Books matching: tense atmosphere
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- #1
Save:'In The Clearing' by J.P. Pomare is a psychological thriller that follows two main characters, Amy and Freya, whose lives become intertwined by a mysterious link. Amy lives in a secluded commune called the Clearing, while Freya, a mother and teacher, tries to maintain a quiet life with her son Billy. However, when a local girl goes missing, Freya's past resurfaces, and dark secrets begin to unravel. As the story unfolds, the secrets of the past come to light, exposing the dark underbelly of the rural Australian town.
The book delves into themes of cults, manipulation, trauma, and identity, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. With unexpected twists and turns, the story explores the complexities of relationships, the impact of past traumas, and the blurred lines between victim and villain, making for a gripping and compelling read.
A CHILD WAS taken, it was on the news, and I just had to get out of the house. You see, there are some things Freya Heywood – that is to say, I – can’t see without changing. I’m like you, but then aga... - #2
Save:'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley is a suspenseful thriller set on a remote Irish island where a wedding turns deadly. The plot unfolds through multiple character perspectives, revealing secrets, lies, and motives for murder. The writing style is described as engaging, with a fluid timeline, clever plotting, and a gripping atmosphere reminiscent of Big Little Lies.
In an instant, everything is in darkness. The band stop their playing. Inside the marquee the wedding guests squeal and clutch at one another. The light from the candles on the tables only adds to the... - #3
Save:'72 Hours' by Bella Jewel is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Noah and Lara as they are kidnapped, drugged, and placed in an unknown environment with a psychopath hunting them. The tension, fear, and anticipation are palpable throughout the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Noah and Lara race against time to survive the deadly game they have been unwillingly thrust into. Bella Jewel expertly intertwines romance and passion between the two main characters with the darker subject of being hunted by a psychopath, creating a fast-paced and thrilling narrative that hooks readers from the beginning.
The emotional journey of Noah and Lara, as they navigate their past relationship and breakup while facing a murderous psychopath, adds depth to the plot. The suspenseful writing style of Bella Jewel, combined with the well-developed main characters, creates a story that is intense, bone-chilling, and impossible to put down until the very end.
She giggles. “I think so. Anyway, it was kind of weird because we just sort of bumped into each other and he started talking to me. He was so charming. Next thing I knew I was going out with him. He w... - #4
Save:'Dirty White Boys' by Stephen Hunter follows the story of Lamar Pye, his mentally disabled cousin Odell, and a third man who escape from a maximum-security prison and embark on a killing and robbery spree in Oklahoma and North Texas. The narrative explores the horrors inflicted by the fugitives and the relentless pursuit by state police Sgt. Bud Pewtie and his partner Ted Pepper. The characters are flawed, with Pewtie being a self-centered egotist and Pye portrayed as exceptionally evil. The writing style is described as gritty and fast-paced, focusing more on action rather than romance or angst.
The phone pulled Bud Pewtie from a blank and dreamless sleep, and he awoke in the dark of his bedroom, his wife breathing heavily beside him. All through the house it was quiet, except for the sounds ... - #5
Save:Thinner by Stephen King, writing under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, follows Fairview attorney Billy Halleck as he is cursed by an old Gypsy leader, Tadiz Lemke, resulting in relentless weight loss after being exonerated in a tragic accident. As Billy's weight loss becomes inexplicable, the health care profession considers it to be guilt-derived and psychosomatic. The novel weaves a gripping narrative delving into themes of justice, retribution, and the consequences of one's actions, as Billy realizes he is cursed and sets out to track down the Gypsy clan to break the curse.
The story of Thinner unfolds with complex characters and a supernatural element that adds depth to the plot, making it more than just a traditional crime or thriller story. Stephen King's signature storytelling prowess shines through in creating a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere, with vivid and thought-provoking writing. The novel also raises ethical questions about accountability and the nature of justice, leaving readers contemplating the consequences of their own actions.
'Thinner,' the old Gypsy man with the rotting nose whispers to William Halleck as Halleck and his wife, Heidi, come out of the courthouse. Just that one word, sent on the wafting, cloying sweetness of... - #6
Save:'At the Wolf's Table' by Rosella Postorino follows the story of Rosa Sauer and her fellow food tasters who work at Hitler's hideout, The Wolf's Lair. The narrative delves into the experiences of the women conscripted to taste Hitler's food, the relationships among the tasters, and Rosa's personal struggles during the last year of the war. The writing style captures the complexities of the characters, particularly Rosa, and provides insight into the disillusionment and conflicting beliefs prevalent among Germans at the time.
The plot unfolds with Rosa navigating her duties as a food taster, dealing with personal tragedies such as her missing husband, Gregor, and forming unexpected relationships, notably with the SS lieutenant. Postorino's storytelling skillfully weaves together historical events like Von Stauffenberg's attempt on Hitler's life with the daily lives and emotional turmoil of the characters, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
We entered one at a time. We had waited for hours outside, lined up in the hallway. The room was large, its walls white. In the center of it, a long wooden table already laid out. They gestured for us... - #7
Save:Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell is a psychological thriller that follows the disappearance of troubled teen Saffyre Maddox and the suspects involved, including a narcissistic therapist, a creepy neighbor associated with incel culture, and other mysterious characters. The story is narrated from multiple points of view, revealing dark secrets, toxic masculinity, and the complexities of human relationships. As the plot unfolds, twists and turns abound, keeping readers engaged in a well-plotted and character-driven mystery.
The novel delves into themes of incel culture, toxic masculinity, rape myths, and the impact of false accusations, all while exploring the intricacies of human behavior and the consequences of hidden secrets. Lisa Jewell's writing style is nuanced and thought-provoking, creating a dark and tense atmosphere that builds suspense and keeps readers guessing until the end.
I am mostly Welsh on my dad’s side and partly Trinidadian, partly Malaysian, and a tiny bit French from my mum. Sometimes people try to guess my heritage, but they always end up getting it wrong. If a... - #8
Save:"Pied Piper" by Nevil Shute is a heartwarming story set during World War II, following an elderly British gentleman, John Howard, who finds himself in France at the onset of the German invasion. Howard's journey back to England becomes complicated as he takes on the responsibility of protecting a growing group of children he encounters along the way. The book portrays the challenges, adventures, and sacrifices made by Howard as he navigates occupied France with the children, showcasing themes of kindness, courage, and resilience. Shute's writing style is praised for being quietly humorous, colorful, and filled with richly drawn characters, making the story both poignant and satisfying.
His name is John Sidney Howard, and he is a member of my club in London. I came in for dinner that night at about eight o’clock, tired after a long day of conferences about my aspect of the war. He wa... - #9
Save:In "Shiver" by Allie Reynolds, a group of former snowboarding friends reunite at an isolated ski lodge in the French Alps, where a mysterious death from their past resurfaces, leading to a series of chilling events and revelations. The narrative alternates between the present day and ten years ago, creating a tense atmosphere as secrets are unveiled, suspicions rise, and the characters' connections and tensions come to light. Reynolds' background in snowboarding adds authenticity to the competitive and dangerous world depicted in the novel, while the locked room mystery plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning who to trust and what really happened to Saskia.
The familiar red-and-white cable car sits in the bay, but there’s nobody in the operator booth. The sun has disappeared behind the Alps, the sky is pink, yet there isn’t a single light on in the build... 'The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11' by author Garrett M. Graff is a captivating and emotional recounting of the events of September 11, 2001, through the firsthand accounts of those who experienced the tragic day. The book weaves together the voices of individuals from various backgrounds, including survivors, first responders, politicians, and ordinary citizens, to provide a detailed and harrowing narrative of the multi-layered terrorist attacks on the United States.
The book offers a unique perspective on the impact of 9/11, focusing on the human stories and emotions behind the tragedy rather than the political or tactical aspects. Through a chronological presentation of personal testimonies, 'The Only Plane in the Sky' immerses readers in the events leading up to the attacks, the moments of crisis on the hijacked planes, the responses of the government and rescue workers, and the aftermath of the day that forever changed the world.
On August 12, 2001, NASA astronaut Frank Culbertson arrived at the International Space Station aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. He would live and work aboard the Space Station for 125 days. On Sept...
