Books matching: murderous beings
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- #1
Save:A wildly original and deeply sensory ride through obsession, passion, and horror - deliciously atmospheric but not for the faint of heart. If you want a book that you’ll never forget (for better or worse), give "Perfume" a try.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind follows the life of Jean Baptiste Grenouille, a man born with an extraordinary sense of smell. The story delves into Grenouille's obsession with capturing scents, leading him on a dark and disturbing path of murder and perfumery. Suskind weaves a unique narrative that balances wit, intrigue, and humor, creating a blend of murder mystery and historical fiction. The book explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and the power of scent, all set against the backdrop of 18th century France.
The book is characterized by its vivid and descriptive writing style, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Grenouille's world and experience scents through his perspective. The narrative unfolds with a dark and unique plot, showcasing the protagonist's psychopathic tendencies and his quest to create the ultimate perfume. Through a mix of literary flair and detailed descriptions, Suskind crafts a story that is both captivating and unsettling, leaving readers enthralled by the complexities of Grenouille's character and actions.
In eighteenth-century France there lived a man who was one of the most gifted and abominable personages in an era that knew no lack of gifted and abominable personages. His story will be told here. Hi...1976•278 pages - #2
Save:Unflinching, inventive, and absolutely gripping - Sadie is a dark, heart-wrenching mystery that lingers long after the last page. Highly recommended for podcast fans and anyone ready for an emotional, thought-provoking ride. Just be sure you’re prepared for tough themes and a story that doesn’t flinch from reality.
'Sadie' by Courtney Summers is a gripping YA novel that follows the story of Sadie, a teenage girl on a mission to avenge her sister's death. The book is structured with dual storylines - one from Sadie's perspective as she embarks on a dangerous journey to find her sister's killer, and the other from the viewpoint of a journalist creating a podcast about Sadie's disappearance. Through these alternating narratives, the reader gets a glimpse into Sadie's harrowing life filled with abandonment, abuse, and the search for justice.
The writing style of 'Sadie' is unique and engaging, utilizing the podcast format to provide additional insights and perspectives into the story. The book delves into dark and serious topics such as drug addiction, sexual abuse, and family dysfunction, offering a thought-provoking and emotionally taut mystery that keeps readers on edge until the end.
I’m going to steal the light from his eyes. I want to watch it go out. You aren’t supposed to answer violence with more violence but sometimes I think violence is the only answer. It’s no less than he...September 2018•336 pages - #3
Save:Dark, terrifying, and action-packed - the apocalypse done with a psychological twist! Not perfect, but a suspenseful, compulsively readable ride for horror and dystopia fans.
Dark Inside is a post-apocalyptic novel that follows the aftermath of a massive earthquake that unleashes a darkness within people, turning them into murderous beings known as Baggers. The story revolves around four main characters, each navigating through the chaos and violence to survive in a world where humanity itself becomes the greatest threat. The book is fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with graphic depictions that explore the depths of human nature in extreme survival scenarios.
Arms open wide. In front of me is nothing. No one ever knew how existence would end. Sure, they made assumptions: fire, flood, plague, etc. They studied the skies for locusts and watched for rain. The...November 2011•368 pages - #4
Save:A thoroughly atmospheric medieval mystery with a unique protagonist - perfect for fans of historical whodunits, but the convoluted plot and anachronisms may frustrate some. Worth trying if you love the era or want a series to sink into!
'A Plague on Both Your Houses' is a historical mystery set in 14th century Cambridge during the time of the Black Death. The protagonist, Physician Matthew Bartholomew, finds himself amidst a series of murders at the University of Cambridge while also trying to help his patients suffering from the plague. The plot is described as dense and intriguing, involving complex investigations, academic intrigue, and a detailed portrayal of the devastating effects of the plague on the town. The writing style is noted to be a mix of historical accuracy and modern elements, with some readers finding it engaging while others finding it lacking depth.
took several unsteady breaths, forcing himself to remain in the safety of the shadows until he was certain that they had gone. He jumped violently as a large cat stalked past his hiding place, glancin...1996•421 pages - #5
Save:'A Deadly Inside Scoop' follows Bronwyn Win Crewse, a third-generation ice cream shop owner in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, as she navigates the challenges of reopening her family's ice cream parlor, Crewse Creamery. When Win stumbles upon a dead body in the snow, she finds herself entangled in a murder mystery involving a grifter with a history of feuds with her family. With the help of her quirky friends and tight-knit family, Win sets out to solve the murder while balancing the demands of running her business and making delicious ice cream. introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters, a charming ice cream shop setting, and a compelling mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end.
Lying on my back, I stared up at my bedroom ceiling. When I’d moved to my own place, the only things I’d taken from my childhood home were the star-shaped glittered cardboard cutouts my grandmother an...May 2020•360 pages - #6
Save:A unique, stylish spin on vampire lore - this is a moody, slow-burn sapphic tale set in 1920s Harlem. It's an atmospheric read, best for fans of layered mysteries and queer historical fiction, but don't expect all your questions to be answered just yet.
This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings is a sapphic vampire novel set in the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Harlem. The story unfolds between two main characters, Elise and Layla, who share a complicated history as former friends turned enemies. As they navigate a world filled with intrigue and mystery, they become entangled in a series of murders linked to the Reaper population, with Elise's controlling father pulling the strings behind the scenes. The plot presents a mix of tension, slow-burn romance, and supernatural elements, all while exploring themes of family, loyalty, and social issues.
The writing style captures the ambiance of the Jazz Age and evokes the unique cultural elements of the time. While opinions on the writing vary, some readers appreciated the character development and the engaging world-building. However, others found the execution fell short, citing issues with clarity and plot cohesion. Despite mixed feelings on pacing and cliffhanger endings, the book is noted for its alluring setting and offers an intriguing take on vampire lore, appealing especially to fans of historical fantasy.
She was remade with spite. The first of her kind, her humanity stripped away and pumped full of poison and depravity in a laboratory. She was pushed to the brink of death, but pale hands, thorny and u...August 2024 - #7
Save:A witty, character-driven British whodunit with a memorable detective and clever prose - it’s not Sayers’ very best, but a promising and enjoyable start to the Lord Peter Wimsey series. Give it a try if you love classic mysteries and quirky detectives!
In the book 'Whose Body?' from the 'Lord Peter Wimsey' series by Dorothy L. Sayers, the story revolves around Lord Peter Wimsey, an English nobleman in the 1920s who investigates crimes as a hobby. When a body is found in a bathtub and a financier goes missing, Lord Peter, assisted by his friend Detective Parker and his servant Bunter, takes on the mysteries. Set in postwar England, the novel blends droll British humor with a satisfying murder mystery, introducing readers to the complex relationships of Lord Peter with his family and friends.
The plot unfolds with Lord Peter's charming yet layered character, who appears shallow but reveals a core decency and tragic depth as the story progresses. The murder mystery moves at a steady pace, with well-defined relationships among the characters and an engaging narrative that captures the atmosphere and societal questions of postwar England.
‘I’m afraid it’s an awkward place to turn in,’ said Lord Peter, answering the thought rather than the words. His long, amiable face looked as if it had generated spontaneously from his top hat, as whi...1923•206 pages - #8
Save:A lush and atmospheric murder mystery that’s more about the journey through feudal Japan than a twisty whodunit - worth it for the setting and history buffs, and a great intro to the Sano Ichiro series.
'Shinju' by Laura Joh Rowland is a historical mystery novel set in 17th century feudal Japan. The story follows Sano Ichiro, a samurai turned police officer, who becomes the main investigator for the shogun. As Sano delves into a supposed double suicide case, he uncovers a web of murder, conspiracy, and political intrigue that puts his life and honor at risk. The book offers a rich depiction of Japanese culture, societal norms, and the conflict between duty and personal desires, all seen through the eyes of a detective navigating a complex and dangerous world.
Yoriki Sano Ichirō, Edo’s newest senior police commander, made his way slowly on horseback across Nihonbashi Bridge. Early on this sunny, clear winter morning, throngs of people streamed around him: p...1994•441 pages - #9
Save:A brilliant, cerebral, and multi-layered medieval mystery - challenging but hugely rewarding. Pick it up if you want to get deliciously lost in a labyrinth of ideas, history, and suspense. Not for the faint of heart or the impatient reader!
'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a medieval murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery where Brother William of Baskerville investigates charges of heresy as monks begin to die one by one. The book delves into the complexities of religious factions, beliefs, and conflicts during a time of political and religious unrest, with a central mystery surrounding rare parchments in the library. Eco's writing style combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and intellectual discourse, exploring themes of doubt, belief, signs, meaning, and ambiguity.
ON AUGUST 16, 1968, I WAS HANDED A BOOK WRITTEN BY A CERTAIN Abbé Vallet, Le Manuscrit de Dom Adson de Melk, traduit en français d’après l’édition de Dom J. Mabillon (Aux Presses de l’Abbaye de la Sou...1980•559 pages - #10
Save:A gritty, atmospheric detective thriller with complex characters and a brooding Belfast backdrop - great for fans of character-driven crime fiction, even if it doesn’t quite top earlier books in the series.
'The Final Silence' by Stuart Neville is a thrilling detective noir fiction set in Northern Ireland, featuring the renegade Detective Inspector Jack Lennon. The story follows Lennon, who is on leave due to injuries sustained in a previous incident, as he tries to solve a murder where he is the prime suspect while also attempting to retrieve his daughter. The book is praised for its atmospheric and gritty portrayal of Belfast post-Troubles, engaging writing style, and complex character development, particularly of flawed and tortured characters like Lennon and Detective Flanagan.
If he could manage it, he’d fall dead into the water. At least that way he could be sure. To survive and be brought to a hospital was unthinkable. They would contact his family, such as it was, and hi...October 2014•360 pages
(Also, see 46 recommendations for the series Jack Lennon Investigations )
