Books matching: protagonist with a troubled past
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- #1
Save:In "The Treadstone Resurrection" by Joshua Hood, the story revolves around Adam Hayes, a former Treadstone operative who is pulled back into the dangerous world of espionage and assassination. As Hayes tries to piece his life back together, he is drawn into a web of conspiracy involving powerful figures in multiple governments. With a mix of action-packed sequences, detailed descriptions, and a serious tone interspersed with moments of humor, the novel follows Hayes as he navigates through a world where enemies lurk at every turn, and his survival skills are put to the ultimate test.
The plot unfolds with Hayes being targeted by a crooked CIA agent, Jefferson Grey, who is determined to eliminate him to protect his own interests in Venezuela. As Hayes faces off against trained assassins and uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of power, he must rely on his Treadstone training and lethal abilities to outwit his enemies and stay alive. With a blend of suspenseful storytelling and intense action scenes, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Hayes fights to uncover the truth and take down those who seek to control him.
- #2
Save:'When the Stars Go Dark' by Paula McLain is a crime novel that follows the story of detective Anna Hart, who specializes in missing children cases. Set in the early 90s in northern California, the book intertwines a fictional missing person case with the real-life disappearance of Polly Klaas. Anna, a troubled and damaged woman, finds herself entangled in a dark and disturbing investigation that forces her to confront her own past traumas. The author, known for historical fiction, delves into themes of child abuse, adoption, and foster care, creating a gripping narrative that blends elements of psychological drama and true crime.
Anna Hart's journey in 'When the Stars Go Dark' is a haunting exploration of loss, redemption, and the complexities of human connection. The book beautifully captures the atmospheric setting of northern California and intricately weaves together multiple layers of mystery and emotional depth. Through Anna's character, McLain offers readers a compelling and immersive reading experience, as they follow her desperate quest for absolution while navigating through a dark and suspenseful investigation into missing girls.
The night feels shredded as I leave the city, through perforated mist, a crumbling September sky. Behind me, Potrero Hill is a stretch of dead beach, all of San Francisco unconscious or oblivious. Abo... - #3
Save:Summit Lake by Charlie Donlea is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of Becca, a young law student who is murdered in the very first chapter. The narrative alternates between Becca's life leading up to her death and Kelsey, a reporter recovering from her own painful past, who is determined to uncover the truth behind Becca's murder. As Kelsey delves deeper into the investigation, she faces resistance from the state police and uncovers unexpected suspects, leading to a shocking revelation at the end. The story is built backwards from the murder, providing an intriguing and suspenseful read with twists and mysteries that keep the reader engaged until the final pages.
The winter night sucked the sky black by the time she left the cafe. She walked the dark streets of Summit Lake and pulled her scarf tight against the cold. It felt good to finally tell someone. It ma... - #4
Save:'Glitz' by Elmore Leonard is a crime novel set in Puerto Rico and Atlantic City, following Miami Beach cop Vincent Mora as he deals with a botched robbery, a psychotic killer seeking revenge, and a naive prostitute named Iris. The story is praised for its crisp dialogue, vivid settings, and well-developed characters, making the reader feel like part of the action. Leonard's writing style is described as clean, direct, action-focused, and sophisticated, with interweaving plots and subplots that keep the story fast-paced and engaging.
ISIDRO LOVED THIS GUY TEDDY. He was Mr. Tourist, every taxi driver’s dream. The kind not only wants to see everything in the guide book, he wants the same driver every day because he trusts him and be... - #5
Save:'Gallows Thief' by Bernard Cornwell is a historical fiction novel set in 1817 London, post Napoleonic wars. The story follows Captain Rider Sandman, a Waterloo veteran turned investigator, who is hired to prove the innocence of a man sentenced to hang for a murder he did not commit. Sandman delves into the seamy streets of London, uncovering the flaws in the justice system and racing against time to find the real killer before it's too late. combines elements of murder mystery, social commentary, and historical accuracy to create a thrilling narrative that captures the ambiance of early 19th-century London.
With a writing style akin to Cornwell's Sharpe novels, 'Gallows Thief' presents readers with a well-crafted plot, a likeable protagonist in Sandman, and sturdy supporting characters that add depth to the story. offers a departure from Cornwell's usual battle-heavy narratives, focusing instead on the intricacies of the criminal justice system, the social dynamics of the era, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Cornwell brings Regency England to life, weaving together elements of mystery, historical accuracy, and social commentary into a captivating tale of justice and redemption.
RIDER SANDMAN WAS UP LATE THAT MONDAY MORNING because he had been paid seven guineas to play for Sir John Hart’s eleven against a Sussex team, the winners to share a bonus of a hundred guineas, and Sa... - #6
Save:'Berlin Game' by Len Deighton is a spy thriller set during the Cold War era, focusing on the character Bernard Samson, a British spy working for MI6. The plot revolves around the discovery of a leak in MI6 that endangers field agents and valuable spies in East Berlin. As Samson is reluctantly pulled into the crisis, he races against time to identify the traitor among his colleagues. The writing style is described as precise, with Chandleresque descriptions and a tight, focused narrative that keeps the story moving at a nice pace.
'Nearly a quarter of a century,' said Werner Volkmann. His arms were resting on the steering wheel and his head was slumped on them. That GI wasn't even born when we first sat here waiting for the dog... - #7
Save:Set in New Orleans in 1919, 'The Axeman's Jazz' by Ray Celestin is a fictionalized account of the true and bizarre unsolved murders that took place during that time. The story follows a series of murders committed by a serial killer dubbed The Axeman, who leaves cryptic notes and cards at the scene of his crimes. The narrative alternates among several characters, including a police detective, a private detective, and a mafia man, as they each try to uncover the identity of the killer. The book intricately weaves together the perspectives of these characters while delving into the historical backdrop of the era.
The author, Ray Celestin, effectively establishes the atmospheric setting of early twentieth-century New Orleans, providing detailed descriptions and evocative sights and sounds that transport readers to the time and place of the story. The plot unfolds slowly, with a focus on character development and the pursuit of the killer, allowing readers to become invested in the motives and backgrounds of the main characters. Despite the gruesome subject matter, the author manages to maintain a balance between the mystery and the characters' journeys, resulting in a compelling and immersive read.
To the west of the French Quarter, in the uptown slum the Orleanais referred to as the Battlefield, a Negro funeral procession lumbered through the granite sheen of a dawn fog. The mourners, dressed i... - #8
Save:Mate Set by Laurann Dohner is a steamy werewolf romance that follows the story of Mika and Grady as they navigate a forced mating season. The plot involves tension, misunderstandings, and consensual yet intense sexual encounters. The writing style is described as fast-paced, well-written, and filled with scorching hot scenes that keep readers engaged. The book explores themes of control, aggression, and the complexities of mating heat for both characters.
Mika experienced fear and confusion as the four men surrounded her. She was supposed to be safe in Bartock. This was her uncle’s town—humans were off limits to werewolves, it being law to leave them a... - #9
Save:Hell Island is a short, action-packed novella in the Shane Schofield series by Matthew Reilly. The story follows Captain Shane Schofield and his team of elite marines as they are sent to investigate a mysterious island where classified experiments have gone wrong, resulting in genetically enhanced super soldiers. The book is described as a fast-paced, non-stop action thriller, featuring intense military strategy and survival tactics. Despite being a short read, the plot is well thought out and full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged till the very end.
While the rest of their team listened in horror to Gator’s gruesome report, Schofield and Mother strode into the command centre, the inner section of the bridge. It too was largely wrecked, but not to...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Shane Schofield ) - #10
Save:Based on the provided opinions, "Night Fall" by Nelson DeMille is a gripping thriller that delves into the investigation of the real-life TWA Flight 800 crash in 1996. The story follows John Corey, an NYPD detective, and his wife Kate, as they uncover a potential conspiracy surrounding the crash. The book is praised for its well-researched plot, compelling characters, and the way it weaves together elements of suspense, humor, and real-life events like the TWA 800 disaster and 9/11. DeMille's writing style is described as smooth, compelling, and filled with clever details, although some readers find the humor at times excessive.
Bud Mitchell drove his Ford Explorer along Dune Road. Up ahead was a sign that said CUPSOGUE BEACH COUNTY PARK—OPEN DAWN TO DUSK. It was dusk, but Bud drove through an empty parking field, on the far ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series John Corey )
