Books matching: mounting suspense
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- #1
Save:"Rosemary's Baby" by Ira Levin revolves around a young wife, Rosemary Woodhouse, who finds herself entangled in an occult plot to steal her baby for Satanistic rituals after it is born. The story is told solely through Rosemary's eyes, creating a sense of being trapped with her as she navigates through eerie occurrences and reaches a horrifying conclusion. The plot unfolds in contemporary New York City, skillfully crafted by Levin to build mounting suspense and a sense of dread throughout the narrative.
The writing style in "Rosemary's Baby" is described as simple, engrossing, and suspenseful by readers. Levin's storytelling is praised for its subtle yet creepy elements, with a slow buildup of tension leading to a chilling finale. is noted for its ability to delve into themes of satanism, witchcraft, and the fear surrounding motherhood, all set against a backdrop of everyday details that add to the overall sinister atmosphere.
ROSEMARY AND GUY WOODHOUSE had signed a lease on a five-room apartment in a geometric white house on First Avenue when they received word, from a woman named Mrs. Cortez, that a four-room apartment in... - #2
Save:'The Secrets She Keeps' by Michael Robotham is a psychological thriller that delves into the lives of two pregnant women, Meghan and Agatha, who form an unlikely bond. As their due dates draw near, secrets unfold, leading to a sinister and suspenseful tale of obsession, envy, and deception. The author skillfully weaves a multi-layered plot, showcasing the complexities of human nature and the unexpected twists that challenge the readers' perceptions.
I am not the most important person in this story. That honor belongs to Meg, who is married to Jack, and they are the perfect parents of two perfect children, a boy and a girl, blond and blue-eyed and... - #3
Save:'Enigma' by Robert Harris is a historical fiction novel set at Bletchley Park during World War II, focusing on the codebreakers' efforts to decrypt the Enigma machine used by the Germans. The plot follows protagonist Tom Jericho, a cryptanalyst, as he returns to work to find his girlfriend missing and suspected of treason, while also dealing with the pressure to break the Enigma code. The writing style is described as compelling, vivid, and detailed, capturing the atmosphere of wartime Britain and the challenges faced by the characters in their codebreaking endeavors.
A ceaseless Siberian wind with nothing to blunt its edge for a thousand miles whipped off the North Sea and swept low across the Fens. It rattled the signs to the air-raid shelters in Trinity New Cour... - #4
Save:In Robert Harris' "Pompeii," the story unfolds in AD 79 as Marcus Attilius, an aquarius overseeing the Aqua Augusta aqueduct, is sent to Pompeii to investigate a water supply issue. As he delves into the problem, he uncovers political intrigue, portentous signs of an imminent disaster, and the looming eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Despite the predictable outcome, the novel is described as a definite page-turner, blending science, engineering, and historical elements seamlessly into the plot.
The book offers a vivid portrayal of life in ancient Rome, specifically in Pompeii, before the catastrophic eruption. Readers are transported back in time, experiencing the daily struggles, conflicts, and societal dynamics of the era through the eyes of the protagonist, Attilius. The narrative skillfully weaves together tales of corruption, survival, and love amidst the impending natural disaster, creating an engrossing and suspenseful story that captures the essence of Pompeii's final days.
A strong correlation has been found between the magnitude of eruptions and the length of the preceding interval of repose. Almost all very large, historic eruptions have come from volcanoes that have ... - #5
Save:In "Company of Liars" by Karen Maitland, the story unfolds during the outbreak of the Plague in England, following a group of nine strangers led by an elderly peddler named Camelot as they journey through the country to escape the pestilence. Each character has a dark secret that is gradually revealed, intertwining their lives and creating a sense of mystery and suspense. The narrative is rich in historical details, superstitions, and occult references, capturing the essence of the Middle Ages and the dangers of that era.
The book is a blend of historical fiction, mystery, horror, and fantasy elements, with a narrative reminiscent of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. As the characters navigate through medieval England, facing religious intolerance, superstitions, and the threat of the Plague, the story delves into themes of deception, secrets, and survival. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, compelling, and haunting, drawing readers into a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, creating a gripping tale of mistrust, friendship, and the unknown.
They say that if you suddenly wake with a shudder, a ghost has walked over your grave. I woke with a shudder on that Midsummer's Day. And although I had no way of foreseeing the evil that day would br... - #6
Save:'Houses Without Doors' by Peter Straub is a collection of short stories that delve into incredibly creepy moods set in normal settings, exploring the thin line between sanity and insanity. The stories focus on childhood horror, psychological creepiness, and the interplay of psychological maladies, psychosis, and obsession. Straub weaves dark and memorable tales that leave readers with a sense of doom and an off-kilter worldview, all while using non-linear storytelling to enhance the emotional depth of the characters.
On a stifling summer day the two youngest of the five Beevers children, Harry and Little Eddie, were sitting on cane-backed chairs in the attic of their house on South Sixth Street in Palmyra, New Yor... - #7
Save:Ancient Images by Ramsey Campbell is a gripping psychological thriller that follows film editor Sandy Allen on a quest to uncover a lost horror movie starring Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. As Sandy delves deeper into the mystery, she becomes entangled in a web of ancient curses, mythic rituals, and a sinister power lurking beneath the surface of a small village. The narrative is filled with mounting dread, eerie atmospheres, and a sense of impending doom, all expertly crafted by Campbell to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story seamlessly weaves together elements of folk horror, mystery, and psychological disquiet, drawing readers into a world where the line between reality and nightmare blurs.
Sandy was on her way to lunch when she met Graham Nolan in the corridor. His grey mane gleamed as he strode towards her through the sunlight above London, his blue eyes sparkled, his long cheeks and f... - #8
Save:'The Troop' by Nick Cutter is a horror novel that follows a group of five 14-year-old Scouts and their Troop Master who are dropped off on an island for a weekend of hiking and survival skills. The story takes a terrifying turn when a starving man infected with worms arrives on the island, leading to a series of gruesome and horrifying events. The book is praised for its compelling storytelling, detailed descriptions of horror, and the use of interspersed news accounts and transcripts to enhance the narrative.
The plot of 'The Troop' is described as a mix of 'Lord of the Flies' and 'The Ruins', with a focus on the boys' struggle for survival in the face of unimaginable terror. The writing style is noted for its vivid and clinical imagery, complex metaphors, and the ability to evoke discomfort and fear in readers. The book delves into themes of plausible horror, unethical experimentation, and the dark side of human nature, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere throughout the story.
The man was wet from the spray that kicked over the gunwale. The outline of his body was visible under his drenched clothes. He easily could have been mistaken for a scarecrow left carelessly unattend... - #9
Save:"Midnight Riot" in the series "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch follows the story of Peter Grant, a police constable in London, who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice wizard after encountering a ghost at a crime scene. Grant's new role leads him to work on solving supernatural crimes with Chief Inspector Nightingale, blending magic and modern police work in a parallel London where magic is real but hidden from most people. offers a mix of contemporary London life, magical elements, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and unique urban fantasy setting.
IT STARTED at one thirty on a cold Tuesday morning in January when Martin Turner, street performer and, in his own words, apprentice gigolo, tripped over a body in front of the West Portico of St. Pau...
