Books matching: sinister undertones
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- #1
Save:In a dystopian future where genetically modified corn dominates, controlled by an evil empire, Cael and his friends stumble upon an abandoned town with valuable crops that could change their lives. The story unfolds with sinister undertones, featuring a world of giant threshing engines, bio domes, and a trail of mysteriously fresh vegetables leading to an action-packed, page-turning plot.
THE CORN REACHES for the land-boat above it, but the corn is slow and the cat-maran is fast. The stretching, yearning stalks hiss against the boat’s bottom, making a white noise that sounds like polle... - #2
Save:'The Girl with No Hands' by Angela Slatter is a collection of 16 twisted and fractured fairy tales and dark fantasies that reimagine classic tales with a focus on female heroines. Slatter's writing style is described as elegant and simple, illuminating the symbiotic relationship between pleasure and pain in each story. The author questions traditional fairy tale morals and rules, painting characters in shades of grey and creating powerful storytelling that is not fit for children but rather for adults.
- #3
Save:Ally Linden shows up to work one day, disheveled and without her keys, purse, or her phone. When Damien, The CEO of the company arrives, he wonders why she is there, telling her that she hasn't worked there in years. So begins Ally's journey to discover how she lost her memory, and to try and piece her missing days and missing memories back together. Along the way, Ally recalls a traumatic event from her childhood, wondering if that could have been the trigger for her fugue state. Her marriage to Hugh has some fissures, and Hugh admits they had an argument prior to her disappearance. There are many red herrings in this book, and multiple story lines to keep track of as you try to work out what happened to Ally and how everything goes together. I enjoyed this thriller, but I was a bit surprised at what the trigger was, thinking that was just a bit far fetched. I am thankful to Edelweiss for the ARC. HaveYouSeenMe KateWhite Edelweiss
Ally Linden arrives at her office disheveled and rain-soaked one morning, only to discover she hasn't worked there in five years. When her boss arrives, she faints and is rushed to the hospital. Ally soon finds out she is suffering from a dissociative episode and can't remember the events of the last two days. After finding a wad of bloody tissues in her coat pocket, she wonders if she witnessed a traumatic accident or if a past experience triggered this event. As Ally tries to recall events and track down clues, she feels an undercurrent of something sinister lurking behind the words, leaving readers on pins and needles wondering what's really happening and who's behind it all.
My gaze runs up my sleeve, and I suddenly notice how wet I am. What had felt like a drizzle outside was clearly heavier rain than that, and my coat’s soaked. Shoes, too. When I touch my head, I feel m... - #4
Save:The Gabriel Hounds by Mary Stewart is a romantic suspense novel set in the Middle East, where cousins Charles and Christy embark on a visit to their elderly Great Aunt Harriet. What starts as a seemingly simple trip turns into a life-threatening adventure filled with mysterious settings, engaging characters, and a touch of romance. The book is known for its descriptive detail, creating a subtly sinister atmosphere, and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the protagonists navigate through a dilapidated palace in Lebanon.
I had come out of the dark shop doorway into the dazzle of the Damascus sun, my arms full of silks. I didn’t see anything at first, because the sun was right in my eyes and he was in shadow, just wher... - #5
Save:'The Carpet Makers' by Andreas Eschbach is a mesmerizing tale that unfolds on a planet where the entire economy revolves around creating carpets made of human hair for their Emperor God. As the story progresses, readers discover that there is a sinister undertone to this seemingly simple task. The narrative is intricate, with a multi-viewpoint approach that mirrors the construction of the hair carpets, offering a blend of fantasy and science fiction elements. The writing style is described as magical and mundane, exploring themes of passion, art, survival, belief, determination, and hope.
KNOT AFTER KNOT, DAY IN, day out, for an entire lifetime, always the same hand movements, always looping the same knots in the fine hair, so fine and so tiny that with time, the fingers trembled and t... - #6
Save:"At Bertram's Hotel" by Agatha Christie is a classic murder mystery featuring the beloved character Miss Marple. The story unfolds at the dignified and traditional Bertram's Hotel in London, where Miss Marple is vacationing. As she observes the guests and the happenings at the hotel, she becomes entangled in a web of emotional entanglements that inevitably lead to murder. The plot is described as a lively romp involving a luxurious hotel setting, where Miss Marple's keen observations and acute observations play a crucial role in helping unravel the mystery. The book captures the essence of an old-fashioned English hotel and its guests, blending nostalgia with sinister undertones as Miss Marple delves into the secrets hidden within the hotel's walls.
In the heart of the West End, there are many quiet pockets, unknown to almost all but taxi drivers who traverse them with expert knowledge, and arrive triumphantly thereby at Park Lane, Berkeley Squar...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Miss Marple ) - #7
Save:'Rawblood' by Catriona Ward follows the story of Iris Villarca, an eleven-year-old girl living with her father at their isolated house on Dartmoor, Rawblood. The Villarca family is haunted by a hereditary disease that leads to early deaths, prompting Iris's father to enforce strict rules of isolation. As the story unfolds through multiple timelines and perspectives, readers discover the dark secrets hidden within the family's history and the haunting presence that lurks within Rawblood.
The narrative of 'Rawblood' weaves together elements of gothic horror, family curses, and supernatural occurrences, creating a complex and atmospheric tale that explores the impact of isolation, forbidden love, and the consequences of ancestral sins. Ward's writing style captivates readers with its meticulous research, strong character voices, and intricate plot that culminates in a haunting and symmetrical conclusion, making 'Rawblood' a compelling and eerie read.
He gives me a look that means I live in a big house with floors shiny with beeswax and high ceilings where the air goes up into white silence and the linen is scented with lavender and tea rose. In th... - #8
Save:"All Quiet On the Orient Express" by Magnus Mills is a darkly humorous story set at the end of the tourist season in a holiday resort in England. The protagonist, an itinerant handyman, finds himself caught up in various odd jobs at a Lakes district campground, most of which involve green paint. As time passes, the tasks become increasingly peculiar, leading to an unusual and unexpected end. The writing style is described as meandering, gentle, and filled with good descriptions of interesting characters and village life. The author slowly unravels the story, creating a sense of rural existence enveloping the protagonist, while maintaining a pace that lulls readers into a false sense of security before revealing hidden horrors.
I’d been wondering when he would come to collect the rent. Several times in the past few days he’d gone round calling on everyone else, but for some reason he kept leaving me out. Now, on the sixth mo... - #9The Thing Beneath the BedBook 1 in the series:Adventures Of Princess & Mr. Whiffle
Save:'The Thing Beneath the Bed' in the series 'Adventures Of Princess & Mr. Whiffle' by author Nate Taylor and Patrick Rothfuss is a deceptive picture book that initially appears charming and whimsical but takes a dark turn as the story progresses. The book features a sweet little girl, a teddy bear, and a big castle, with hints of foreboding and unsettling elements that culminate in unexpected and twisted endings. The writing style is simple and light-hearted, with illustrations that exude childlike playfulness but gradually reveal a sinister undertone, creating a unique blend of sweetness and suspense.
The book is a quick read with approximately 1-2 sentences per page, making it a short but impactful story that lures readers in with its adorable appearance before delivering unsettling and disturbing twists. Despite its brevity, 'The Thing Beneath the Bed' manages to captivate readers with its dark humor, clever storytelling, and beautiful artwork, leaving a lasting impression that challenges traditional perceptions of children's literature and fairy tales.
- #10
Save:The Sand Men by Christopher Fowler is a complex and compelling modern mystery set in the closed societies of the Middle East, particularly Dubai. The story follows Lea and Roy Brook, a struggling family who move to Dubai for a job opportunity. As they settle into a gated community, they start to uncover the dark secrets and mysteries surrounding the luxurious environment they find themselves in. The plot delves into the divide between the rich and the poor, the dangers of questioning authority in a restrictive society, and the blurred lines between ally and enemy in a thrilling and suspenseful narrative.
The writing style of The Sand Men is described as eerie, surreal, and reminiscent of J.G. Ballard. Fowler's meticulous research is evident in his vivid depiction of Dubai's opulent yet corrupt landscape, where extreme wealth clashes with repressive cultural norms. The characters are well-drawn and believable, and the plot keeps readers on edge with its slow-burning tension and unpredictable twists.
