Books matching: small town settings
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- #1
Save:A chilling, immersive, and gritty psychological thriller - brilliantly written but dark and deeply unsettling. Perfect for fans of the macabre, but definitely not for the faint of heart!
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller that follows reporter Camille Preaker as she reluctantly returns to her hometown in Wind Gap, Missouri to investigate the murders of two young girls. The book delves into the small town's secrets, the complexities of family relationships, and Camille's own troubled past, including her struggles with self-harm. The narrative is intense, gripping, and filled with unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style in Sharp Objects is described as atmospheric, bleak, and engrossing, with excellent characterization that brings the dark and twisted psyches of the characters to life. Gillian Flynn's debut novel skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, family drama, and psychological suspense, creating a chilling story that explores the depths of human darkness and the impact of past traumas on present actions.
My sweater was new, stinging red and ugly. It was May 12 but the temperature had dipped to the forties, and after four days shivering in my shirtsleeves, I grabbed cover at a tag sale rather than dig...September 2006•367 pages - #2
Save:A standout coming-of-age horror novel that blends nostalgia, rich atmosphere, and scary set-pieces - perfect if you like slow-burn, character-driven stories with a hefty dose of small-town spookiness. Just know, it takes its time getting going!
'Summer of Night' by Dan Simmons is a horror story set in the fictional town of Elm Haven, IL in 1960. It follows a group of young boys as they embark on summer adventures, unaware of an ancient force trying to resurrect itself in their town. As mysterious deaths occur, the boys must band together to fight off this malevolent entity and prevent it from wreaking havoc on their community. intricately weaves elements of horror, coming of age, and supernatural genres, providing a nostalgic yet chilling tale of friendship, courage, and the battle against evil.
Girls played with dolls in the shadows of her classrooms and corridors and later died in childbirth. Boys ran shouting through her hallways, sat in punishment through the growing darkness of winter af...1991•591 pages - #3
Save:A beautifully written, magical ode to childhood and storytelling. If you love rich, evocative journeys through the past sprinkled with wonder, this is a must-read. Not your typical genre piece, but unforgettable all the same.
"Boy's Life" by Robert R. McCammon is a coming-of-age story set in the year 1964 in Zephyr, Alabama, following the adventures of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson. The book beautifully captures the essence of childhood, with themes of mystery, humor, friendship, and the magic of growing up in a small town. Throughout the story, Cory navigates through real-life challenges and fantastical elements, all while maintaining a sense of wonder and innocence that resonates with readers.
The novel weaves together a blend of supernatural elements, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling that immerses readers in Cory's world. Through Cory's eyes, the readers experience the joy, sadness, and complexities of life in a small town, where friendship, family, and the mysteries of the past intersect to create a captivating narrative that lingers long after the final page is turned.
THE GREEN FEATHER WENT INTO MY POCKET. FROM THERE IT found its way into a White Owl cigar box in my room, along with my collection of old keys and dried-up insects. I closed the box lid, placed the bo...August 1991•567 pages - #4Itby:
Save:Epic, scary, and emotional - "It" is a horror classic that captures both the terror and magic of childhood, though it’s definitely not for everyone.
Many readers found "It" by Stephen King to be a terrifying and captivating horror novel that delves into the depths of childhood fears and the impact of those fears on adulthood. The story follows a group of friends who must face a malevolent clown named Pennywise that preys on children in their town of Derry. As the friends grow up and move on with their lives, they are forced to confront their past traumas when Pennywise resurfaces, leading to a chilling and suspenseful showdown.
Stephen King's writing style in "It" is praised for its ability to create a rich and immersive atmosphere, drawing readers into the eerie and sinister world of Derry. The novel weaves together elements of horror, friendship, and coming-of-age themes, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and well-developed characters.
The reason Adrian was wearing the hat, his sobbing boyfriend would later tell the police, was because he had won it at the Pitch Til U Win stall on the Bassey Park fairgrounds just six days before his... - #5
Save:A quintessential King novel - twisted, suspenseful, and darkly funny. Not his tightest or fastest, but well worth it for fans of small-town horror and character-driven chaos. Recommended if you’re ready for a wild, slow-burning ride.
Needful Things is a novel set in the small town of Castle Rock, Maine, where a mysterious shop called Needful Things opens up, offering people their deepest desires in exchange for playing pranks on their fellow residents. The story explores the consequences of greed, manipulation, and the dark side of human nature as the town descends into chaos due to the sinister influence of the shop owner, Leland Gaunt. Stephen King's writing style effectively portrays the gradual unraveling of the town and its residents, blending supernatural elements with realistic character development.
It wasn’t as big a deal to Brian Rusk as it was to some; his mother, for instance. He had heard her discussing it (he wasn’t supposed to call it gossiping, she had told him, because gossiping was a di...1991•803 pages - #6
Save:Becoming a Vincent is a wacky, fluffy, feel-good friends-to-lovers romcom that's perfect for anyone wanting a fast, funny, and delightfully outrageous escape.
'Becoming a Vincent' by C.M. Owens is a part of 'The Wild Ones' series and revolves around the quirky and wild Vincent family, particularly focusing on Lilah, Killian, and Hale, who are triplets. The story is set in the town of Tomahawk, known for its eccentric and hilarious residents. Lilah, the main character, is described as a proudly wild heroine who gets involved in all kinds of crazy situations. The plot follows her changing feelings for Benson, a new guy in town, and the chaos that ensues as she navigates her relationships with her protective brothers and the antics of the Wild Ones families.
The writing style of the book is characterized as humorous, low on angst, and featuring a friends-to-lovers romance. The story is fast-paced, full of laugh-out-loud moments, and offers a unique and exciting premise that keeps readers entertained throughout. Readers appreciate the light-hearted and addictive nature of the book, praising the witty dialogue, the fun dynamics between characters, and the overall enjoyable reading experience.
I’m one third of a set of fraternal triplets. My theory is that all the oxygen in the womb was cut off from the two jackasses who are responsible for my current predicament, and I’m the only one who...June 2017•219 pages - #7In the Bleak MidwinterBook 1 in the series:The Rev. Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries
Save:An absorbing, atmospheric mystery with memorable characters and a real sense of place. Great for those who love slow-burn relationships, smart dialogue, and series that make you want to binge-read the next installment.
"In the Bleak Midwinter" by Julia Spencer-Fleming is a mystery novel set in a small town in upper New York State. The story follows Clare Fergusson, a new Episcopalian priest in Miller's Kill, who discovers an abandoned newborn infant on the steps of her church. Teaming up with the Chief of Police, Russ Van Alstyne, they delve into the darker aspects of the town, uncovering murder, family dysfunction, and a web of secrets. The plot unfolds amidst a cold winter backdrop, intertwining themes of love, faith, and the complexities of human relationships.
The narrative is praised for its well-written mystery, engaging characters, and the unique dynamic between Clare, the strong-willed priest with a military background, and Russ, the cynical police chief navigating their investigation. incorporates elements of suspense, small-town charm, and intriguing plot twists, keeping readers captivated as Clare and Russ work together to solve the mysteries that unfold in the town.
It was one hell of a night to throw away a baby. The cold pinched at Russ Van Alstyne’s nose and made him jam his hands deep into his coat pockets, grateful that the Washington County Hospital had a p...2002•376 pages - #8
Save:Dreamcatcher is a messy, gutsy, and deeply weird novel: a love letter to friendship wrapped in alien horror and bathroom humor. If you’re in for an uneven but memorable King adventure, give it a try - but don’t expect it to be his tightest or scariest work.
Dreamcatcher by Stephen King is a tale of friendship, loss, and the supernatural. The story follows four lifelong friends who go on a hunting trip and get caught up in an alien virus invasion and subsequent quarantine. The book explores themes of invasion of the environment, body, and mind, with compelling and creepy imagery of a frightening alien. The plot is character-driven, focusing on the close relationship between the friends and their encounters with extraterrestrial beings.
Jonesy almost shot the guy when he came out of the woods. How close? Another pound on the Garand's trigger, maybe just a half. Later, hyped on the clarity that sometimes comes to the horrified mind, h...March 2001•825 pages - #9
Save:The Christmas Jigsaw Murders by Alexandra Benedict is a cozy mystery set in a small town during the holiday season. The plot unfolds around an annual jigsaw puzzle competition that takes a dark turn when a series of murders occur, each victim connected to the contest. As the local community's festive atmosphere begins to crumble, amateur sleuths, including the quirky octogenarian Edie O'Sullivan, must band together to uncover the truth behind these chilling events. The story expertly weaves elements of suspense with a warm holiday spirit, making for a unique and engaging read.
The writing style is approachable and matches the cozy mystery genre, providing a slow build of tension with enough twists to keep readers engaged. Benedict's attention to detail brings the small-town setting to life, filled with familiar cozy elements and an immersive holiday atmosphere. While some readers found the character development and pacing lacking, others praised the relatable characters and the refreshing inclusion of LGBTQIA content. Overall, the novel presents a delightful blend of intrigue, humor, and festive magic, making it a charming pick for cozy mystery fans.
November 2023•309 pages - #10
Save:A solid, feel-good start to a cozy police procedural series, perfect for dog enthusiasts and fans of character-driven mysteries. Not groundbreaking, but endearing and engaging – especially if you want a smart canine companion in your crime fiction.
Deputy Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner, Robo, are tasked with solving a murder mystery involving a teenage girl in the mountains outside Timber Creek, Colorado. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover secrets within the small town that challenge Mattie's perceptions of her community. The book weaves personal lives into the series seamlessly, adding depth to the characters and their interactions. The story involves intricate crimes, a captivating setting, and a strong female detective partnered with a dedicated K-9 officer, creating an absorbing tapestry of mysteries and challenges.
Deputy Mattie Lu Cobb liked her new partner. In fact, she was quite taken with him. She enjoyed being with him, something she’d found lacking with previous partners, and they seemed compatible. She ho...December 2015•318 pages
