Books matching: suspenseful pacing
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- #1
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a gothic mystery set in Mexico in the 1950s, following the story of a young socialite named Noemi Taboada. Noemi receives a troubling letter from her cousin who recently married into the Doyle family and is unwell. She travels to the family's eerie mansion, High Place, where she encounters strange inhabitants and begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding her cousin's illness. The book combines elements of classic gothic romance, a haunted house mystery, and explores themes of colonialism and horror in a unique setting.
The writing style of Mexican Gothic is described as atmospheric and immersive, drawing readers into the cold and haunted environment of the mansion. The plot unfolds with suspenseful pacing, blending Victorian sensibilities with creepy and grotesque elements like mushrooms, mysterious dreams, and family secrets. The protagonist, Noemi, is highlighted as a strong and brave heroine who must navigate the dark secrets of High Place to save her cousin and herself, making for a gripping and eerie tale.
The parties at the Tuñóns’ house always ended unquestionably late, and since the hosts enjoyed costume parties in particular, it was not unusual to see Chinas Poblanas with their folkloric skirts and ... - #2
"Gone for Good" by Harlan Coben is a gripping mystery novel that follows Will Klein as he delves into the truth of his past after discovering his long-presumed dead brother is alive. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader on edge and constantly second-guessing assumptions. Coben's writing style is described as fast-paced, full of suspense, and with unexpected plot developments that make it a page-turner.
The story revolves around Will's quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding his brother's disappearance, his ex-girlfriend's murder, and his current girlfriend's sudden disappearance. With a mix of complex characters, surprising revelations, and a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end, "Gone for Good" is a thrilling read that combines elements of mystery, suspense, and family drama.
Dad kept glancing out the bay windows—the same windows that had been shot out with a BB gun twice in the past eleven years—and muttered under his breath, “Sons of bitches.” He’d turn around and think ... - #3
The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna is a haunting tale set in the small town of Gost, Croatia, where the lives of Duro Kolak, a local handyman with a dark past, and Laura, an Englishwoman seeking a fresh start, become intertwined. As Duro helps Laura renovate an old house, the narrative weaves between the present day and Duro's memories of the civil war that ravaged Croatia, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of post-war reconciliation. Forna's writing style elegantly juxtaposes the beauty of the Croatian landscape with the haunting shadows of the past, creating a deeply atmospheric and emotionally resonant story.
Laura came to Gost in the last week of July. I was the first to see her the morning she drove into town. From the hillside you have a view of the road, one of the three that lead into town: the first ... - #4
'A Respectable Trade' by Philippa Gregory tells the story of Mehuru, a priest from the African kingdom of Yoruba, who is captured by white slavers from England and brought to Bristol during the height of the slave trade. Meanwhile, Frances Scott, a landless woman seeking employment, ends up marrying a shipping merchant named Josiah Cole, who is involved in the slave trade. Frances is faced with the moral dilemma of coming to terms with the reality of slavery as she interacts with the African slaves that Josiah intends to train and sell as house servants. explores themes of social class, wealth, race, love, and the dehumanizing effects of the slave trade, all written in a suspenseful and historically accurate manner.
MEHURU WOKE AT DAWN with the air cool on his outstretched body. He opened his eyes in the half darkness and sniffed the air as if the light wind might bring him some strange scent. His dream, an uneas... - #5
Blackout, the final installment in the 'Newsflesh' series by Mira Grant, brings a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy. The book delves into a post-zombie apocalypse America, focusing on New Media journalists navigating conspiracies, mad science, action, and political commentary. The story follows the Mason siblings, Shaun and Georgia, as they uncover truths in a world filled with fear-mongering, propaganda, and death. The narrative weaves through twists and turns, exploring the manipulation of people through information and journalism while using zombies as a backdrop to drive the plot.
The writing style in 'Blackout' is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with surprises at every turn. Grant's storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, providing an emotional roller coaster ride through a world where human behavior is examined through the lens of a zombie apocalypse. The choral approach to character development and the gripping plot make this book a compelling read that explores themes of grief, conspiracy, and the resilience of the human spirit.
My story ended where so many stories have ended since the Rising: with a man—in this case, my adoptive brother and best friend, Shaun—holding a gun to the base of my skull as the virus in my blood bet...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Newsflesh ) - #6
'Mafia Bride' by C.D. Reiss is a mafia romance novel that follows the story of Violetta, who is forced to marry the mob boss Santino DiLustro against her will. The book is filled with action, tension, and sexually charged moments as Violetta fights back against her fate, uncovering family secrets and navigating a complex relationship with Santino. The writing style is described as intense, with well-developed characters and a slow burn romance that keeps readers invested in the story.
The exam that evening is less a breeze and more a light wind, but I finish early and get on the bus home over the river to Secondo Vasto—Little Vasto, after the part of Naples we’re all from—where I h... - #7
"The Tyrant" in the series 'The Golden Chronicles' by author Patricia Veryan is a historical romance set in the 18th century, amidst the aftermath of the Jacobite rebellion. The story follows the journey of the two main characters, Phoebe and Meredith, who are forced into a betrothal to hide a treasonous secret. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they find themselves falling in love amidst plot complications and historical intrigue. The writing style of Patricia Veryan captures the essence of the Georgian era, with unique and three-dimensional characters that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The plot of "The Tyrant" is filled with swashbuckling adventure, romance, and suspense, making it a captivating read for fans of historical fiction. The characters, especially Phoebe and Meredith, are portrayed as believable and relatable individuals with depth and complexity. delves into themes of loyalty, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of political turmoil and personal struggles, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.
(Also, see 19 recommendations for the series The Golden Chronicles ) - #8
Set in Italy during the end of World War II, "The Girl from Venice" by Martin Cruz Smith is a historical thriller that follows the protagonist, Cenzo, a fisherman who discovers a young Jewish refugee named Giulia hiding from the Nazis. As their fates become intertwined, Cenzo falls in love with Giulia, leading them on a journey from a sleepy fishing village to Venice, Salo, and Switzerland. The novel captures the disintegrating fascist state in Italy as the Allies advance, showcasing a mix of romance, suspense, and historical context.
The narrative delves into the complexities of wartime Italy, highlighting the struggles of the characters against a backdrop of political turmoil and personal dilemmas. Through the eyes of Cenzo and Giulia, the story explores themes of love, resistance, collaboration, and survival amidst the atrocities of World War II. The writing style is praised for its blend of heartwarming romance, well-crafted characters, and insights into the historical period, making it a compelling and engaging read.
Without a moon, small islands disappeared and Venice sank into the dark. Stars, however, were so brilliant that Cenzo felt drawn to them, even as mud oozed between his toes. The faint report of church... - #9Seekby:
Olivia Barton, a wealthy socialite, hires a guide named Thomas to lead her through a ruined, crime-infested town in Colombia to find her missing fiance. As they face various dangers together, they realize an undeniable attraction between them, despite their vastly different backgrounds and expectations for the future. The book is described as a mix of romance and suspense, with a plot filled with twists and unknowns that keep readers on edge. Mia Sheridan's writing style is praised for its emotional depth, loving characters, and unexpected turns that surprise and engage readers.
I didn't think I'd ever felt as out of place in my life. My knee bounced as I took a quick sip of my beer, attempting to appear relaxed, attempting to blend. Yeah right. Because I was nervous, twitchy... - #10
In 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson, the story follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast who gets accepted into the prestigious Ellingham Academy to pursue her dream of solving the decades-old murder and kidnapping that occurred at the school in 1936. The book alternates between the past events of 1936 and Stevie's present-day investigations, creating a compelling narrative full of mysteries and intriguing characters. However, the book ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment to unravel the unresolved plot threads.
Stevie finds herself caught up in a web of mysteries as she delves into the historical murder disappearance at Ellingham Academy while navigating her own challenges in the present day. With engaging storytelling that intertwines past and present events, Johnson crafts a YA murder mystery that keeps readers hooked with its blend of riddles, puzzles, and questions. Despite some readers finding the ending unsatisfying due to the abrupt cliffhanger, the book's ability to keep readers on edge and craving more sets the stage for a promising series that blends elements of historical crime with modern-day investigations.
This resulted in a long pause. Stevie and her parents had had many conversations about the nature of truth and fact, and this might, on another day, have erupted into an argument. Not today. They seem...