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Books matching: sinister character

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  1. #1

    The Cook by Harry Kressing
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    'The Cook' by Harry Kressing is a dark and sinister tale of manipulation in the kitchen, following the path of Conrad, a mysterious chef with ulterior motives. The story revolves around Conrad's ability to transform the lives of the rural but wealthy Hills and Vales through his gastronomic hedonism, blending elements of flattery, manipulation, and sociopathy with a touch of Grimm Brothers' magic. The book is described as a grim fairy tale for adults, where Conrad's actions are shrouded in mystery and malevolence, leading to a gripping and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on edge.

    The writing style of 'The Cook' is praised for its dark humor, clever plot execution, and the author's ability to create a sense of unease and surreal black comedy throughout the story. Readers are drawn into Conrad's world slowly, meal by meal, as they uncover the layers of his manipulative schemes and the consequences of his actions on the unsuspecting townspeople.

    1 One hill stood out. It was steeper than the others, and higher. Also, it had no peak. While the rounded, wooded tops of the surrounding hills undulated, one into the other, this one broke the rhythm...

  2. #2

    The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher
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    The Seventh Bride by T. Kingfisher is a dark and eerie retelling of the Bluebeard fairy tale, featuring a miller's daughter, Rhea, who is forced to marry a mysterious sorcerer lord. As Rhea navigates the sorcerer's mansion filled with strange and sinister characters, she must complete impossible tasks to avoid the same fate as his previous wives. The book blends elements of horror, fantasy, and fairy tale, creating a captivating story that explores themes of courage, friendship, and the fight against evil. The writing style is described as imaginative, with a good mix of pragmatism and invention, creating a unique and enthralling atmosphere throughout the book.

    Her father said that she had been named after a great and powerful goddess of the old days, the queen of all the gods, but in that country at that time, there weren’t many books about gods. There were...

  3. #3

    Bride of Pendorric by Jean Plaidy (Victoria Holt)
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    Favel Farrington, a young English girl, is swept off her feet by Roc Pendorric, who takes her to his family's ancient estate in Cornwall. The Pendorric family welcomes her, but there is something sinister going on at Pendorric related to the mysterious deaths of previous brides. The book is a twist on the Rebecca story, filled with Gothic elements, dark secrets, and suspenseful events. The writing style is characterized by a sense of foreboding, eerie descriptions of Cornwall, and a well-executed tension that keeps readers engaged until the end.

    j MEN FREYA KING OP THE CASTLE I often marvelled after I went to Pendorric that one’s existence could change so swiftly, so devastatingly. I had heard life compared with a kaleidoscope and this is how...

  4. #4

    Clockwork by Philip Pullman
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    Clockwork by Philip Pullman is a dark and creepy fairy tale set in a German town, where an apprentice clockmaker named Karl fails to create a figure for the town's clock, leading to a series of mysterious and eerie events. The story weaves together multiple narratives, including that of a clockwork prince, a sinister doctor, and a storyteller with a Faustian pact. Pullman's writing style is described as exceptional, with dreamlike illustrations enhancing the haunting atmosphere of the tale.


  5. #5

    Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson
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    'Dark Tales' by Shirley Jackson is a collection of unsettling and mysterious stories that evoke a sense of menace and suspense rather than outright fear. The tales are well-written, with a misleading sense of normality giving rise to strange and unexpected revelations. From haunted houses to dark woods, the stories in this collection explore themes of paranoia, haunting, and the sinister lurking within the mundane. Shirley Jackson's writing style is clean, vivid, and to the point, painting a vivid picture of a haunting world where nothing is as it seems.

    Miss Adela Strangeworth stepped daintily along Main Street on her way to the grocery. The sun was shining, the air was fresh and clear after the night’s heavy rain, and everything in Miss Strangeworth...

  6. #6

    N0S4A2 by Joe Hill
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    N0S4A2 by Joe Hill is a horror novel that delves into the dark and twisted world of Christmasland, where a string of child abductions takes place. The story follows a protagonist named Vic, who discovers she has the ability to travel to different places by riding her bicycle. She encounters a sinister character named Charlie Manx, who kidnaps children into his own personal world. The book is described as a mix of crime and supernatural elements, with a creative and nightmare-inducing writing style that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.


  7. #7

    The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
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    Set in a creepy Victorian-era estate, "The Silent Companions" follows Elsie Bainbridge, a young widow who discovers eerie wooden figures that seem to have a life of their own. As Elsie delves into the secrets of the house, she uncovers a history of supernatural occurrences and dark mysteries spanning centuries. The narrative shifts between different time periods, weaving a tale of suspense, horror, and family secrets that keep the reader on edge. Laura Purcell's writing style is described as atmospheric, vivid, and slow-burning, creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the book.

    The new doctor took her by surprise. Not that there was anything unusual in his arrival – doctors came and went often enough. But this one was young. New to the profession, as well as the place. There...

  8. #8

    The Debt to Pleasure by John Lanchester
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    The Debt to Pleasure by John Lanchester is a dark and sensuous book that combines elements of a memoir, cookbook, thriller, and philosophical treatise. The narrator, Tarquin Winot, is a self-important gourmand who takes the reader on a journey through his musings on food, recipes, and his own life story. As the narrative unfolds through seasonal menus, the reader is drawn into a world of murder, art, and culinary delights, all narrated by a character who is both witty and sinister.

    This is not a conventional cookbook. Though I should straight away attach a disclaimer to my disclaimer and say that I have nothing but the highest regard for the traditional collection of recipes, ar...

  9. #9
    Police
    by: 
    Book 10 in the series:Harry Hole

    Police - Harry Hole by Jo Nesbø
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    'Police' in the 'Harry Hole' series by Jo Nesbø revolves around a series of brutal murders targeting police officers who were associated with unsolved cases. As the plot thickens, new and sinister characters are introduced, adding layers of mystery and danger. The writing style of the book is described as engaging, with intricate plot twists that keep the readers on edge until the very end.

    IT HAD BEEN a long, warm September day. The light transformed Oslo Fjord into molten silver and made the low mountain ridges, which already bore the first tinges of autumn, glow. It was one of those d...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harry Hole )

  10. #10

    The Ruby in the Smoke - Sally Lockhart by Philip Pullman
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    In "The Ruby in the Smoke," Sally Lockhart, a recently orphaned 16-year-old, finds herself entangled in a complex mystery involving her father's death, a stolen ruby, opium dens, and sinister characters in Victorian London. As Sally navigates through the dark and dangerous alleys of the city, she must use her intelligence and courage to unravel the secrets hidden behind the smoke-filled opium dens and solve the mystery before it's too late. Pullman weaves a gripping tale filled with intrigue, betrayal, and treasure, drawing readers into a world of murder and suspense through vivid descriptions and compelling characters.

    Sally Lockhart emerges as a strong and independent protagonist, defying societal expectations and facing off against villains while showcasing her cleverness and charm. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Sally and her companions delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding her father's past and the enigmatic ruby. Pullman's skillful storytelling captures the essence of Victorian England, blending elements of adventure, danger, and dark secrets to create a captivating young adult mystery that appeals to readers of all ages.

    On a cold, fretful afternoon in early October, 1872, a hansom cab drew up outside the offices of Lockhart and Selby, Shipping Agents in the financial heart of London, and a young girl got out and paid...

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