Books matching: southern gothic style
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- #1
Save:In the book "Those Across the River" by Christopher Buehlman, a Northern couple moves to a small Southern town in the 1930s and encounters eerie and mysterious occurrences related to the woods across the river. As they uncover the dark secrets of the town and its inhabitants, they become entangled in a terrifying supernatural force, leading to a gripping and suspenseful narrative. The writing style is described as atmospheric, with a slow-burn horror introduction that builds tension and establishes a sense of community before delving into the unsettling events that unfold.
THE MOVERS CAME not at the hottest part of the day, but about an hour after that, when the heat had built up so that it stood under the eaves and porches and made the moisture in the ground steam unde... Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt is a creative non-fiction book that delves into the eccentric characters and atmosphere of Savannah, Georgia in the 1970s and 80s. The book uses a celebrated murder trial as a backdrop to introduce the reader to the city and its colorful inhabitants. Berendt's writing style is praised for capturing the essence of Savannah and its quirky residents, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
The book is a combination of a travelogue about Savannah, Georgia, and a glimpse into its upper-middle-class society through the lens of a murder in their midst. It offers an atmospheric portrayal of the city, showcasing its unique charm and the intriguing personalities that inhabit it, all while exploring the infamous slaying of Danny Hansford and the multiple murder trials of his lover, Jim Williams.
I had heard Jim Williams’s name mentioned often during the six months I had lived in Savannah. The house was one reason, but there were others. He was a successful dealer in antiques and a restorer of...- #3
Save:The Restorer, the first book in the Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens, follows Amelia Gray, a cemetery restorer who can see ghosts. When she uncovers the remains of a murdered girl in a neglected graveyard, she becomes entangled in a murder investigation that leads her to work with homicide detective John Devlin, who is haunted by ghosts. As the mystery unfolds, Amelia navigates her unique ability to see the dead while trying to solve the murders and unravel the secrets surrounding the cemetery and its inhabitants. The book is praised for its chilling ghost story, murder mystery plot, and the gothic atmosphere created by Amanda Stevens' detailed descriptions of the graveyard setting.
My father and I were raking leaves in the cemetery where he’d worked for years as the caretaker. It was early autumn, not yet cool enough for a sweater, but on that particular afternoon there was a no... - #4
Save:'Lovecraft Country' by Matt Ruff is a collection of tightly interconnected stories set in 1950s Jim Crow America, following a black family dealing with both the horrors of racism and Lovecraftian supernatural forces. The plot revolves around the family members navigating through secret societies, magic, and eldritch horrors while facing the challenges of racism and discrimination. The writing style is described as a blend of historical fiction and old-style horror, seamlessly weaving together elements of Lovecraftian tropes with the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws.
JIM CROW MILE—A unit of measurement, peculiar to colored motorists, comprising both physical distance and random helpings of fear, paranoia, frustration, and outrage. Its amorphous nature makes exact ... - #5
Save:'Wise Blood' by Flannery O'Connor is a novel that delves into the existential crisis of the characters, particularly Hazel Motes, who returns from the war to create a new religion, The Church of God Without Christ. The story follows Motes as he navigates through a world filled with bizarre and unlikable characters, all set in a Southern gothic backdrop. The writing style is described as direct, disturbing, and darkly comic, drawing parallels to authors like Cormac McCarthy and Nathanael West.
Hazel Motes sat at a forward angle on the green plush train seat, looking one minute at the window as if he might want to jump out of it, and the next down the aisle at the other end of the car. The t... - #6
Save:Gilded Needles by Michael McDowell is a dark and intriguing tale set in 1880s New York, revolving around two main families - the poor and the wealthy, who have the power to control punishments. The story follows the clash between the evil Lena Shanks, head of a family of criminals, and the righteous Judge Stallworth, as revenge slowly destroys one family while the other tries to maintain control. The plot is unpredictable, filled with dark deeds like abortions, prostitution, and gambling, creating a chilling atmosphere without any supernatural elements.
On a narrow short bed in a narrow short room lay a young woman whose freckled skin was pale and blotched, whose unrefined features were slack and heavy, whose long red hair spread tangled and disorder... - #7
Save:Barry Hannah's 'Airships' is a collection of short stories that delve into the messy, chaotic, and sometimes surreal aspects of life in the American South. The stories range from historical to fantastical, with a writing style that is described as trippy, prosaic, and brutally imaginative. The book explores themes of Southern gothic, bleak underbellies of white America, and post-apocalyptic futures, all while showcasing Hannah's unique and passionate approach to storytelling.
When I am run down and flocked around by the world, I go down to Farte Cove off the Yazoo River and take my beer to the end of the pier where the old liars are still snapping and wheezing at one anoth... - #8
Save:'Countless Haints' in the series 'Harrow County' by Cullen Bunn is a dark horror graphic novel with beautiful artwork and a captivating southern gothic horror story. The plot follows Emmy, a young woman who discovers her peculiarities when she turns 18 and embarks on a journey to define her identity. The narrative is described as idyllic, subdued, yet mystical and childlike, creating a setting filled with dark wonders and menacing whispers. The story unfolds at a good pace, allowing readers to delve into the subtleties of character interactions and the spooky ambiance of the environment.
The book offers a unique approach to art, blending watercolor and ink traditional panels, standing out in an age dominated by digital inkers and colorists. With a focus on character development and a gradual increase in horror elements, readers find themselves connecting with Emmy and her journey of self-discovery amidst a backdrop of eerie events and supernatural occurrences.
- #9
Save:'The Roanoke Girls' by Amy Engel is a disturbing thriller that delves into taboo subjects like incest, sexual violence, and family dysfunction. The story follows Lane Roanoke as she returns to her family home in Kansas, uncovering dark family secrets and trying to find her missing cousin, Allegra. The narrative alternates between past and present timelines, creating a suspenseful and engaging read that keeps readers hooked until the very end. Amy Engel's writing style is described as captivating, with well-developed characters and a skillful weaving of multiple timelines to reveal the sinister truths of the Roanoke family.
The second time I saw Roanoke was a month after my mother committed suicide. She hanged herself from her bedroom doorknob while I was at school. Made a noose of her bathrobe sash and knelt in supplica... - #10
Save:In 'Saving CeeCee Honeycutt', readers are taken on a journey through the life of CeeCee, a young girl who has faced hardship and trauma in her early years. After a tragic event, she is sent to live with relatives in Savannah, Georgia, where she encounters a cast of eccentric and strong Southern women who play a significant role in shaping her life. The book beautifully captures the themes of family, love, friendship, and healing, set against the backdrop of the South in the 1960s.
The narrative of 'Saving CeeCee Honeycutt' is filled with heartwarming moments, humor, and poignant storytelling that resonates with readers. Through the character of CeeCee and the diverse women she meets in Savannah, the author, Beth Hoffman, explores the impact of relationships on personal growth and resilience, making it a touching and uplifting coming-of-age tale.
Momma left her red satin shoes in the middle of the road. That’s what three eyewitnesses told the police. The first time I remember my mother wearing red shoes was on a snowy morning in December 1962,...
