Books matching: secrets and deception
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware follows the story of Harriet Westaway, also known as Hal, who receives a letter about an inheritance from her grandmother, Hester Westaway, a woman she never knew existed. Desperate for money, Hal decides to attend the funeral and reading of the will, only to uncover a web of family secrets and mysteries that she must navigate. As she delves deeper into the Westaway family, Hal finds herself in danger and must untangle the truth about her parentage amidst a backdrop of isolation, deception, and dark revelations.
Ruth Ware's writing in The Death of Mrs. Westaway is described as engrossing, gothic, and suspenseful, reminiscent of classics like Rebecca. The book combines elements of family turmoil, long-buried secrets, and a brooding Cornish mansion, all wrapped up in a twisty mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With a compelling protagonist, shifty characters, and a questionable will, Ware's storytelling style draws readers in and immerses them in a modern take on the classic gothic mystery genre.
The girl leaned, rather than walked, into the wind, clutching the damp package of fish and chips grimly under one arm even as the gale plucked at the paper, trying to unravel the parcel and send the c... - #2
Save:'North' by Vanessa Vale is a thrilling romantic suspense novel set in the 'Billionaire Ranch' series. The story follows undercover FBI agent Jed, who is sent to investigate North Wainright, the heiress to the Wainwright Estate. However, Jed finds himself falling in love with North and sets out to prove her innocence amidst a backdrop of family secrets, danger, and steamy romance. The plot is filled with mystery, intrigue, and unexpected twists, making it a captivating read for fans of romantic suspense.
The writing style in 'North' is described as engaging, fast-paced, and steamy. is praised for its well-developed characters, particularly North and Jed, who are portrayed as complex individuals with intriguing backstories. The author, Vanessa Vale, skillfully weaves together elements of drama, romance, humor, and suspense, creating a story that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. Overall, 'North' offers a mix of romance, mystery, and action, making it a compelling start to the Billionaire Ranch series.
- #3
Save:The Foundling by Stacey Halls is a historical fiction novel set in 18th century London, focusing on the lives of two women, Bess Bright and Alexandra Callard. Bess, a young mother and shrimp seller, leaves her baby at the Foundling Hospital, hoping to reclaim her daughter Clara after six years. However, upon her return, she discovers that someone has already claimed her child using her name. Meanwhile, widow Alexandra, who lives a secluded life with her daughter, becomes intertwined with Bess's quest to find her daughter. The story delves into themes of motherhood, social divisions, and the challenges faced by women in Georgian England.
All the babies were wrapped like presents ready to be given. Some of them were dressed finely – though their mothers were not – in tiny embroidered sleeves and thick shawls, for winter had arrived, an... - #4
Save:'The One' by John Marrs explores a world where a company claims to have discovered a gene that can scientifically determine soulmates through DNA testing. The book follows the stories of five couples who have been matched by this technology, revealing the shocking consequences of relying on genetic science to find true love. The plot is filled with suspenseful twists and turns, keeping readers engaged as they navigate through various characters' lives and relationships. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, compelling, and thought-provoking, with chapters dedicated to different characters' experiences linked together in a clever and surprising manner.
The shirtless man had cropped, light-brown hair, and posed on a beach with his legs spread apart with the top half of his wetsuit rolled down to his waist. His eyes were the clearest shade of blue. Hi... - #5
Save:'The River Knows' by Amanda Quick is a historical romance mystery set in late 19th century London. The story follows the investigation of Louisa Bryce and Anthony Stalbridge as they uncover secrets, lies, and danger in high society. Louisa, a journalist writing under an alias, is determined to expose a wealthy man involved in illicit activities, while Anthony seeks to clear his name and uncover the truth behind his late fiancee's death. As they join forces, they navigate through a web of mysteries, villains, and societal expectations, all while developing a deep connection.
- #6
Save:'The Hellfire Club' by Peter Straub is a gripping tale that follows the protagonist Nora as she navigates through a series of bizarre events, including the grisly murders in her town and a kidnapping by a serial killer. As Nora delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding a fantasy novel called Night Journey, invented by Straub for the story, she unravels the dark secrets of the book and its connection to certain individuals, particularly Davey Chancel and his family. The novel weaves together elements of suspense, mystery, and literary fiction, creating a dense and intricate plot that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
AT THREE O’CLOCK in the morning, a woman named Nora Chancel, soon to be lost, woke up from the usual nightmares with the usual shudder and began for the thousandth time to check her perimeter. Darknes... - #7
Save:The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee is a 19th-century historical fiction novel set in Paris, following the narrative of Lilliet Berne, a legendary soprano of the Paris Opera. The story delves into Lilliet's tragic past and her journey to break free from societal constraints, showcasing her survival and reinvention throughout different phases of her life. The book is described as a well-detailed saga filled with drama, tragedy, and high theatrics, reminiscent of the world of opera.
The narrative unfolds through Lilliet's perspective as she navigates through various roles, from a circus performer to a prostitute, a prisoner, a servant for the Empress, and ultimately a renowned opera singer. The book captures the atmospheric and lyrical essence of 19th-century Paris while portraying the struggles and triumphs of the protagonist, offering readers a glimpse into the glamorous yet tumultuous life of an opera diva.
WHEN IT BEGAN, it began as an opera would begin, in a palace, at a ball, in an encounter with a stranger who, you discover, has your fate in his hands. He is perhaps a demon or a god in disguise, offe... - #8
Save:Linwood Barclay's 'Never Look Away' follows David Harwood, a small town newspaper reporter, whose wife Jan disappears during a family outing to an amusement park. As David becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance, he embarks on a frantic search to clear his name and unravel the truth behind his wife's actions. The novel is praised for its fast-paced and suspenseful plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the very end.
The narrative delves into themes of deception, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. Barclay's writing style is described as gripping and compelling, with a blend of first-person and third-person perspectives that add depth to the story and create a sense of urgency that propels the plot forward.
“Yeah, David.” This was the thing with politicians. You called them “Mister” and they called you by your first name. Didn’t matter whether it was the president of the United States or some flunky on t... - #9
Save:'The Wives of Los Alamos' by TaraShea Nesbit is a novel that delves into the experiences of the wives of the scientists who developed nuclear weapons during World War II in the isolated location of Los Alamos, New Mexico. The author uses a unique writing style of first person plural, 'we', to narrate the collective story of these women who were kept in ignorance of the purpose of the laboratory where their husbands worked. portrays the struggles, uncertainties, and daily lives of these women as they navigated through secrecy, isolation, and the consequences of being connected to the development of the atomic bomb.
The writing style of the author, using the plural pronoun 'we', effectively conveys the ambiguity and collective experiences of the wives at Los Alamos. provides a different perspective on the history of the development of the atomic bomb by focusing on the women's point of view, offering insights into their thoughts, feelings, and reactions to being part of a secretive and significant chapter in history.
OVER THE BLACK Sea, the Mediterranean, the Pacific, the Arctic, the Atlantic; in sewers, in trenches, on the ocean, in the sky: there was a war going on. Sometimes it seemed far away, barely happening... - #10
Save:'Mr. Loverman' by Bernardine Evaristo follows the story of Barrington Walker, a 75-year-old closeted gay man living in London who is contemplating leaving his wife of 50 years for his lifelong lover, Morris. Set against the backdrop of Barry's past in Antigua and his present struggles with identity and relationships, the novel weaves together themes of love, family dynamics, and societal expectations. Evaristo's writing style skillfully captures the complexities of Barry's character, blending humor, empathy, and poignant storytelling to offer a unique perspective on love and self-discovery.
Morris is suffering from that affliction known as teetotalism. Oh yes, not another drop of drink is goin’ pass his lips before he leaves this earth in a wooden box, he said just now when we was in the...
