Books matching: historical fiction with horror
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Set in 14th Century France during the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War, 'A Mortal Glamour' follows the turbulent events at the convent La Tres Saunte Annunciacion, where a demon visits the nuns at night, leading to chaos and despair. The story revolves around Sister Aungelique, a headstrong young woman who runs away from the convent to indulge in worldly pleasures, only to be haunted by demonic visitations upon her return. As the supernatural affliction spreads, the Church's lack of action and the political tensions between the Roman and Avignon popes add to the atmosphere of fear and distrust.
- #2
Save:In the book "Mayhem" by Sarah Pinborough, readers are taken back to the dark and chilling atmosphere of late 19th-century London, where the infamous Jack the Ripper is not the only serial killer terrorizing the city. The story follows Dr. Thomas Bond, a police surgeon involved in investigating both the Ripper case and the Thames Torso Murders, where female victims are gruesomely dismembered and decapitated. Pinborough skillfully weaves together historical facts with a supernatural twist, creating a gripping tale of murder, mayhem, and the slow descent into the unknown. The narrative unfolds with a focus on the gritty details of society, the tension between social classes, and the eerie backdrop of a city plagued by unsolved mysteries and dark forces.
The book "Mayhem" is praised for its atmospheric and engrossing storytelling that seamlessly blends real-life events with supernatural elements. Readers are drawn into the grim world of Victorian London, where characters like Dr. Thomas Bond navigate the horrors of the Torso Murders and the looming presence of Jack the Ripper. Pinborough's attention to detail, especially in setting up the historical context and character dynamics, adds depth to the narrative, keeping readers engaged and intrigued until the very end. The novel presents a unique take on the Victorian horror genre, offering a fresh perspective on well-known historical events through a dark and suspenseful lens.
He was quite handsome. A little thin, perhaps, and there was a strange mottled hue to his skin that made her think the consumption might have made a claim on him, but he had his own teeth and the air ... The novel moves between two storylines, one on the Titanic and one a few years later on the Britannic during World War I. The details about the Britannic, how it was reinforced after the Titanic's sinking, and how it was refitted to be a hospital ship were fascinating. The story blends historical fact and fiction seamlessly, with references to the supernatural and superficial characters.
Annie Hebbley pokes her needle into the coarse gray linen, a soft color, like the feathers of the doves that entrap themselves in the chimneys here, fluttering and crying out, sometimes battering them...- #4
Save:"Maplecroft" in the series "The Borden Dispatches" by Cherie Priest is a unique reimagining of the Lizzie Borden story, blending historical events with Lovecraftian horror elements. Set in Fall River, Massachusetts, after the infamous murders, the story follows Lizzie and her sister Emma as they uncover a dark secret plaguing the town. Utilizing letters and diary entries, the narrative delves into the eerie tale of eldritch horrors emerging from the sea, leading to a gripping mystery that intertwines with the characters' personal struggles and relationships.
The writing style of "Maplecroft" is characterized by an epistolary format, featuring letters, diary entries, and newspaper clippings that provide a multi-faceted perspective on the unfolding events. Through these various viewpoints, including Lizzie, Emma, and other characters, readers witness the gradual escalation of supernatural threats and the complex dynamics between the protagonists. masterfully weaves together elements of gothic horror, mystery, and historical fiction, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers engaged until the final page.
Emma has a second key, in case I am injured or trapped down there; but Emma also has instructions about how and when to use that key. When she knocks upon the cellar door, I must always reply, “Emma d... - #5
Save:The Wehrwolf by Alma Katsu is a historical fiction novella set in Germany at the end of World War II. The story follows Uwe Fuchs, a simple man who loves his family and is faced with the fear and uncertainty of the advancing Allied Forces. Through Katsu's distinct writing style, the narrative explores the themes of humanity, fear, and transformation, blending elements of Germanic folklore with a unique perspective on the lives of ordinary German citizens during a tumultuous period in history.
- #6
Save:Chapelwood is a chilling mix of Lovecraftian horrors, supernatural threats, and real-world menaces set in Birmingham, Alabama, where Lizzie Borden and Inspector Wolf investigate a series of axe murders and a sinister cult at Chapelwood. The story unfolds 30 years after the events in Maplecroft, focusing on new characters like Ruth and delving deep into themes of racism, bigotry, and religious zealotry, creating a tense and atmospheric narrative.
So I left them an hour after dawn, when the reverend and his coterie lay sleeping in the hall beneath the sanctuary. When last I looked upon them, taking one final glance from the top of the stairs—do...
(Also, see 61 recommendations for the series The Borden Dispatches ) - #7
Save:"Pale Guardian" by Barbara Hambly is set during World War I and follows the characters James and Lydia Asher, along with their vampire acquaintance, as they navigate through the horrors of war, mysterious creatures, and moral dilemmas. The narrative weaves historical detail, suspenseful action, and ethical themes, providing a unique perspective on the vampire genre. The storyline delves into the complexities of war, the relationships between humans and vampires, and the dark mysteries that unfold in the midst of chaos.
The writing style of Barbara Hambly in "Pale Guardian" is praised for its accuracy in historical background, engrossing descriptions of war-torn settings, and compelling characterizations. explores the moral choices made by the characters, the horrors of war, and the interactions between humans and vampires, creating a dark and atmospheric tale that keeps readers engaged till the very end.
By the light of her lantern the young soldier’s face was drawn with pain and chalky with loss of blood. The single eye that had survived the shrapnel when a German shell had struck the forward trench ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series James Asher ) - #8
Save:'Creatures of the Pool' by Ramsey Campbell follows Gavin Meadows, a man who gives tours through Liverpool highlighting macabre histories of the area. When Gavin's father mysteriously disappears after becoming obsessed with researching an obscure topic about a street once called Frog Lane, Gavin is left to unravel the mysteries surrounding his father's disappearance. As Gavin delves into the dark history of Liverpool, he faces mounting pressure from both uninterested local police and a threatening tourism official. The writing style immerses the reader in the eerie atmosphere of Liverpool, filled with historical facts and mysterious locations that add depth to the narrative.
- #9
Save:Blood Red Roses by Russell James is a southern gothic horror novella set during the Civil War era. The story follows Jebediah Abernathy, an orphaned teen sold into slavery at the Beechwood plantation, where he faces the horrors of a sinister madman, a haunted past, and a spell gone wrong. With the help of a voodoo priestess and the ghost of his father, Jebediah must navigate through a web of murder and dark secrets to uncover the truth behind the disappearing slaves.
- #10
Save:'Shiloh' by Philip Fracassi is a novella set during the American Civil War, focusing on twin brothers, Henry and William, as they navigate the horrors of the Battle of Shiloh. The story vividly paints the graphic nature of war, intertwining it with supernatural elements that add a darker and unsettling layer to the narrative. Fracassi's writing style is described as tight, evocative, and almost poetic, capturing the closeness between the brothers amidst the carnage of the battlefield.
The bonus story, 'Soda Jerk', provides a contrasting tale set in the town of Sabbath, offering a different kind of horror that complements the main novella. Fracassi skillfully weaves historic fiction with horror elements, creating a narrative that is both gripping and haunting, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they delve into the characters' struggles and the supernatural forces at play.
