Books matching: tension and isolation
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Three Hours' by Rosamund Lupton is a gripping and intense thriller that takes place during a school shooting in England. The story unfolds in real time, showcasing the resilience, courage, and love displayed by the students and teachers trapped in the school under siege. The plot is character-driven, offering a psychological study through the eyes of various characters affected by the events, including students, teachers, parents, and police. The author cleverly weaves in themes from Macbeth, fairytales, literature, and poetry, creating a unique and original narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The writing style of 'Three Hours' is described as quiet yet intensely thrilling, with psychologically nuanced and visually overwhelming layers that create agonizing tension. The author's polished prose skillfully reveals the characters' perceptions and motivations through gradual storytelling, avoiding lengthy backstories. offers a realistic portrayal of a school shooting, handling delicate topics with sensitivity and integrity, and including non-graphic but impactful scenes that evoke emotions in readers.
A police surveillance drone, with a live feed to a screen in Rose Polstein’s command and control vehicle, keeps watch on the gunman outside the pottery room. Their teacher is still putting in her clay... - #2
Save:"Getaway" by Zoje Stage is a gripping thriller that follows three women, Imogen, Beck, and Tilda, as they reunite for a backpacking trip at the Grand Canyon. Despite past tensions and fractured friendships, the trip takes a dangerous turn when their supplies go missing and a mysterious stranger appears, turning their week in nature into a fight for survival. The author skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, character development, and past trauma, creating a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while vividly describing the beauty and dangers of the Grand Canyon.
They were too busy to watch the sunset, or the moonrise, beyond the two-story windows of Beck’s Flagstaff living room: they would be getting up before dawn, and still had a lot to do. The cathedral ce... - #3
Save:In 'Reception' by Kenzie Jennings, the story revolves around Ansley Boone, who finds herself in a nightmarish situation at her sister's wedding. As a bridesmaid, Ansley is dealing with her own personal struggles, including a recent breakdown and rehab stay, while also uncovering dark secrets about the groom's family. The book combines elements of gore, mental health, deception, and cannibalism, creating a gripping and gory tale set against the backdrop of a wedding turned bloodbath. The writing style is described as detailed, messy, and full of manic energy, with a focus on character drama and inner voice that sets it apart from traditional horror novels.
- #4
Save:In 'In the Dark' by Loreth Anne White, a group of eight strangers is lured to a remote lodge in British Columbia under false pretenses, only to realize they are there for revenge. As secrets are revealed and tensions escalate, the characters must navigate a deadly game of betrayal and survival. The novel skillfully weaves together two interconnected storylines - one following the lodge party and the other focusing on the search and rescue efforts to find them, creating a suspenseful and captivating narrative. White's writing style is described as atmospheric, tense, and intricately plotted, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's classic mystery novels.
Before the waitress delivers my breakfast, I take the sugar packets out of the container on the diner table and quickly sneak them into my pocket. I wolf down the “Kluhane Bay loggers’ three-egg speci... - #5
Save:A friend told me once that she and her family had gone camping for a week with no contact with anyone else, and returned to discover the world had changed forever due to 9 11. So it is for Marlene, her sister in law Joni and 5 children, ranging in age from teenager to toddler, who have gone for a back to nature weekend in Shropshire. At first irritated by the lack of mobile signal, this turns to confusion, concern and then outright fear as they discover the world is now very much not as they knew it. Jo Furniss writes so beautifully bringing to life her characters and the horrific future facing them. There is a good balance of hope for the future alongside the realisation that the lives they previously had have now gone for good. And then there is that ending I'm not sure what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't that But I felt it was the perfect way to leave All The Little Children as I'm still thinking days later about Marlene and the rest of the characters we met here.
Crouched in the lea of an ancient oak tree, the safest place I could find on the sparse margins of the forest, I hid from my own children. Hunkered down like prey, I ferreted out my mobile phone; I ju... - #6
Save:What I discovered was a deliriously overheated book that spins a dark tale about the catastrophic repercussions of unrequited love and thwarted passions among a quartet of hot, bothered and desperately unhinged young men in a rural Appalachian mountain village. Newly released from a prison cell into the loving arms of his slightly younger brother, the 20 ish Sidney De Lakes is a former football hero who was convicted of killing his male lover. Sidney, now a ruin of his former self, is a man haunted by the past and stalked by spectres. As Sidney whiles away the time holed up in his bedroom, brother Vance, prissy and Presbyterian, according to the author, is also adoring and well meaning. But Vance emphatically does not want to hear about Sidney's otherness, or of Sidney being used by fellow inmates in the state penitentiary.
There are times in Narrow Rooms where Purdy seems to be channeling Tennessee Williams - the young men are all tortured divas. Dreamy, spacey and beautiful, Sidney tells everyone he's in love with them, and, certainly, they all want to be loved by Sidney. Yet, paradoxically, none of these people really seems capable of love. Within the hothouse confines of Purdy's mountain town, these mad young beauties talk about love a lot but here, love equals obsession, obsession equals sex, and sex equals death. The only character who ever had a chance of escaping this toxic stew is dead before the book even begins.
- #7
Save:Starvation Heights is a true crime book that delves into the horrifying story of Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard, a naturalist doctor in Olalla, WA, who treated her patients with a fasting cure that led to many deaths. The book follows the wealthy British sisters, Claire and Dora Williamson, who sought out Dr. Hazzard's unconventional treatments, only to face tragic consequences. The narrative explores the dark and twisted world of Starvation Heights, shedding light on the medical malpractice, theft, and murder that occurred at the hands of Dr. Hazzard.
The writing style of Starvation Heights is commended for its detailed storytelling, bringing to life the characters and the Pacific Northwest setting. Readers are drawn into the ghastly imagery and historical context of the story, as the author weaves together a narrative that is both fascinating and chilling. Through meticulous research, the book provides a thorough account of the events surrounding Starvation Heights, offering insights into the lives of the victims, the trial proceedings, and the legacy of Dr. Hazzard's crimes.
It was a world both bustling and tranquil; a musky sweet-smelling blend of extremes. As hotel clerks, waiters, doormen, and gardeners went about their myriad duties, ladies in heavy, ankle-length sati... - #8
Save:Chess Story by Stefan Zweig is a psychological novella that delves into the themes of obsession, trauma, and the power of the human mind. The story follows a chess match between two masters, one a world champion and the other a former Nazi prisoner who learned to play chess in isolation. As the match progresses, the narrative explores the psychological warfare and tension between the characters, culminating in a gripping and thought-provoking climax. Zweig's writing style is described as captivating, with intricate character sketches and a fast-paced plot that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
THE LARGE STEAMSHIP leaving New York for Buenos Aires at midnight was caught up in the usual bustle and commotion of the hour before sailing. Visitors from shore pressed past one another to take leave... - #9
Save:'I Am the Cheese' by Robert Cormier is a psychological mystery thriller that follows the story of a boy named Adam Farmer who is on a journey to uncover the truth about his past. The book is structured with two parallel storylines - one where Adam is being interviewed by a therapist or psychologist, and the other where Adam is on a frantic bike trip trying to reach his father. The narrative style is unique, with the action of the story interspersed with the protagonist's interviews, creating a suspenseful and page-turning experience. The book delves into themes of identity, memory, and psychological exploration, leaving readers questioning the reality of Adam's experiences.
The book is praised for its unexpected and shocking ending, which keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Despite being a YA novel, 'I Am the Cheese' is lauded for its deep and thought-provoking content that challenges readers to think critically and question the narrative. The writing style is described as superbly written, engrossing, and haunting, with an adventurous structure that includes interesting changes of voice. Cormier's ability to create a gripping and suspenseful plot while exploring complex psychological themes is highlighted as a standout feature of the book.
I am riding the bicycle and I am on Route 31 in Monument, Massachusetts, on my way to Rutterburg, Vermont, and I’m pedaling furiously because this is an old-fashioned bike, no speeds, no fenders, only... - #10
Save:"The Perfect Stranger" by Megan Miranda follows Leah Stevens, a former journalist starting over as a teacher, who becomes entangled in a mysterious disappearance when her roommate Emmy goes missing and seems to have never existed. As Leah delves into the investigation, she uncovers twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The plot is filled with suspense, secrets, and past lives, making it a compelling thriller with intriguing characters and unexpected plot twists. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and full of layers that keep readers guessing until the end.
Character, Emmy called it, the quirks that came with the house: the nonexistent water pressure in the shower; the illogical layout. From the front porch, our house had large sliding glass doors that l...
