Books matching: slow buildup of tension
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- #1
Save:'No One's Home' by D.M. Pulley is a chilling and mind-bending novel that revolves around a haunted house, Rawlingswood, with a dark and tragic history. The story follows the Spielman family as they move into the mansion and experience strange happenings, uncovering the secrets and tragedies of previous owners through a non-linear narrative. Pulley's writing style combines elements of horror and suspense with intricate plotting and well-developed characters, creating a gripping and page-turning drama that keeps readers engaged.
The three-story colonial stood on a half-acre lot shaded by gnarled oaks and silver maples old enough to remember farmland, stone mills, and the prayer songs of the Shakers. A vision of English charac... - #2
Save:Hoofbeats by Val Saintcrowe is a historical romance novel featuring a centaur and a human in an arranged marriage. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, exploring themes of love, trust, and emotional struggles. The writing style is described as engaging and thought-provoking, with detailed descriptions of the characters' experiences and emotions. Despite some readers finding the content intense and at times challenging, the book is praised for its unique take on the Beauty and the Beast trope, offering a different and enjoyable reading experience.
- #3
Save:Return by Meli Raine is a suspenseful thriller revolving around Carrie, who returns to her hometown after three years to clear her father's name of serious drug charges. The plot unfolds with a mix of romance, intrigue, and mystery, as Carrie navigates through distrust, danger, and a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style gradually builds suspense and tension, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth behind the complex web of events.
- #4
Save:Thirteen Days by Sunset Beach by Ramsey Campbell is a horror novel that follows the story of Ray and Sandra, their children, and grandchildren on a vacation to the Greek island of Vasilema and the mysterious Sunset Beach. The plot deals with typical family squabbles during the trip, but there is an underlying sense of horror that gradually unfolds. The narrative is described as subtle in its approach, with secrets slowly revealed to the readers, creating an unsettling atmosphere. The book combines superb descriptions with turgid speech, leading to a Lovecraftian climax that keeps the readers engaged.
The story is narrated from Ray's point of view, the patriarch of the family, as they face challenges such as missing passports, cultural differences, and the subtle warnings from the locals about hidden dangers on the island. As the family explores the island, encountering gaunt strangers, physical changes, and eerie locations like a deserted monastery, they become convinced that they are being stalked by an ancient evil residing on the island. The book expertly conveys a sense of quiet terror lurking beneath the surface of normal life, making it a captivating read for fans of horror fiction.
- #5
Save:Laird Barron's 'Occultation and Other Stories' is a collection of creepy and unsettling tales that explore themes of cosmic horror, transformation, and the unknown. The stories are filled with mysterious and bizarre occurrences that often leave the reader questioning the meaning behind them. Barron's writing style is described as unpredictable, surreal, and filled with dread. The settings range from the forests of New England to the campgrounds of western Washington state, where characters face horrors that are both otherworldly and deeply disturbing.
And rather than being absorbed as a nutrient, you may be absorbed into an older and more potent Form—your limbs and neck may grow rubbery and rather more elongate, and your new tree-toad fingers might... - #6
Save:"The Good Lord Bird" by James McBride is a historical fiction novel set before the American Civil War, following the story of a young slave boy named Henry Shackleford who pretends to be a girl to survive. He is taken under the wing of the legendary abolitionist John Brown, who mistakes him for a girl and nicknames him Little Onion. The novel explores the events leading up to Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry through the eyes of Little Onion, providing a mix of history and imagination with meticulous attention to detail and character development.
The narrative style of the book is described as unique, humorous, and entertaining, with a young African American boy disguising himself as a girl amidst the backdrop of pre-Civil War abolitionist movements. The story is told through the perspective of Little Onion, offering insight into the complexities of the abolitionist movement and the dynamics at play during that tumultuous period in American history.
My Pa was a full-blooded Negro out of Osawatomie, in Kansas Territory, north of Fort Scott, near Lawrence. Pa was a barber by trade, though that never gived him full satisfaction. Preaching the Gospel... - #7
Save:The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton follows the life of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent socialite in 1900s New York, as she navigates the expectations of society and the pursuit of a wealthy husband to secure her social standing. Lily's struggles with societal pressures, her financial instability, and her personal choices lead to a tragic and poignant exploration of class, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. Wharton's writing style intricately portrays the complexities of Lily's character, the social customs of the time, and the inner turmoil faced by a woman trapped in a world of privilege and constraint.
It was a Monday in early September, and he was returning to his work from a hurried dip into the country; but what was Miss Bart doing in town at that season? If she had appeared to be catching a trai... - #8
Save:The Mist in the Mirror by Susan Hill is a gothic ghost story following the journey of Sir James Monmouth, who returns to England to uncover the mysteries surrounding his childhood hero, the explorer Conrad Vane. The story is set in a 19th-century atmospheric backdrop, where Sir James encounters eerie sightings, warnings, and a haunted past that intertwines with his own, leading to a chilling and suspenseful exploration of the unknown. The narrative style is described as gothic horror, with a focus on atmospheric settings, character development, and a slow-building plot that keeps the reader captivated until the end.
For a few seconds, until my eyes grew accustomed to the gloom, I could see nothing. The hallway was cold and had a dank, below-ground smell, mingled with the fumes of smoke and ale, which must have pe... - #9
Save:"Rosemary's Baby" by Ira Levin revolves around a young wife, Rosemary Woodhouse, who finds herself entangled in an occult plot to steal her baby for Satanistic rituals after it is born. The story is told solely through Rosemary's eyes, creating a sense of being trapped with her as she navigates through eerie occurrences and reaches a horrifying conclusion. The plot unfolds in contemporary New York City, skillfully crafted by Levin to build mounting suspense and a sense of dread throughout the narrative.
The writing style in "Rosemary's Baby" is described as simple, engrossing, and suspenseful by readers. Levin's storytelling is praised for its subtle yet creepy elements, with a slow buildup of tension leading to a chilling finale. is noted for its ability to delve into themes of satanism, witchcraft, and the fear surrounding motherhood, all set against a backdrop of everyday details that add to the overall sinister atmosphere.
ROSEMARY AND GUY WOODHOUSE had signed a lease on a five-room apartment in a geometric white house on First Avenue when they received word, from a woman named Mrs. Cortez, that a four-room apartment in... - #10
Save:In "Blood Oath," readers are introduced to Ryn, a young girl living in a world controlled by a cruel king with the help of a dragonshifter bound by a blood oath. The story delves into Ryn's captivity by the king's Drae, Lord Irrik, as she tries to find a way to escape while enduring torture. The book is a dark fantasy with elements of enemies to lovers, betrayal, great world-building, and dark romance, all woven together in a multilayered storyline with twists and turns that keep readers captivated. The writing style is described as beautiful, spellbinding, and seamless, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
Ryn's character development, from a seemingly average girl to a strong and loyal individual, is highlighted by readers. The world-building, focusing on the Drae and Phaetyns, is praised for its uniqueness and intriguing concepts. The plot, filled with heartbreak, intrigue, violence, and love, is complemented by the complex relationships and character dynamics, making it a captivating young adult fantasy read that promises a slow burn of a story with a good balance of action and drama.
“Potato stew,” I called over the ruckus, sighing inwardly as my belly rumbled. Talk of meat made me ravenous even though I ate better than most in Harvest Zone Seven, thanks to my mother’s green thumb...
