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Books matching: surprising twists in storytelling

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  1. 'There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby: Scary Fairy Tales' by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya is a collection of dark and macabre short stories with surprising twists that delve into the gritty and bleak aspects of Russian life during the Cold War period. The stories are described as having a fairy tale format, with some being more captivating than others. The author's writing style is noted for its quirky and catchy storytelling, often leaving readers with a sense of horror and discomfort, similar to the eerie twists found in episodes of The Twilight Zone.

    The book is a mix of fables, horror, and suspense that provide a unique insight into the Soviet psyche, drawing on the author's experiences growing up in post-WWII Soviet Union. The translation of the stories into English is mentioned as a factor that may impact the original edge and beauty of the tales, but the collection is still considered solid and well worth a read for those interested in dark and twisted narratives.

    DURING THE WAR, A COLONEL RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HIS wife. She misses him very much, it said, and won’t he come visit because she’s worried she’ll die without having seen him. The colonel applied for ...

  2. #2

    Group Therapy by B.B. Easton
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    'Group Therapy' by B.B. Easton is a humorous and quirky novel that follows the story of Lou, an adult therapist with a unique approach to healing others. The book explores Lou's journey from dealing with personal grief to helping others navigate their own pain, all while incorporating sharp humor and hilarious dialogue. The plot revolves around Lou's unconventional therapy sessions with various eccentric clients, including the talented but blocked author Thomas O'Reardon, as they navigate forbidden attractions and unexpected connections.

    B.B. Easton's writing style in 'Group Therapy' is described as sharp, engaging, and filled with gobs of heart. The book features a mix of laugh-out-loud moments, surprising twists, and endearing characters, creating a story that is both funny and heartfelt. Readers appreciate the originality of the plot, the witty humor, and the dynamic relationship between Lou and Thomas, making it a compelling and entertaining read.


  3. #3

    The Night Rainbow by Claire King
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    'The Night Rainbow' by Claire King is a poignant and emotive story narrated by five-year-old Pea, who, along with her younger sister Margot, navigates a world of neglect and innocence following the death of their father. The book beautifully captures the complexities of childhood, trust, and family dynamics through Pea's eyes, as she grapples with trying to make her depressed mother happy and finds solace in her imaginative adventures with Margot. King's writing style immerses the reader in the sticky heat of a summer in France, using vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the story's themes of love, loss, and the resilience of childhood innocence.

    Maman’s belly is at the stove, her bottom squeezed up against the table where we are colouring. Her arm is stretched forwards, stirring tomato smells out of the pan and into our socks. She isn’t singi...

  4. #4

    Angels and Demons - Saint's Justice MC by A.C. Bextor
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    'Angels and Demons' by A.C. Bextor is a gripping tale revolving around Elevent, the President of the Saints Justice Motorcycle Club, who takes on a protection detail for Mia, a church secretary, as a favor to the Russians. The book delves into Elevent's internal struggles as he fights his attraction to Mia, the unexpected impact she has on him and the rest of the MC, and the complexities of their budding relationship. The storyline is fast-paced, filled with surprises, shocking twists, and a mix of tension, suspense, sizzling chemistry, and intense emotions beautifully crafted by the author. Readers are drawn into a world of brotherhood, danger, and unexpected love, making it a must-read for fans of MC romances.

    Mia's character development is highlighted as she navigates her way into the world of the biker club, finding solace in the unexpected family bond among the bikers. The book not only explores the romantic relationship between Elevent and Mia but also delves into the dynamics of relationships, the sense of belonging, and the passion within the MC community. With a dual POV narrative style, the story flows seamlessly, captivating readers with its believable character interactions, steamy chemistry, and romantic elements that keep them engrossed from start to finish.

    “I still don’t understand any of this,” I bicker, holding my cell phone to my ear and taking inventory of my apartment. An apartment filled with four men packing my belongings into suitcases and boxes...

  5. #5

    Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fiction and Illusions by Neil Gaiman
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    'Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fiction and Illusions' by Neil Gaiman is a collection of short stories and poems that span a wide variety of styles and themes. The stories range from charming, gentle fantasy to chilling, macabre horror, igniting the reader's imagination and making them think in unexpected ways. Gaiman's writing style is described as always interesting and thought-provoking, showcasing his talent for storytelling and his ability to blend mundaneness with the fantastic seamlessly.

    The book features a mix of stories that are fun, bizarre, creepy, and intriguing, with unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged. Gaiman's imagination is praised as magnificent, with some stories being hailed as among the best and most thought-provoking short stories ever encountered. The collection is noted for its eclectic mix of short stories, poems, and other writings, always interesting and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of Gaiman's work.

    Every Thursday afternoon Mrs Whitaker walked down to the post office to collect her pension, even though her legs were no longer what they were, and on the way back home she would stop in at the Oxfam...

  6. #6

    Mermaid Moon by Susann Cokal
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    Mermaid Moon by Susann Cokal is a fantasy novel that tells the story of Sanna, a half-seavish girl on a quest to understand her landish mother. The narrative explores themes of dual ethnicities, feminism, and coming of age, as Sanna's adventure delves into the ties between different worlds. The book weaves together a unique blend of mermaid society, magic, and powerful imagery, creating a story that is both original and reminiscent of classic mermaid tales.

    The writing style in Mermaid Moon is described as strange, beautiful, and imaginative. The author, Susann Cokal, creates a world filled with intricate details, vibrant characters, and a storyline that unfolds with twists and surprises. The book is praised for its unique take on mermaid lore, strong female characters, and LGBTQ+ representation, making it a captivating read for both young adults and adults alike.


  7. #7

    The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
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    'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield follows the story of Margaret Lea, a young biographer hired by the reclusive writer Vida Winter to pen her autobiography. As Margaret delves into Vida's mysterious past, she uncovers a gothic tale involving the Angelfield family, secrets, and ghosts. The narrative weaves together themes of family, mystery, and self-discovery, drawing parallels between the lives of the characters and the haunting stories they hold.

    Setterfield's writing style in 'The Thirteenth Tale' has been described as beautifully written, captivating, and reminiscent of classic authors like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. The book is praised for its poetic prose, intricate storytelling, and the way it keeps readers guessing until the very end. With elements of gothic mystery, psychological depth, and a touch of realism that blurs the line between possibility and fantasy, this novel offers a compelling journey through dark secrets and unexpected revelations.

    It was November. Although it was not yet late, the sky was dark when I turned into Laundress Passage. Father had finished for the day, switched off the shop lights and closed the shutters; but so I wo...

  8. #8

    The Coffin Dancer - Lincoln Rhyme by Jeffery Deaver
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    The Coffin Dancer revolves around quadriplegic detective Lincoln Rhyme who is tasked with tracking down a lethal assassin known as the Coffin Dancer. The assassin is a master of disguise and always stays one step ahead of his pursuers, posing a challenge for Rhyme and his team. The story is set in New York City, providing a vivid backdrop for the thrilling plot. With intricate plotting, masterful storytelling, and unexpected plot twists, Jeffery Deaver keeps readers on the edge of their seats, immersing them in a world of suspense and deception.

    The book delves into the complex relationship between Rhyme and his assistant Amelia Sachs, as they work together to catch the elusive Coffin Dancer. Deaver's writing style is described as captivating, with detailed descriptions of forensic investigations, action-packed scenes, and compelling character development. The narrative unfolds with tension and suspense, leading to a surprising and satisfying conclusion that leaves readers in awe of Deaver's storytelling prowess.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lincoln Rhyme )

  9. #9
    Dragon's Teeth
    Book 2 in the series:Martis

    Dragon's Teeth - Martis by Mercedes Lackey
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    'Dragon's Teeth' in the Martis Series by Mercedes Lackey is a collection of short stories that showcase the author's storytelling skills and imaginative world-building. The plots twist unexpectedly, incorporating elements of magic, historical war, and fantasy. The stories feature diverse characters, including mages and bodyguards, embarking on dangerous missions and facing unforeseen challenges. Lackey's writing style is described as well-crafted, engaging, and able to transport readers to different worlds seamlessly.


  10. #10

    Loch Down Abbey: Downton Abbey meets locked-room mystery in this playful, humorous novel set in 1930s Scotland by Beth Cowan-Erskine
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    Loch Down Abbey is a humorous novel set in 1930s Scotland, combining elements of Downton Abbey with a locked-room mystery. The plot revolves around a wealthy and dysfunctional aristocratic family living in an enormous Scottish house during a pandemic. The story unfolds with a thin mystery that leads to the uncovering of family secrets, comical confrontations, and surprising twists that keep readers engaged. The author, Beth Cowan-Erskine, skillfully navigates through a complex plot with a diverse cast of characters, both upstairs and downstairs, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the popular TV series Downton Abbey.


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