Books matching: secrets of the past
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Winter Wake' by Rick Hautala is a chilling tale set in Maine, where a family moves to an island to care for the father who recently suffered a stroke. Secrets from the past resurface, leading to strange friendships, hints of danger, and outright threats. The novel unfolds slowly but vividly, blending psychological and supernatural elements, culminating in a breathtaking finale where characters fight for survival amidst ghostly encounters and family tensions.
- #2
Save:'A Keeper' by Graham Norton is a dual timeline novel that follows Elizabeth Keane as she returns to Ireland after her mother's death and uncovers a hidden past through love letters found in her mother's closet. The story alternates between the present day and four decades earlier, revealing a tale of secrets, mysteries, and unexpected connections. The writing style effortlessly weaves between timelines, keeping the reader engaged with twists and turns that lead to a satisfying conclusion.
He longed for silence. The roar of the wind churned with the rasping rhythm of the waves and filled his head. Every morning, Edward woke to these sounds, and when his aching arms pulled the blankets u... - #3
Save:The Chef's Secret by Crystal King is a historical fiction novel set in Renaissance Italy, focusing on the life and secrets of Bartolomeo Scappi, a renowned chef who served as a private chef to the Vatican. The story follows Giovanni, Scappi's nephew and protégé, who inherits his uncle's estate and discovers a world of mystery and intrigue hidden within Scappi's journals and recipes. Through vivid descriptions of sumptuous feasts and culinary arts, King weaves a tale of forbidden love, court intrigue, and the complexities of Scappi's personal life, all set against the backdrop of 16th-century Italy.
King's writing style captivates readers from the first page, blending historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling. She skillfully brings to life the essence of Renaissance Italy, capturing the flavors, sights, and sounds of the era through extensive research. The narrative unfolds through Giovanni's perspective, offering a unique glimpse into the world of high-stakes cooking, romance, and betrayal, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction with a touch of mystery and culinary delights.
Word traveled fast at the Vaticano, even during the darkness of night. Within an hour of Bartolomeo Scappi’s passing, serving women from all over the palazzo had come to the chef’s bedside, crying for... - #4
Save:Lizzy, the last of the Moon girls, returns to her family farm after her grandmother's death to clear her name of being accused of witchcraft and murder. The story delves into the themes of family, love, friendship, and the expectations placed on women. As Lizzy investigates the deaths of two girls, she uncovers secrets and faces threats while navigating her past and relationships.
That was the gist of the letter. Dead in her bed on a Sunday morning. Dead of a long and wasting illness. Dead and already cremated, her ashes scattered at the rise of the full moon, as laid out in he... - #5
Save:Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman follows the story of Meg Rosenthal, a recent widow who moves to an elite private college in upstate New York with her teenage daughter, Sally. Meg takes up a teaching position at the school, which was once an artists' retreat run by Vera Beecher and Lily Eberhardt. As Meg delves into the history of the school and uncovers Lily's journal, she becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets and mysterious deaths. The novel alternates between the present-day narrative and entries from Lily's diary, creating a captivating blend of past and present. Goodman weaves a tale of Gothic intrigue, pagan rituals, and supernatural elements, all set against the backdrop of a secluded and atmospheric location.
The narrative unfolds with rich descriptions, atmospheric settings, and a cast of intriguing characters, including the headmistress Ivy St. Clare, the sheriff Cullum, and various artists and teachers. As Meg navigates the secrets of Arcadia Falls and grapples with her own personal struggles, the story builds towards a climax that reveals hidden truths and unexpected twists. Goodman's writing style combines elements of mystery, folklore, and art, drawing readers into a world filled with dark possibilities and literary depth.
“We’re not lost,” I reply, biting back the urge to tell Sally that one, we can no longer afford the things Lexy’s mother can, and two, the only places Lexy’s mother drives to are the Americana shoppin... - #6
Save:'Cruel Summer' by Juno Dawson (James Dawson) revolves around a group of friends reuniting in a Spanish villa a year after the suicide of one of their members. The idyllic holiday quickly turns into a nightmare when a former schoolmate claims the suicide was actually a murder. As tensions rise, secrets unravel, and suspicions grow, the friends find themselves entangled in a web of mysteries, secrets, and danger. The story is narrated from different perspectives, with a unique chapter style that immerses the reader into a gripping and unpredictable plot. The writing style, characterized by vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, creates a movie-like experience for the readers.
- #7
Save:Jocelyn, a seventeen-year-old girl who has recently lost her twin brother, receives a mysterious letter from someone using her brother's childhood code name. This letter leads her to team up with her childhood friend Noah to unravel a series of clues left by her brother, ultimately taking them back to a creepy foster home where they grew up together. As they follow the clues, they uncover secrets about each other and face unexpected dangers, all while trying to find out the truth about Jocelyn's missing brother. The story is told from Jocelyn's perspective, adding a layer of complexity to the plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
The Vanishing Game is a suspenseful mystery thriller that delves into themes of loss, friendship, and trust. With a cleverly crafted plot that keeps readers engaged as they follow the characters on a journey filled with unexpected twists and shocking revelations. The book's writing style, narrated in the first person by Jocelyn, adds a personal touch to the story, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level and experience the suspense and intrigue alongside them.
Staying in the shadows of buildings whenever possible, I ran along the sidewalk. The soles of my shoes slapped the wet concrete and beat out a desperate chant: get to him … get to him … as car engines... - #8
Save:Lost Among the Living by Simone St. James is a historical fiction novel set in the aftermath of World War I. The story follows Jo Manders, a widow who lost her husband in the war and is struggling to support herself and her sick mother. She takes a job as a paid companion to her husband's wealthy and condescending Aunt Dottie, leading her to the family estate in the Sussex countryside, where dark secrets and mysteries unravel. Jo is haunted by a restless spirit and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her husband's past and the mysterious death in the family, all while navigating eerie atmospheres and suspenseful plot twists.
The book is described as a blend of ghost story, mystery, suspense, romance, and historical fiction, offering readers a riveting Gothic love war mystery with a strong and practical heroine. Set in a post-WWI era, the novel delves into themes of grief, deception, and independence, as Jo discovers hidden truths about her husband and the sinister forces at work in Wych Elm House. The writing style is praised for being atmospheric, murky, and deftly drawn, providing an immersive reading experience that keeps readers engaged until the end.
By the time we left Calais, I thought perhaps I hated Dottie Forsyth. To the observer, I had no reason for it, since by employing me as her companion Dottie had saved me from both poverty and a life r... - #9
Save:Mississippi Blood by Greg Iles is the final book in the Penn Cage trilogy, where the story picks up with Penn Cage's father, Dr. Tom Cage, on trial for murder. The book delves into the past evils and open secrets that haunt the characters, with a focus on the trial of Penn's father and the intricacies of the legal battle. The narrative weaves together elements of family drama, courtroom suspense, historical racial tensions, and a battle against corrupt forces, creating a gripping and intense story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
For the past few weeks I’ve been writing as a strategy for staying sane. Strange to admit, but there it is. Since Caitlin’s death, I’ve been having trouble with some of the basic principles of existen...
(Also, see 96 recommendations for the series Penn Cage ) - #10
Save:In "The Shape of Night" by Tess Gerritsen, Ava, a food writer, escapes to a secluded mansion in a small Maine town to finish her book. However, the house she rents, Brodie's Watch, holds dark secrets and a haunting presence. As Ava becomes entangled with the ghostly figure of Captain Brodie, she discovers a history of mysterious deaths and dangerous secrets within the house. The book combines elements of ghost stories, suspense, and romance, creating a chilling and atmospheric read that delves into themes of guilt, desire, and the supernatural.
The narrative unfolds with Ava's exploration of the haunted mansion, her encounters with the ghostly presence of Captain Brodie, and her unraveling of the dark mysteries surrounding the house. Gerritsen's writing style weaves together elements of suspense, Gothic atmosphere, and psychological depth, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists and layers of complexity. The story explores themes of isolation, regret, and the consequences of past actions, culminating in a tale that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural.
I had felt no such apprehension on that day in early August when I turned onto North Point Way and drove toward Brodie’s Watch for the first time. I knew only that the road needed maintenance and the ...
