Books matching: isolated island setting
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- #1
A dark, brilliantly-crafted mystery that keeps you guessing from start to finish - a must-read for any fan of suspense and clever plotting.
Ten people who don't know each other are invited by a Mr. Owen to spend their holidays on an island where there is nothing but a big mansion. After dinner a recording say them that in fact they are there to pay fot crimes they did in the past. The accusations are well founded and unable to leave the house, the guests are being killed off one by one in mysterious murder. The heartlessness of one particular character was the biggest surprise, and the figurine removal added to the tension. Each character struggles with their sordid past, while outwardly justifying themselves and denying guilt. The ten attempt to socialize and dine with one another, despite the fact that they know one of their number intends to murder them all.
He went over in his mind all that had appeared in the papers about Soldier Island. There had been its original purchase by an American millionaire who was crazy about yachting—and an account of the lu...1939•261 pages - #2
The Hour Before Dark by Douglas Clegg is a chilling tale that follows Nemo, Bruno, and Brooke as they return to their childhood home after their father's brutal murder. As they delve into their past, they uncover dark secrets and traumatic events that lead them to play a dangerous game known as the Dark Game. The story seamlessly weaves elements of Celtic mythology, childhood trauma, and psychological horror, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful and creepy atmosphere.
Something made him put down the mug, slip on his shoes, leaving them untied as he went out the front door of his home. He had a flashlight with him. Around the house, he always kept a flashlight by hi...2002•377 pages - #3
Water by John Boyne is a powerful and disturbing story of a woman who secludes herself on a remote Irish island to come to terms with her husband's hideous crime and her role in it. Willow Hale, formerly known as Vanessa, strips herself of her identity and embarks on a journey of self-reflection and penance. As the story unfolds, the reader gradually learns about the tragic past that led Willow to seek solace on the isolated island, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships. Boyne's writing style delicately navigates through Vanessa's emotional turmoil and the haunting repercussions of her past, creating a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after the last page is turned.
November 2023 - #4
Prisoner 489 is a horror novella by Joe R. Lansdale that follows three caretakers on an island where they tend to the graveyard of prisoners executed in a nearby maximum-security prison. The story takes a dark turn when they are tasked with burying Prisoner 489, a formidable man who refuses to stay dead, terrorizing the caretakers on the island. Lansdale's writing style is praised for its ability to suck the reader into a suspenseful and unpredictable web of death and unpredictability, keeping them engaged till the very end.
October 2014•86 pages - #5
A bold, queer-centric YA horror with a memorable setting and feminist themes, "Sawkill Girls" is twisty and atmospheric - perfect for fans of creepy island mysteries and girl power, though its style and structure may not be for everyone.
Sawkill Girls is a YA horror novel set on an island plagued by a monster that preys on teenage girls. The story follows three protagonists - Marion, Zoey, and Val - as they uncover the dark secrets of Sawkill Island and must come together to defeat the creature. The book delves into themes of female empowerment, diverse relationships, and the struggle against patriarchal forces. The writing style is described as haunting, suspenseful, and filled with diverse representation.
After the previously mentioned asshole drove away in a panic, maybe crying and shaking, too spineless to own up to their crime, leaving her father to die in the remains of his ruined fifteen-year-old...October 2018•463 pages - #6
A solid, atmospheric YA pandemic story that mixes honest character work with realistic disaster stakes. Slow to start but ultimately gripping - perfect for fans of introspective survival tales.
The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe is a young adult novel set on an island off the coast of Canada where a deadly airborne virus starts wiping out the population. The story is told through journal entries by Kaelyn, a 16-year-old girl, who details the progression of the virus, the quarantine imposed on the island, and the struggles faced by the community as they try to survive the epidemic.
It’s about six hours since you left the island. The way things have been, I know you wouldn’t have expected me to come to see you off, but I keep thinking about how you waved and waved from the dock f...2011•332 pages - #7
A brooding, twisty Southern family thriller with classic Nora Roberts romance - some will love the drama, while others might wish for more finesse and less chaos.
Jo Ellen Hathaway, a successful young photographer, is being stalked, triggering her to return to her childhood home, Sanctuary Inn, where her mother disappeared years ago. The book delves into old family wounds, relationships, and secrets, all while a suspenseful plot unfolds. Nora Roberts weaves a tale of romance, murder, and suspense set on a beautiful island, with a writing style that keeps readers engrossed in the mystery and character dynamics.
SHE dreamed of Sanctuary. The great house gleamed bride-white in the moonlight, as majestic a force breasting the slope that reigned over eastern dunes and western marsh as a queen upon her throne. Th...1997•504 pages - #8
A moody, well-written domestic thriller with strong characters, creeping dread, and enough twists to keep you flipping pages. Not the goriest or fastest, but perfect for fans of family secrets and atmospheric suspense.
Dark Across the Bay by Ania Ahlborn is a psychological thriller that follows the dysfunctional Parish family as they attempt to mend their relationships during a vacation on an isolated island off the Maine coast. The story unfolds with shocking discoveries by the family members and introduces mysterious and menacing characters that seem unrelated but play a significant role in the family's unraveling. The narrative is captivating and told from the perspectives of four main characters, seamlessly transitioning between their stories without backtracking, keeping readers transfixed in the terrifying and breathless vein of the plot.
The book is a page-turner that delves into the dark and toxic dynamics of the Parish family, offering a captivating and addicting read that explores the complexities of family relationships and hidden secrets. Ania Ahlborn masterfully weaves a tale of dysfunction and suspense, showcasing her talent in crafting a story that keeps readers completely engrossed in the world she has created, despite the somewhat predictable nature of the plot. The writing style, with its unique structure of placing readers into each character's perspective instead of traditional chapters, adds to the immersive experience and leaves readers wanting more from the brilliant mind of the author.
December 2021•279 pages - #9
A gripping, relentless 70s horror classic with a ferocious bite - perfect for fans of animal-attack thrillers, but not for those looking for deep character arcs or realism over action.
In 'The Pack' by David Fisher, a group of abandoned dogs on a remote island forms a pack and begins hunting down humans. The novel explores themes of animal cruelty, survival, and the primal instincts of both dogs and humans. The story is filled with suspense, thrills, and a sense of danger as the characters face off against the feral pack of dogs, leading to a brutal and intense climax. Fisher's writing style effectively delves into the minds of the dogs, creating a thrilling and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
1976•216 pages - #10
A Tempest by Aime Cesaire is a postcolonial adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest, told from the perspective of the Black slave, Caliban. The story revolves around the relationship between Prospero, a European colonial enforcing slavery, and his oppressed subjects, mulatto Ariel and Black indigenous Caliban. Cesaire's writing style is characterized by its heavy political message critiquing colonialism and emphasizing decolonization. The text pushes beyond a mere retelling of The Tempest and delves into deeper socio-political themes, challenging traditional power dynamics and exploring issues of freedom, slavery, and ownership.
1969•69 pages










