily' by Dean Koontz is a gripping thriller that follows the story of David Thorne, a writer haunted by the disappearance of his girlfriend Emily Carlino ten years ago. When David meets Maddison Sutton, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Emily but with eerie differences, he is drawn into a web of mystery and intrigue. As David navigates the complexities of his past and present emotions, the plot unfolds with elements of love, loss, guilt, and a touch of science fiction. Koontz's writing style captivates readers with evocative prose, real and interesting characters, and a cleverly paced plot that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
- #4
Berkley Street by Ron Ripley follows the story of Shane Ryan, who returns to his childhood home at 125 Berkley Street after twenty years in the Marines, seeking answers about the mysterious disappearance of his parents. The house is haunted, filled with macabre spirits and a dark history that Shane must confront. The narrative weaves between Shane's childhood experiences in the haunted house and his present-day investigation into the truth behind his parents' vanishing, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere. The writing style combines dual timelines, intricate character development, and a unique blend of horror elements that keep the reader engaged and intrigued throughout the book.
Their new home looked like a castle, with two towers and tall, narrow windows. Shane counted six chimneys. A pair of giant, thick trees stood on either side of the wide front door. A thick stone wa... - #5
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager follows a gripping story that unfolds 30 years after a traumatic event. The narrator reflects on the night he lost a friend during a camping adventure in his backyard. As he returns to his childhood home, eerie memories surface. The narrative explores themes of grief and lingering trauma, building a mysterious atmosphere through subtle details. While some find the book has a slow burn quality, it manages to keep readers engaged with unexpected twists and emotional moments.
While the writing style might not resonate with everyone, it captures a creeping sense of dread throughout. Readers have mixed opinions on the execution, with some feeling it veers into predictable territory. However, the story's unraveling mystery and the emotional depth of the main character's journey offer a rewarding experience. Overall, Middle of the Night serves as a thought-provoking thriller steeped in nostalgia and suspense.
- #6
"The Long and Faraway Gone" by Lou Berney is a gripping tale that weaves together three subplots set in Oklahoma City in 1986. The story follows two main characters, Wyatt and Julianna, who are both haunted by traumatic events from their past. As Wyatt, a Las Vegas private detective, tries to uncover the mystery of who is harassing his sister-in-law, he is forced to confront unanswered questions from his own past trauma. Meanwhile, Julianna, a nurse still grappling with her sister's disappearance in 1986, embarks on a dangerous quest for the truth. The author expertly intertwines these characters' lives and past tragedies, creating a deeply satisfying thriller with a touch of wit and humor.
The Lexus, a block ahead, stopped at the Shell station. Wyatt played it safe and tucked into a gravel parking lot behind the Flamingo garage. He didn’t want to spook Bledsoe. On the Strip, with all th... - #7
'Lost Boy Lost Girl' by Peter Straub is a chilling mystery novel that follows the story of a horror novelist, Timothy Underhill, as he searches for his missing nephew Mark, who disappeared after his mother's suicide. The plot unfolds in a small town with eerie ties to a haunted house and a serial killer on the loose. The narrative shifts through time and space, delving into familial bonds, dark secrets, and the supernatural elements surrounding the mysterious disappearances.
The writing style of Peter Straub in 'Lost Boy Lost Girl' is described as intricate, with vivid descriptions and multiple narrative framings that add depth to the story. The book offers a mix of horror, mystery, and ghostly elements, keeping readers engaged with its well-developed characters and unsettling plot twists.
NANCY UNDERHILL’S DEATH had been unexpected, abrupt – a death like a slap in the face. Tim, her husband’s older brother, knew nothing more. He could scarcely be said really to have known Nancy. On exa... - #8
In "Shiver" by Allie Reynolds, a group of former snowboarding friends reunite at an isolated ski lodge in the French Alps, where a mysterious death from their past resurfaces, leading to a series of chilling events and revelations. The narrative alternates between the present day and ten years ago, creating a tense atmosphere as secrets are unveiled, suspicions rise, and the characters' connections and tensions come to light. Reynolds' background in snowboarding adds authenticity to the competitive and dangerous world depicted in the novel, while the locked room mystery plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning who to trust and what really happened to Saskia.
The familiar red-and-white cable car sits in the bay, but there’s nobody in the operator booth. The sun has disappeared behind the Alps, the sky is pink, yet there isn’t a single light on in the build... - #9
The House on Abigail Lane by Kealan Patrick Burke is a novella that delves into the mysterious and supernatural occurrences at number 56 Abigail Lane. The story is presented as a collection of facts and reports spanning over 60 years, detailing the strange events that have taken place within the house. Through a mix of real accounts and fabricated tales, the author creates an eerie and captivating narrative that keeps the reader engrossed. The writing style of the book mimics that of a nonfiction account, making the reader feel like they are uncovering the mysteries of the house alongside the investigators.
The novella presents a unique blend of horror and mystery, drawing readers into a world where people disappear, strange figures materialize, and alternate dimensions await those who dare to explore the house on Abigail Lane. The author's matter-of-fact prose adds a layer of realism to the supernatural events, creating a sense of dread and wonder that lingers long after the final page is turned. The book leaves the reader questioning the unknown, pondering over the interconnected events, and immersing themselves in the enigmatic history of the haunted house.
Despite the dilapidation, Number 56 does not appear sinister at all, at least, no more than any other house that has fallen into disrepair. Of course, for those who want to characterize the building a... - #10
'Ritual' by Mo Hayder is a dark and suspenseful crime thriller that follows DI Jack Caffery as he investigates a case involving African witchcraft and mutilation. The story delves into the haunted pasts of the main characters, including Jack's search for his missing brother and Flea Marley's struggle with the death of her parents. The plot is filled with gruesome and unsettling details, keeping the reader on edge with its unpredictable twists and turns. Hayder's writing style expertly blends elements of horror and suspense, creating a chilling atmosphere that lures readers deeper into the sinister world she has crafted.
Just after lunch on a Tuesday in May and nine feet under water in Bristol’s ‘floating harbour’, police diver Sergeant ‘Flea’ Marley closed her gloved fingers round a human hand. She was half taken off...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Jack Caffery )