Books matching: heightened tension
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- #1
Save:Blanche, a French burlesque dancer living in San Francisco in the 1870s, finds her life turned upside down when she befriends Jenny Bonnet, a frog-catching woman who challenges her values and choices. As the city swelters under a heatwave and smallpox epidemic, a murder mystery unfolds, leading Blanche to question her relationships and uncover hidden truths about herself and those around her. Emma Donoghue's storytelling weaves together historical accuracy, complex characters, and suspenseful plot twists that keep the reader engaged throughout the novel.
Sitting on the edge of the bed in the front room, Blanche stoops to rip at the laces of her gaiters. “‘Dors, min p’tit quinquin—’” Her husky voice frays to a thread on the second high note. She clears... 'The Midnight Watch: A Novel of the Titanic and the Californian' by author David Dyer is a gripping historical novel that delves into the events surrounding the Titanic disaster and the role of the SS Californian in failing to come to the Titanic's aid. Through a blend of real and fictional characters, the author explores the actions and motivations of key figures such as Captain Lord and Officer Stone, shedding light on the complexities of human nature and decision-making in times of crisis. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a dissipated newspaper correspondent, John Steadman, who doggedly pursues the truth behind the Californian incident, offering a unique perspective on the tragedy.
The writing style in 'The Midnight Watch' is strong and engaging, with real dialogue and vivid prose bringing the historical events to life. The author seamlessly weaves together fiction and fact, creating a compelling story that not only examines the disaster itself but also delves into themes of personal responsibility, courage, and the impact of human error. Through meticulous research and attention to detail, David Dyer crafts a narrative that immerses the reader in the world of the Titanic and the Californian, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical event.
In the early years of the twentieth century my father heard that there was good money to be made in Venezuela. He had reliable information – from a Spaniard who knew a cattle-herder who knew the Venez...- #3
Save:Philip Roth's 'The Plot Against America' is an alternative history novel that explores a world where Charles Lindbergh, a Nazi sympathizer, defeats Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election. The story follows a Jewish family living in Newark, primarily through the eyes of a young Philip Roth, as they navigate the rise of anti-Semitism and the consequences of Lindbergh's presidency. The writing style is described as compelling, with long but readable sentences that present an altered reality that is both familiar and chilling.
Fear presides over these memories, a perpetual fear. Of course no childhood is without its terrors, yet I wonder if I would have been a less frightened boy if Lindbergh hadn't been president or if I h... - #4
Save:In 'Lud-in-the-Mist', the town of Lud is depicted as a place where fairies and magic are forbidden, leading to a mysterious and enchanting narrative. The story revolves around the discovery of fairy fruit being smuggled into the town, causing chaos and uncovering hidden truths. The writing style of the book is described as lyrical and poetic, evoking a sense of nostalgia and enchantment akin to a fairy tale. The plot is characterized by its subtlety, thought-provoking themes, and the interplay between the mundane world and the world of faeries.
The Free State of Dorimare was a very small country, but, seeing that it was bounded on the south by the sea and on the north and east by mountains, while its center consisted of a rich plain, watered... - #5
Save:'Year of Wonders' by Geraldine Brooks is a historical fiction novel set in a small English village during the outbreak of the plague in 1665 and onwards. The story follows Anna Frith, a young widow, as she witnesses the devastating effects of the plague on her village, the struggles of survival, and the resilience of the human spirit. The book weaves together true historical events with fictional elements, offering a gripping narrative that delves into themes of survival, loss, faith, and community. Readers praised the author's meticulous research, captivating storytelling, and vivid descriptions that bring the 17th-century setting to life.
I USED TO LOVE this season. The wood stacked by the door, the tang of its sap still speaking of forest. The hay made, all golden in the low afternoon light. The rumble of the apples tumbling into the ... - #6
Save:"The Book of Skulls" by Robert Silverberg is a novel that follows four college students who embark on a journey to an Arizona monastery in search of immortality. The book reveals that in order to achieve eternal life, two of the four friends must sacrifice themselves. The story is narrated through the perspectives of the four protagonists, delving into their relationships, intimate details, and sexual experiences. The writing style incorporates shifting narrators with each chapter, providing a unique storytelling approach that keeps the reader engaged.
The plot of "The Book of Skulls" explores themes of immortality, sacrifice, and self-discovery as the characters navigate through a trial that challenges their beliefs and desires. The book captures the essence of the late 1960s and early 1970s, incorporating elements of social commentary and dark satire that reflect the era in which it was written. Despite the controversial topics addressed in the novel, such as sexuality and drug use, the author skillfully weaves a narrative that blends paranormal situations with human frailty, creating a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience.
Coming into New York City from the north, off the New England Thruway, Oliver driving as usual. Tireless, relaxed, his window half open, long blond hair whipping in the chilly breeze. Timothy slouched... - #7
Save:Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a thrilling novel that combines loveable characters and steamy romance scenes with suspense and suspicion as a serial killer terrorizes the town. The story follows Sasha, the sole survivor of a serial killer, who returns to her hometown after 10 years only to find herself in danger once again. With the help of her former boyfriend, Cole, Sasha navigates through a whirlwind of public scrutiny and suspicion, trying to uncover the truth behind the murders and a possible copycat killer.
Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my purse and opened the door of my Honda, stepping out. Cold air immediately coasted under the thin sweater I wore as I closed the door behind me. I inhaled deeply, sur... - #8
Save:'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 ) - #9
Save:Night Soldiers by Alan Furst follows the journey of Khristo Stoianev, a young Bulgarian who is recruited into the NKVD Soviet secret intelligence service after his brother is killed by local fascists. The story spans from 1934 to 1945, covering Khristo's training, operations in the Spanish Civil War, escape to France, and involvement in guerrilla operations with the French underground. Furst's writing style is described as atmospheric, with detailed geographical research and well-developed characters that bring the historical setting to life.
His brother was fifteen, no more than a blameless fool with a big mouth, and in calmer days his foolishness would have been accommodated in the usual ways—a slap in the face for humiliation, a few col... - #10
Save:In the first installment of The Farseer Trilogy, "Assassin's Apprentice," readers are introduced to FitzChivalry Farseer, the bastard son of a prince, who is raised in a dangerous position where there are people who want him dead. Swearing allegiance to his grandfather the king, Fitz becomes an apprentice to the royal assassin, navigating a world filled with courtly intrigue, political tensions, and the looming threat to his life. The book is praised for its in-depth story, intricate world-building, and fantastic character development, setting the stage for a tale full of twists and intrigue.
A history of the Six Duchies is of necessity a history of its ruling family, the Farseers. A complete telling would reach back beyond the founding of the First Duchy, and if such names were remembered...
