Books matching: small town secrets
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Told in a then and now format, 'The Deep, Deep Snow' is a story of secrets where everyone seems to have one. Protagonist Shelby Lake must unravel a disappearance while dealing with her father's Alzheimer's, all while uncovering truths that will shatter and heal her family. The writing style is described as elegant, with finely crafted sentences that pack a lyrical and meaningful punch, leaving readers in tears and deeply moved.
That sounds cruel, but you have to understand that Monica’s Alaskan malamute had died nine years earlier after a long and very pampered life. She cremated Moody, which isn’t unusual, but she kept his ... - #2
Save:In the book "Dark and Shallow Lies" by Ginny Myers Sain, the seventeen-year-old protagonist Grey returns to the small village of La Cachette in Louisiana for the summer, staying with her maternal grandmother. The story revolves around a chilling supernatural thriller where a teen girl goes missing in the bayou town, uncovering dark secrets and mysteries lurking beneath the surface of the swamp.
The narrative is described as a slow burn, rich in atmospheric details that transport readers to the humid and mysterious setting of Louisiana. Grey, alongside a cast of characters with psychic abilities, embarks on a journey to unravel the truth behind her best friend Elora's disappearance, leading to unexpected twists and dangerous revelations that keep readers engaged until the very end.
The last time I saw my best friend, she called me a pathetic liar and then she punched me in the mouth. The shock of it almost kept me from feeling anything until it was over. And I had no idea what E... - #3
Save:Real Bad Things by Kelly J Ford is a gripping novel set in the small town of Maude, Arkansas, where dark secrets and generational trauma haunt the residents. The story follows Jane Mooney, who returns to her hometown after her stepfather's body is discovered, a murder she confessed to as a teenager. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey filled with twists, complex characters, and themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the quest for happiness and love. The narrative seamlessly weaves between past and present, unraveling a tale of small-town noir and cyclical violence.
The book delves deep into the lives of the characters, exploring their flaws, traumas, and the lengths they will go to protect their secrets. Kelly J Ford's writing style is described as emotionally honest, immersive, and utterly devastating in its detail. The author creates a rich and atmospheric environment in Maude, bringing the town and its inhabitants to life as the truth slowly emerges, making the characters more real and involved in the unfolding mystery.
- #4
Save:'Midnight Is the Darkest Hour' by Ashley Winstead is a genre-bending novel that combines elements of Southern gothic, romance, and dark drama. Set in a small town under the influence of an extremist Southern Baptist religious cult, the story follows Ruth, a shy and obedient daughter who finds herself entangled with Everett, the class pariah. As they uncover the town's hidden secrets, Ruth's character evolves from meek to profound, while Everett remains mysterious and intriguing, evoking comparisons to Edward Cullen from Twilight. The web of relationships in the novel, along with the themes of power, gender, and inequity, adds complexity to the narrative, creating a story that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
The book delves into the themes of loyalty, strength, and unraveling hidden truths, as Ruth and Everett navigate through the hysteria of the small town and confront the real monster within. With atmospheric writing that transports readers to the Louisiana bayou, the novel offers a unique take on dark romance, intertwined with elements of mystery and vampire vibes reminiscent of Twilight. The dual timelines and character-driven plot contribute to a slow burn narrative that may appeal to readers looking for a deeper exploration of relationships and societal norms within a Southern gothic setting.
- #5
Save:The Witness by Sandra Brown is a thrilling novel that follows Kendall Deaton, a public defender who stumbles upon a chilling secret in her town involving a supremacist brotherhood. As she reports them to the FBI, she finds herself on the run, trying to save her life and her child's life. Teaming up with a federal agent, John McGrath, Kendall navigates a dangerous journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. The book expertly weaves together past and present events, slowly revealing the mystery surrounding Kendall's predicament and the dark secrets of the town she thought she knew.
The Witness is praised for its intense suspense, well-developed characters, and unexpected plot twists that keep readers engaged until the very end. Sandra Brown's writing style captivates readers with its fast-paced narrative, intricate storytelling, and gripping portrayal of a woman fighting against powerful forces to seek justice and protect her loved ones.
Laurelann Burnwood had passed away when Matt was a youngster, but he and Gibb spoke of her death as though it were recent. The widower cut an impressive figure, with his white crew cut and tall, trim... - #6
Save:Bethany's Sin by Robert R. McCammon is a horror novel set in a small village with a dark secret. The story follows Evan Reid, who moves to the peaceful village with his wife and daughter, only to uncover eerie mysteries such as the absence of men in the town and strange transformations happening to the residents. As the plot unfolds, the village's superhuman secret is revealed, leading to a chilling tale of rebirth, vengeance, and terror that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as classic horror reminiscent of the 80s and 90s, with elements of mythology and a well-paced narrative filled with twists and turns.
In the air were the thick smells of heat and dust, sweat, sweet Turkish tobacco; the sun baked the droppings of the stray, slat-ribbed dogs that occasionally yapped around the timber-enforced excavati... - #7
Save:'Childgrave' by Ken Greenhall is a quiet horror story that delves into the life of Jonathan Brewster, a widowed photographer living in New York with his four-year-old daughter, Joanne. When Jonathan becomes infatuated with a harpist named Sara Coleridge, strange supernatural occurrences start to unfold, including ghostly spectral images appearing in his photographs and Joanne's interactions with invisible friends. As Jonathan delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding his daughter and the town of Childgrave, the story slowly builds towards a chilling and shocking revelation, showcasing the author's atmospheric and psychological horror storytelling style.
The narrative of 'Childgrave' seamlessly blends supernatural elements with psychological depth, creating a compelling and gripping tale that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Through the character of Jonathan Brewster, the author explores themes of obsession, love, and the darker aspects of human nature, all set against the backdrop of a mysterious small town with its own haunting secrets waiting to be unveiled.
Chapter 1 I’m a person who hesitates before opening a letter; someone whose stomach tightens when the telephone rings. I always expect accusations, announcements of misfortune, the voices of the Furie... - #8
Save:'The Wolf in Winter' by John Connolly follows the journey of private investigator Charlie Parker as he investigates the death of a homeless man and the disappearance of his daughter. This leads him to the eerie town of Prosperous, where dark secrets are hidden beneath the surface. The novel intricately weaves supernatural elements with a sense of mystery and suspense, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers engaged. Through vivid imagery and lyrical writing, Connolly brings to life a tale of vengeance, compassion, and the age-old battle between good and evil.
In 'The Wolf in Winter', Connolly shifts the focus from Parker to the town of Prosperous, making it a central character in the story. As Parker delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers the town's sinister past and faces vicious opponents who are determined to protect their secrets at any cost. The novel skillfully blends fiction with fact, creating a slow-burning thriller that keeps readers intrigued as they navigate the twisted paths of darkness and redemption.
The house was studiedly anonymous: not too large or too small, and neither particularly well kept nor in any sense dilapidated. Situated on a small patch of land not far from the outskirts of the city...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Charlie Parker ) - #9
Save:"Be Still My Heart" by Emily McIntire is a romantic mystery book set in the small town of Skelm Island, where a series of murders unravel dark secrets. The story follows Sloane, a detective brought in to solve the murders, and Lincoln, a grumpy man who gets involved in the case. As the plot twists and turns, readers are taken on a roller coaster ride of suspense, romance, and mystery. The writing style is described as captivating, with well-written murder mystery plots, engaging character development, and a perfect mix of dark elements and romance.
My sister’s penetrating voice pierces the quiet of my bedroom, crackling from the speaker down the hall. Throwing an arm over my face, I roll onto my back and stare up at the sloped ceiling, muscle me... - #10
Save:"A Tap on the Window" by Linwood Barclay is a gripping mystery that follows private investigator Cal Weaver as he grapples with the loss of his son and gets entangled in a web of secrets and corruption in the small town of Griffin, upstate New York. The story kicks off with Cal giving a ride to a teenage girl who taps on his window, setting off a chain of events that lead to unexpected twists, multiple mysteries, and confrontations with both the police and political corruption. As Cal delves deeper into the case, he uncovers dark truths while trying to come to terms with his own grief, resulting in an explosive and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
A middle-aged guy would have to be a total fool to pick up a teenage girl standing outside a bar with her thumb sticking out. Not that bright on her part, either, when you think about it. But right no...
