Books matching: mysteries of the past
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- #1
Save:A gorgeously written, gothic mermaid mystery that’s dark, immersive, and perfect for readers who like their fantasy with a side of horror. Not your typical YA paranormal, but well worth diving into if you want something unique and haunting.
Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama is a unique take on mermaid lore, intertwining two timelines to tell a story of dark and vicious mermaids, vengeful ghosts, and a family curse. The plot is intricate, with events from the past impacting the present, and the writing quality is praised for seamlessly transitioning between different points of view and time periods. The book explores themes of romance, mystery, and haunting elements, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged throughout.
THE WIND WHIPPED Hester’s hair around her face. She shoved it behind her ears and closed her eyes for a second, taking a deep breath of sea air—faintly like salt, faintly like cucumbers. The ocean fil...September 2012•340 pages - #2
Save:A lush, literate, and atmospheric slow-burn mystery - with more appeal for fans of art, history, and classical puzzles than for those after high-octane thrills.
'The Savage Garden' by Mark Mills is a historical mystery set in Tuscany in the 1950s, where an English art history student named Adam delves into the secrets of the ancient garden at Villa Docci for his thesis. As Adam uncovers hidden meanings in the garden that point to a murder, he becomes entangled in the mysteries of the Doccis, both past and present. The book weaves together elements of classical mythology, Dante's Divine Comedy, and historical intrigue, creating a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The novel is praised for its atmospheric setting, engaging plot, and the slow unraveling of artistic clues within the garden design. Through Adam's investigation, readers are drawn into a world of family secrets, tragedy, and romance, all against the backdrop of Italy in 1958. The story blends elements of mystery, academia, and Italian history, offering a captivating and highly readable experience for those interested in historical thrillers.
This made him a figure of considerable suspicion to the ladies of the Horticultural Society, who, until his arrival on the scene, had vied quite happily amongst themselves for the most coveted award i...2006•388 pages - #3
Save:A snappy, darkly charming urban fantasy romp with unforgettable banter and a unique magical world - but with pacing quirks and some shortcomings in representation. Worth picking up if you want something fresh, fast, and queer-forward!
'The Last Sun' by K.D. Edwards is a high-octane urban fantasy adventure set in a world filled with magic thanks to the Atlanteans. The plot gallops along, introducing the reader to a pastiche of tropes and genres, blending elements of science fiction and fantasy. The story follows Rune, the heir to a Tarot Arcana House, as he navigates a world full of magic, mystery, and deadly plots, all set in the remains of Nantucket after a war disaster.
The writing style of 'The Last Sun' drops the reader right into the action, providing minimal backstory initially but gradually revealing more details as the plot unfolds. The characters, including Rune and his companions, are well-developed and grow on the reader over time. The book is praised for its fast-paced narrative, genre-bending elements, and a mix of dark humor that keeps readers engaged and eager for more.
“—said ‘What do I look like, your talla?’ And then I said, ‘You must be mad—go live off someone else’s income, you wrecked parasite.’” The rich man pronounced wrecked in the old Atlantean accent, clea...June 2018•368 pages - #4
Save:The Book of Hidden Things by Francesco Dimitri is a novel that follows the story of four lifelong friends from Caselfranco, Italy, who reunite every year at their favorite pizza parlor in their hometown. However, when one of them goes missing, the remaining friends embark on a journey to uncover the mystery surrounding his disappearance. The plot unfolds with elements of mystery, thriller, and fantasy, set in a small Italian town controlled by the mafia, where asking questions about missing people can be dangerous. The story delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, sacrifices, and the struggles of adulthood, blending supernatural elements with real-life challenges in a unique and engaging narrative style.
The narrative is rich in character development, with multiple viewpoints providing insight into each character's personality and dynamics within the group. The plot is intricately woven, featuring unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the satisfying conclusion. The book captures the essence of friendship, nostalgia, and the impact of childhood experiences on adult life, all set against the backdrop of a small Italian village where secrets and mysteries lurk beneath the surface.
1 Sitting at the table next to me is an elderly German couple. When the waiter recognises my accent, still local despite my best efforts, he winks and says, ‘They’re from Berlin. Moved here last month...July 2018 - #5
Save:'The Stalking Dead' in the series 'Gang of Ghouls' by Eva Chase follows the story of Lily, a young woman who has lost several years of her life in a mental institution and is now trying to navigate her past and present. As she returns to university, she faces bullying from her peers while seeking to reconnect with her long-lost sister. Unbeknownst to her, the imaginary friends she had as a child were actually real ghosts, who now seek to protect her by inhabiting bodies. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, mysteries surrounding Lily's past, the motives of an evil company, and the relationships between the characters.
The writing style in 'The Stalking Dead' is described as quirky and humorous, with an easygoing tone that balances paranormal elements, mystery, and a touch of romance. The story is a slow burn that focuses on character introductions, setting the scene, and building up the plot, creating an entertaining read that keeps readers engaged with its unique premise and diverse characters.
November 2021•305 pages - #6
Save:A quick, eerie read that nails tension and suspense, but the unsatisfying ending leaves you wanting more. Best enjoyed by fans of Koontz’s early supernatural thrillers who don’t mind a little ambiguity.
'The Mask' by Owen West (Dean Koontz) follows the story of Carol and Paul, a couple living the American dream until a mysterious teenager, Jane, enters their lives under unusual circumstances. As strange events start to occur, Carol and Paul begin to question if Jane's appearance was part of a cosmic plan. The novel delves into themes of reincarnation, supernatural elements, and the idea that sometimes we wear masks without truly knowing who we are. Despite the eerie and mysterious atmosphere, the book has a mix of action, suspense, and creepy moments, which are not typical for Koontz's usual style.
ACROSS the somber gray clouds, lightning followed a jagged course like cracks in a china plate. In the unsheltered courtyard outside Alfred O’Brian’s office, the parked cars glimmered briefly with har...November 1981•339 pages - #7
Save:A wild, unique ride packed with heart, humor, and suspense - but if you don’t like to be kept guessing or need instant answers, prepare for some frustration. Go in blind for the best experience, and get ready to binge the whole series!
In the book 'End of Day' by Jewel E. Ann, readers are taken on a thrilling journey with the eccentric characters of Jillian and Jackson Knight. The plot unfolds as the siblings, Jessica and Jude Day, start a new life in the community of Peaceful Woods under their new identities. The story switches between past and present, revealing the traumas and sacrifices that shape the complex lives of the characters. With dark humor, suspense, and romance intertwined, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the mysteries of the Knights' past.
The writing style in 'End of Day' is described as exceptional and captivating, with a perfect balance of mystery, thriller, and humor. The characters, especially Jillian and Jackson, are portrayed as strong, vulnerable, and complex individuals who navigate through past tragedies while forming new relationships in their quirky community. The book delves deep into themes of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery, offering a unique and twisted narrative that proves to be both emotional and engaging for readers.
The Days were transported to an undisclosed location that defined middle of nowhere, a million miles from civilization—no cell phones, no television, no computers … no alcohol. They were dropped off b...August 2015•425 pages - #8
Save:A darkly original YA fantasy with a brilliant magic system, slow-burn secrets, and a world that leaves you wanting more - even if it's sometimes a bit tropey and slow to start.
'Everless' by Sara Holland follows the story of Jules, who takes a job at the Everless estate where time is currency and the wealthy consume blood iron to stay young. Jules unravels mysteries about her past, involving secrets, betrayals, and a quest for survival. The writing style is described as imaginative, compelling, and filled with surprises, keeping readers engaged with a unique fantasy world and well-developed characters.
Most people find the forest frightening, believing the old tales of fairies who will freeze the time in your blood, or witches who can spill your years out over the snow with only a whisper. Even the...2017•370 pages - #9
Save:A juicy, modern Southern thriller that’s sharp, smart, and impossible to put down - just don’t expect to fall in love with the characters or find a neat, tidy ending.
'The Wife Upstairs' by Rachel Hawkins is a modern retake on Jane Eyre set in a wealthy community in Birmingham, Alabama. The story follows Jane, an orphan with a mysterious past, who becomes romantically involved with Eddie Rochester, a widower living in the house of her dreams. As their relationship progresses, it becomes evident that not everything is as it seems, with secrets and suspicions surrounding Eddie's deceased wife Bea and her friend. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader on edge as they uncover the truth behind the characters' motives and actions.
Rain has been pouring down all morning, making my drive from Center Point out here to Mountain Brook a nightmare, soaking the hem of my jeans as I get out of the car in the Reeds’ driveway, making my...January 2021•321 pages - #10
Save:'Night Stone' by Rick Hautala is a supernatural horror novel that centers around a man moving with his family into their ancestral home, which holds a haunted past. The plot involves the husband's obsession with uncovering the mysteries of the house's history, leading to terrifying experiences for the family members. The writing style of the book is described as filled with a creepy tension that builds up to a shocking climax, creating a spine-tingling atmosphere that keeps the readers on edge. The story combines elements of psychological thriller with supernatural occurrences, focusing more on creating an eerie ambiance rather than relying on excessive bloodshed.
“Are we there yet?” Beth asked from her balled-up position in the back seat of the family station wagon. Max, Beth’s collie, lay curled beside her, his head lolling almost onto the floor. He had never...1986•567 pages
