Books matching: mysterious disappearances of children
17 result(s)
- #1
Save:In the book "Bad Moon" by Todd Ritter, the plot revolves around a small town in Pennsylvania where young boys start disappearing every time there is a successful lunar landing. Former lieutenant Nick Donnelly, now a PI specializing in missing persons, is hired to locate a missing boy named Charlie. Teaming up with the town's police chief, Kat Campbell, they uncover dark secrets and a vicious serial killer. The story is a blend of mystery and horror, with dramatic twists and turns that keep the reader engaged till the shocking ending.
The writing style of Todd Ritter in "Bad Moon" is described as a perfect mix of horror and mystery. Readers praise the author for creating intriguing characters like Nick Donnelly and Kat Campbell, who are strong, admirable, and morally upright. The book delves into the characters' personal struggles while maintaining a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers hooked till the very end.
- #2
Save:'Seize the Night' by Dean Koontz is a thrilling tale set in Moonlight Bay, where children start disappearing, and the town's dark secrets begin to unravel. The protagonist, Christopher Snow, who has a rare genetic disorder, is determined to uncover the mysteries behind the abductions. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he faces a web of conspiracy, horror, and danger lurking in the shadows of the town. The story unfolds with suspenseful writing, engaging characters, and a blend of horror and sci-fi elements that keep the reader captivated till the end.
Elsewhere, night falls, but in Moonlight Bay it steals upon us with barely a whisper, like a gentle dark-sapphire surf licking a beach. At dawn, when the night retreats across the Pacific toward dista...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Moonlight Bay ) - #3
Save:'Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line' by Deepa Anappara is a novel that follows the story of nine-year-old Jai, who, inspired by police shows on TV, decides to investigate the mysterious disappearances of children from his slum. As Jai, along with his friends Pari and Faiz, delves deeper into the case, they uncover the harsh realities of life in the slums of India, where indifference from the police and societal tensions exacerbate the situation. The narrative, primarily from Jai's perspective, captures the innocence, courage, and struggles of the children as they navigate through a world filled with danger and uncertainty, shedding light on the issues of poverty, religious tensions, and the plight of missing children in India.
The book is praised for its vivid and evocative descriptions that bring the setting of the slums to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of Jai's surroundings. Through Jai's narrative, the author skillfully portrays the harsh realities faced by children in impoverished communities, highlighting the resilience, camaraderie, and determination of the young protagonists as they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the disappearances, ultimately revealing the complexities of social injustice and inequality in society.
- #4
Save:December Park by Ronald Malfi is a coming-of-age novel set in a small town haunted by the disappearance of teenagers. The story follows a group of friends led by Angelo as they embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the missing children, delving into the secrets of their town and confronting the mysterious figure known as the Piper. The narrative weaves together themes of friendship, loss, and the blurred lines between childhood and adulthood, creating a compelling and suspenseful tale that keeps readers engaged until the surprising and bittersweet ending. Malfi's writing style is praised for its realistic characters, vivid descriptions, and ability to evoke nostalgia for a time when childhood innocence and belief in the supernatural were intertwined.
We stood at the intersection of Point and Counterpoint,cigarettesdangling from our mouths like we were serious about something but too cool to show it, and shivered against the wind. Farther up Counte... - #5
Save:The God of the Woods by Liz Moore is a gothic layered mystery set in a secluded summer camp in the Adirondacks. The story revolves around the mysterious disappearances of two children from the wealthy Van Laar family, Bear and his sister Barbara. The atmosphere is thick with unease, enhanced by the camp's isolated setting and the dark legends surrounding it. The narrative weaves through different timelines and perspectives, offering glimpses into the lives of pre-teen girls and women, highlighting themes of class inequality, injustice, and the struggles women faced in the past.
Moore's writing style is immersive and detailed, bringing the camp and its characters to life. The story unfolds slowly, revealing twists and deepening mysteries that keep readers engaged. Some readers appreciated the complex characters and the intricate plotting, while others found the fragmented narrative a bit challenging to follow. Overall, The God of the Woods is praised for its rich themes, clever misdirection, and an enthralling atmosphere that keeps readers guessing until the end.
- #6
Save:Echoes in the Darkness by Joseph Wambaugh is a true crime drama that delves into the chilling murder of Susan Reinert, a teacher at Upper Merion High School in Pennsylvania. The plot unfolds as it explores the bizarre and convoluted relationships between the suspects, including William Bradfield and Dr. Jay Smith, both diagnosed as sociopaths. The narrative takes readers through the monumental police work spanning almost seven years to unravel the complexities of the case, revealing shocking details of manipulation, murder, and hidden lives.
Wambaugh's writing style in Echoes in the Darkness is described as gripping and detailed, with a cop's eye for facts and storytelling. The book presents a fascinating yet disturbing account of a true crime case, where each page unfolds new revelations that twist the plot in unexpected directions. Despite some readers finding the second half slightly slower, the book remains a captivating and repellent read, shedding light on the dark and sinister events surrounding the Mainline Murder Case.
“I wasn’t the first colleague to fall for Bill Bradfield, not by a long shot,” Sue Myers said. “He had a way. He was intense yet boyish. He was articulate and erudite but wasn’t afraid to show affecti... - #7
Save:'Hekla's Children' by James Brogden is a gripping and imaginative story that blends elements of mystery, thriller, and fantasy. The plot follows a group of students led by Nathan through Sutton's Park, where they encounter supernatural occurrences, including a legend of a wildman living in the woods. As the story progresses, the narrative transitions from a contemporary mystery thriller to a fantasy tale reminiscent of 'Mythago Wood,' with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged. The author's writing style is described as original, well-written, and fast-paced, creating a compelling narrative with well-drawn characters and a tight plot.
Across the hill fort they awoke. The women reached for their children in the dark and held them close, thankful that this time it wasn’t them, while the men found their bronze-bladed hunting spears an... - #8
Save:In 'The Dead Path' by Stephen M. Irwin, the main character, Nicholas Close, is haunted by visions of ghosts replaying their tragic deaths. Returning to his native Australia, he discovers a malevolent force in the creepy woods where his best friend was killed, leading him to unravel a dark mystery involving supernatural elements and a series of child murders. Irwin's writing style is descriptive, filled with metaphors, and creates a sensory feast for readers who enjoy a blend of horror, supernatural fiction, and thrilling suspense.
It drifted down slow as morning mist, settling white on brown, white on silver, white on white. It fell so thickly that Nicholas could see no more than a meter or so ahead. His hair, normally the colo... - #9
Save:In 'Blood & Ash' from 'The Jezebel Files' series by Deborah Wilde, readers are introduced to Ashira Cohen, a private investigator who discovers she has magical powers she didn't know about. The story unfolds as Ash navigates a dangerous conspiracy while trying to uncover the truth about her past and solve a missing person case. Set in an alternate Vancouver where magical beings coexist with humans, the book blends elements of Jewish mysticism with urban fantasy, creating a unique world filled with diverse characters and intriguing mysteries. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with snarky humor, making it a thrilling read for fans of the genre.
Her can-do spirit was currently being applied to a bit of breaking and entering. The sixteen-year-old had tried every point of entry on the ground floor of this weathered Craftsman house that was thir... - #10
Save:The novel "Instructions for a Heatwave" by Maggie O'Farrell follows the Riordan family during the hot summer of 1976 when the father, Robert, disappears without a trace. The story delves into the complexities of family relationships as the three siblings, Monica, Michael Francis, and Aoife, come together to support their mother, Gretta, in unraveling the mysteries surrounding their father's disappearance. Through natural and revealing writing, O'Farrell exposes the tensions, secrets, and buried emotions within the family, leading to a spellbinding exploration of past and present lives.
The book focuses on family dynamics, individual crises, and long-held secrets within the Riordan family, set against the backdrop of the scorching summer of 1976. O'Farrell's writing style expertly weaves together multiple perspectives, showcasing the struggles and interactions of each family member as they confront their personal challenges amidst the mystery of Robert's vanishing. The narrative unfolds over four days, providing a compelling and immersive look at the intricacies of family relationships and the impact of past traumas on the present.
The heat, the heat. It wakes Gretta just after dawn, propelling her from the bed and down the stairs. It inhabits the house like a guest who has outstayed his welcome: it lies along corridors, it circ...
