Books matching: supernatural elements in crime fiction
11 result(s)
- #1
The Shut Eye by Belinda Bauer is a gripping mystery crime thriller revolving around the disappearance of a young boy named Daniel. The story follows the distraught mother, Anna, who clings to the last sign of her son by preserving his footprints in wet cement. As the investigation unfolds, DCI Marvel, a maverick detective, becomes involved in the case, which leads to unexpected connections with other missing children and a psychic known as the shut eye. Bauer's writing style is praised for its unique storytelling approach, blending elements of suspense, dark humor, and misdirection to keep readers engaged until the surprising conclusion.
It was eight thirty-seven, and he’d done the same thing less than a minute earlier. He had promised Debbie he would be home by nine. Normally it wouldn’t matter, but tonight it did, although he wasn’t... - #2
In "Live and Let Die," James Bond is tasked with stopping Mr. Big, a powerful black gangster Russian agent who controls Harlem and is involved in illegal activities, including running gold from Jamaica to Harlem. The story takes Bond from London to Harlem to Florida and finally Jamaica, where he faces lethal challenges and dangerous adversaries. The book delves into themes of voodoo, pirate treasure, and the occult, while showcasing Bond's wit, sense of humor, and lethal skills as he navigates through a complex and action-packed plot.
Fleming's writing style in "Live and Let Die" is described as fast-paced, engaging, and detailed. The book offers a vivid portrayal of the settings, from Harlem to the Florida everglades to the Caribbean, providing readers with a time capsule of the 1950s and how white Europeans viewed different cultures. The narrative is filled with thrilling action sequences, intriguing characters, and a mix of exotic locations, making it a compelling and adventurous read that immerses the reader in Bond's world.
THERE ARE moments of great luxury in the life of a secret agent. There are assignments on which he is required to act the part of a very rich man; occasions when he takes refuge in good living to effa...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series James Bond ) - #3
'The Bright Lands' by John Fram is a supernatural horror novel set in a rural, working-class town in Texas. The plot revolves around Joel, a successful financial wizard, who returns to his hometown after receiving a strange text from his younger brother Dylan. As they investigate Dylan's disappearance, they uncover dark secrets and a sinister presence lurking in the town. The book combines elements of crime fiction, horror, and mystery, with a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.
The little party which had started in Tulum on Monday had somehow only just ended at Joel’s apartment a few minutes before the text arrived. An international bender. It sounded fun on paper. Joel had ... - #4
Personal Demons follows the gripping journey of Jake Helman, a disgraced New York City Homicide Detective, who gets entangled in a twisted plot involving a reclusive billionaire selling genetic mutations and human souls for immortality. As Jake delves into the case of a serial killer known as The Cipher, he is thrown into a rollercoaster of supernatural elements, gore, and a battle between Heaven and Hell. The writing style is described as clunky at times but manages to keep readers engaged until the end with its gritty realism and unpredictable twists.
- #5
'The Invisible Guardian' by Dolores Redondo is a gripping psychological crime thriller set in the Baztan Valley in Spain. The story follows Inspector Amaia Salazar as she investigates a series of murders of young girls in her hometown, Elizondo, which leads her to confront not only the killer but also her own troubled past. The novel intricately weaves together elements of Basque mythology, family dynamics, and police procedural, creating a rich and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end. The writing style is described as vivid, poetic, and evocative, painting a captivating picture of the Basque region and its mystical folklore.
Ainhoa Elizasu was the second victim of the basajaun, although the press were yet to coin that name for him. That came later, when it emerged that animal hairs, scraps of skin and unidentifiable track... - #6
'Nocturnal' by Scott Sigler is a fast-paced SF horror novel that blends the best of both genres with a police procedural and a decades-old mystery. The story follows Bryan Clauser, an experienced SF homicide detective, as he starts having dreams of a series of gruesome murders that turn out to be real. Alongside his partner, Pookie Chang, Bryan investigates these murders, which are somehow connected to the trials of a bullied 13-year-old kid. The plot accelerates through the pages, revealing twists and turns, complex character relationships, and a deep conspiracy that stretches through the city's underbelly to the highest offices.
The writing style of 'Nocturnal' is described as blending cop detective drama with monster fantasy. The author delves into character psyches, providing insight into their motivations and emotions, creating a dark and urban sci-fi setting with elements of horror that keep readers engaged. The novel features a mix of brutal murders, occult symbols, terrible nightmares, and a conspiracy that adds layers of excitement and dread to the narrative.
Paul Maloney hunched his shoulders high, tried to burrow his ears into his coat. He needed a hat. So cold out at night. Wind drove the fog, a fog thick enough that you could see wisps of it at eye lev... - #7
We follow Harper as he goes to Clifford Island, in the great lakes, to search for his sister Willow who disappeared after visiting the island. When Harper arrives looking for his missing sister, he discovers that the island is more sinister than he could have ever imagined. The story unfolds in a unique and fascinating way, with a mix of text messages, letters, and transcripts of audio recordings used to unveil the secrets of Clifford Island. The book is described as a creepy, atmospheric read that is not too heavy on horror, with a slow-burn plot that keeps readers fully immersed in the mystery of the island.
- #8
The 'The Stranger Diaries' by Elly Griffiths is a modern murder mystery set in a school with Gothic elements. The story follows English teacher Clare Cassidy, who is deeply immersed in the world of Victorian writer R.M. Holland and his eerie short story 'The Stranger.' When Clare's colleague is murdered, clues from the story start appearing, leading Clare to fear for her own safety and that of her daughter. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, including Clare, her daughter Georgia, and Detective Sergeant Harbinder Kaur, as they uncover connections between the murders and the ghostly tale, creating an atmospheric and suspenseful whodunnit with a blend of old-school Gothic and modern thriller elements.
‘If you’ll permit me,’ said the Stranger, ‘I’d like to tell you a story. After all, it’s a long journey and, by the look of those skies, we’re not going to be leaving this carriage for some time. So, ... - #9
In the book 'Awaken Me Darkly' by Gena Showalter, readers are introduced to Mia Snow, an alien huntress working for the New Chicago Police Department in a futuristic setting where she battles aliens alongside humans. Mia, a tough and kick-ass heroine, holds a grudge against aliens due to a personal tragedy involving her brother. As she investigates a series of killings with her partner Dallas, a sudden blast of violence leaves Dallas fighting for his life. Mia's mission to rid the world of evil one alien at a time takes a turn when she encounters Kyrin, an Arcadian alien who offers to heal Dallas in exchange for Mia surrendering to his forbidden seduction.
The book is a mix of police procedural, science fiction, and romance, featuring a strong female lead character, Mia Snow, who is determined and resilient in her pursuit of justice. The story unfolds with twists and turns, revealing Mia's personal history, her evolving relationship with Kyrin, and the shocking secrets that challenge her beliefs and loyalties.
E cstasy perched atop a perfectly manicured hill in the upper East District. Moonlight cast an unholy frame around the three-story building, illuminating the deceptively virginal white walls, stained ... - #10
"The Diviners" by Libba Bray is a historical fiction novel set in 1920s New York City, blending the supernatural with a murder investigation. The story follows Evie O'Neill, who possesses a supernatural power, as she becomes involved in solving a series of brutal murders with ties to the occult. Through a diverse set of characters and multiple intersecting plotlines, the book weaves a tale of mystery, dark forces awakening, and the characters' unique gifts coming together to confront a serial killer seeking to bring about the end of the world.
In a town house at a fashionable address on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, every lamp blazes. There’s a party going on—the last of the summer. Out on the terrace overlooking Manhattan’s incandescent sky...