Books matching: secrets and betrayals
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- #1
'The Coldest City' by Antony Johnston is a graphic novel that serves as the original work behind the movie 'Atomic Blonde'. The story revolves around a complex tale of secrets and betrayals set during the Cold War era in Berlin. The plot twists and turns with every page, introducing new characters while disposing of others, keeping readers engaged throughout the narrative. The black and white artwork, although criticized for being cryptic and difficult to follow at times, adds a sense of bleakness and coldness that complements the espionage genre of the story. Readers appreciated the unique storytelling style of the author, which created a vivid and immersive experience, making them feel like they were part of the spy narrative.
- #2
The House of Fortune is a captivating sequel to The Miniaturist set in Amsterdam, continuing the story of Nella Brandt, her family, and the mysterious miniaturist. The plot revolves around the struggles of the Brandt family to secure their future, especially for Nella's daughter, Thea. The narrative is filled with secrets, betrayal, and the intricate relationships between the characters, set against the backdrop of Amsterdam in a bygone era. The writing style vividly brings to life the atmosphere of late 17th and early 18th Century Holland, drawing readers into a world of intrigue and suspense.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Miniaturist ) - #3
Belgravia by Julian Fellowes is a historical fiction novel set in the 1840s, revolving around the intertwined lives of two families - the Trenchards and the Bellasis. The story begins with a secret that links the families together, involving an aristocratic woman, an undeserving nephew, and a successful man in trade. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey filled with upstairs-downstairs intrigue, historical domestic details, and well-drawn characters, all set against the backdrop of England's upper crust society.
- #4
In "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, the story unfolds in Barcelona in 1945, where a young boy discovers a book titled 'The Shadow of the Wind' in a secret library of forgotten titles. This discovery sets off a chain of events as he delves into the mystery of the book's author, Julian Carax, whose life and death are shrouded in secrets. The plot weaves through murder, madness, and love, creating an epic tale of intrigue and suspense. As the protagonist, Daniel, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind Carax's works, he finds himself entangled in a complex web of mysteries and revelations.
Zafon's writing style in "The Shadow of the Wind" is described as enchanting, atmospheric, and immersive. The author skillfully combines elements of mystery, romance, and historical fiction to create a captivating narrative that transports readers to post-war Barcelona. Through intricate plots, fully developed characters, and evocative descriptions, Zafon crafts a story that explores the power of books, the complexities of human relationships, and the enduring impact of secrets and betrayals.
THERE ARE NO SECOND CHANCES IN LIFE, EXCEPT TO FEEL remorse. Julián Carax and I met in the autumn of 1933. At that time I was working for the publisher Toni Cabestany, who had discovered him in 1927 i... - #5
In the book 'Midnight Waltz' by Jennifer Blake, readers are transported to antebellum Louisiana, where young wife Amalie finds herself in a marriage with Julien, a charming and passionate man with a mysterious side. The story unfolds with secrets, societal expectations, and forbidden desires as Amalie navigates her relationships with her husband and his cousin Robert. Set against the backdrop of a Louisiana plantation in the 1800s, the narrative explores themes of love, passion, societal norms, and the complexities of relationships in a historical context. The writing style, although reflective of its 1980s origins, offers vivid descriptions, lush storytelling, and a seamless portrayal of Creole society, drawing readers into the world of Amalie and the characters around her.
- #6
THE RETREAT by Sherri Smith follows four women attending a wellness retreat where they are meant to clear their minds, drink psychoactive tea, and emerge completely renewed and refreshed. Each woman has her own difficulties in life and reasons for attending the retreat, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that no one is who they initially seem to be. The novel is written in third person, alternating between the perspectives of Katie, Ellie, Carmen, and Ariel, as they reveal more about themselves and the messes they left behind in the real world.
The book opens with a strong hook, throwing the reader into the middle of the action with a murder, and then jumps back three days prior as the women prepare to leave for the retreat. The pacing of the book is a mix of essential build-up and surprises, with twists that keep the reader engaged, even though some may find it easy to predict the culprit partway through. The characters are complex, with secrets and insecurities that make their poor choices believable, leading to a suspenseful and engaging story.
- #7
"Hush, Hush" by E.M. Moore follows the story of Delilah Dee Astor, a member of a rich and powerful family who aims to break into a male-dominated secret society. Throughout the book, readers witness Dee's tumultuous relationship with Keegan Forbes, her promised future husband, as they navigate issues of power, control, and manipulation. The plot is filled with mystery, betrayal, and a dark romance that keeps readers on edge, leading to a shocking and emotional ending that leaves them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
- #8
'The Lost Girls of Paris' by Pam Jenoff is a historical fiction novel that intertwines the lives of women involved in espionage during WWII. The story follows Grace in post-war New York City, Eleanor in London during 1943, and Marie in occupied France in 1944. Grace stumbles upon a suitcase filled with photographs of female spies, sparking her curiosity to uncover the fate of these women. As the narrative shifts between timelines, readers delve into the world of female SOE agents and the sacrifices they made for the war effort. The book explores themes of friendship, courage, sacrifice, and the untold stories of these lost heroines.
At nine twenty on a Tuesday morning, Grace should have been headed south on the first of two buses she took to get downtown, commuting from the rooming house in Hell’s Kitchen to the Lower East Side o... - #9
The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda is a psychological thriller that delves into the life of protagonist Jane Harris, who is trying to reclaim control of her family one year after the tragic death of her daughter Mary. The story unfolds through Jane's unreliable narration, revealing her narcissistic tendencies and obsession with uncovering the truth behind her daughter's death, leading to shocking revelations and unexpected twists. The writing style keeps readers engaged with its clever storytelling and complex characters, making it a suspenseful and captivating read.
I glance at my creation and smile: behold the dining room table. It is critical to create the proper atmosphere when entertaining, the illusion of perfection. As one of the most important hostesses in... - #10
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton is a gothic mystery novel that follows the journey of London book editor Edie Burchill as she unravels the long-buried secrets of the eccentric and reclusive Sisters Blythe at Milderhurst Castle. Set against the backdrop of WWII and the present day, the story weaves together family legacies, jilted lovers, and mysterious letters that lead to a haunting exploration of the past. The narrative alternates between timelines, revealing dark corners of the story and capturing the emotional struggles of the characters as they navigate secrets and tragedies.
The book is praised for its compelling plot, stunning setting, and well-written narrative that effortlessly blends historical fiction with modern suspense. Readers are drawn into the atmospheric tale of intertwined lives, lost love, and family mysteries, as Edie delves into her mother's past and uncovers the hidden truths that connect her to the enigmatic Sisters Blythe. With intricate storytelling and complex characters, The Distant Hours offers a captivating journey filled with surprises, twists, and emotional depth.
IT started with a letter. A letter that had been lost a long time, waiting out half a century in a forgotten postal bag in the dim attic of a nondescript house in Bermondsey. I think about it sometime...