Books matching: southern gothic atmosphere
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- #1
Save:'All the Dangerous Things' by Stacy Willingham is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Isabelle Drake, a mother who is desperate to find her missing son, Mason, who was abducted from his crib in the middle of the night. Battling severe sleep deprivation, guilt, and a crumbling marriage, Isabelle is determined to uncover the truth behind her son's disappearance. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, as repressed secrets from Isabelle's past resurface, adding layers of suspense and mystery to the narrative. The writing style of the author creates a tense and atmospheric setting, keeping readers on edge and engaged throughout the book.
- #2
Save:Country Dark by Chris Offutt is a gritty novel set in rural Kentucky, following the story of Tucker, a Korean War veteran who returns home to find himself entangled in a world of moonshining, family struggles, and threats from various external forces. The book portrays a raw and unapologetic depiction of life in a forgotten community, where survival takes precedence over morality, and characters navigate a world that is at odds with federal laws and societal norms.
- #3
Save:Following a devastating flood that devastated a small Alabama town, a mysterious woman emerges from the swollen river water with the ability to transform into an amphibian creature. She marries into the wealthy Caskey family, becoming the matriarch of the eccentric family, and sets off a haunting saga that spans fifty years. The book is a southern gothic horror serial that intricately weaves together family dynamics, supernatural elements, and suspenseful storytelling, drawing readers into a captivating tale of intrigue and mystery.
Michael McDowell's writing style in "The Flood" is described as precise, elegant, and evocative, with a touch of southern gothic flair that adds a Lovecraftian flavor to the narrative. The characters are deep, engaging, and multi-dimensional, avoiding typical one-dimensional stereotypes often found in popular fiction, while the setting of Alabama serves as a compelling backdrop that enhances the eerie atmosphere of the story.
The Zion Grace Baptist Church was situated on the Old Federal Road about a mile and a half outside Perdido. Its congregation was Hard-Shell, so the church was about the most uncomfortable sort of stru... - #4
Save:The Amulet by Michael McDowell is a chilling tale set in a southern Alabama town, where a mysterious amulet brings a series of horrific accidents and deaths to the residents. The story follows the cursed item as it passes from person to person, leading to gruesome murders and escalating tension among the rich, the poor, the segregated, and the lost. McDowell's writing style is described as building a sense of dread from the first page, using dark humor effectively, and creating brutally honest character descriptions with authentic dialogues.
Pine Cone, Alabama, is located on the western edge of the Wiregrass region, tantalizingly near the border of the pine barrens, which are more lonely perhaps, but infinitely more profitable. Another to... - #5
Save:'The Little Friend' by Donna Tartt opens with the horrific murder of a little boy named Robin Cleve Dufresnes in his own front yard in Alexandria, Mississippi. Twelve years later, his younger sister Harriet sets out to unmask his killer, aided by her friend Hely. The story follows Harriet's journey as she delves into her family's history of loss, crossing the town's rigid lines of race and caste. Despite the intriguing mystery at its core, the book meanders through a long, dark, melancholy tale set in a small Mississippi town during a hot summer, filled with woe, snakes, bugs, drugs, and grief.
The plot of 'The Little Friend' is centered around Harriet's determination to solve the mystery of her brother's murder, leading her and Hely into troubles far beyond their years. The story explores larger issues such as poverty, prejudice, deception, drugs, and death, all intertwined with the complexities of Harriet's family life and the dark past of the town.
People in the town still discussed the death. Usually they referred to it as “the accident,” though the facts (as discussed at bridge luncheons, at the barber’s, in bait shacks and doctors’ waiting ro... - #6
Save:'Ghost Summer' by Tananarive Due is a collection of short fiction stories that span various genres such as horror, speculative fiction, and dark fantasy. Due's writing style is praised for its lush descriptions, relatable characters, and ability to evoke emotions. The book features stories that are mysterious, suspenseful, and surprising, with themes of human emotion, family relationships, and supernatural elements intertwined to create captivating narratives.
- #7
Save:The Line by J.D. Horn is a paranormal mystery set in Savannah, Georgia, revolving around the Taylor family of witches. The story follows Mercy Taylor, a twin without magical abilities, as she navigates the murder of her Aunt Ginny, family secrets, and the delicate balance between the living world and the supernatural realm. The book is praised for its engaging plot, intricate world-building, and the strong sense of setting in Savannah, making it a captivating read for fans of urban fantasy.
“All right, you handsome devils, if y’all are here for this evening’s Liar’s Tour of Savannah, then you are at the right place,” I said, surveying the group of men who had found their way to the Wavin... - #8
Save:Charlotte Cates, a grieving mother with clairvoyant abilities, is drawn into a dark mystery when she travels to Louisiana to investigate a cold case involving a missing child from a wealthy family's estate. As she delves deeper into the secrets of the past, she uncovers a web of family betrayals, murders, and hidden truths, all while navigating her own personal tragedy and forming new connections with the people she meets along the way. The book blends elements of mystery, suspense, romance, and the paranormal, keeping readers engaged with its multi-layered plot and sympathetic protagonist.
The sky is a dismal gray when I finally go to remove my son’s car seat. It’s raining, a cold autumn rain that feels both cliché and appropriate for a moment I’ve spent more than three months avoiding.... - #9
Save:Dagon by Fred Chappell is a short novel set in the world of the mythos, focusing on a protagonist named Peter Leland who gradually loses his will and life to a fishoid entity named Mina. The story unfolds in an ancient temple where Peter is held captive in chains, depicting his descent into madness and the mysterious happenings surrounding him. The writing style is described as slow, atmospheric, and moody, building tension as Peter investigates the dark secrets of his home.
About 9:30 the next morning he entered the downstairs room which faced the almost painfully blue west and the tall ridge across the little valley, the room which his grandparents had used to call the... - #10
Save:The Toll by Cherie Priest is a Southern Gothic novel set in a small town in Georgia near the Okefenokee Swamp. The story follows quarreling newlyweds Titus and Melanie Bell who stumble upon a mysterious one-lane bridge that leads to Melanie going missing. The town of Staywater, with its few residents and eerie atmosphere, becomes the backdrop for a tale involving ghosts, supernatural elements, and a hellish creature that haunts the town every thirteen years. The narrative is described as having a creepy and gothic feel, capturing local characters and their interactions with a desperate stranger who arrives in their midst with suspicion and curiosity.
The writing style of Cherie Priest in The Toll is noted for its originality in plot, endearing characters, and well-crafted storytelling. The book is praised for its depiction of the swamp and small-town life, creating a sense of Mayberry by the Mud. Despite some lapses in logic and rushed resolutions, the novel offers a unique take on Southern Gothic literature, blending elements of horror, mystery, and supernatural occurrences with a touch of suspense and intrigue.
