Books matching: unexpected turns
100 result(s)
- #1
'The Vision' by Dean Koontz is a supernatural-themed thriller involving a clairvoyant woman named Mary who has visions of crimes before they happen, specifically those of a serial killer. The plot revolves around Mary's psychic abilities helping the police in solving crimes, particularly those connected to the mysterious killer. The book is described as a quick and easy read, with well-drawn characters, although the identity of the villain is somewhat predictable early on in the story.
The writing style of 'The Vision' is noted to be less elaborate, reflecting an early work by Koontz. Despite the lack of mystery regarding the antagonist, the story is still enjoyable with elements of suspense and action. The book explores themes of psychic abilities, crime-solving, and the connection between the protagonist and the killer, making it an engaging thriller with a supernatural twist.
The perspiration on Mary Bergen’s face was like the ceramic glaze on the plaster countenance of an altar saint. Her smooth skin gleamed in the green light from the instrument panel. Her dark eyes also... - #2
In this second book of the Essex sisters series, Annabel is determined to marry a rich man but ends up in a compromising situation with Ewan, the Earl of Ardmore, a Scottish earl in search of an heiress wife. Despite their initial differences, their courtship involves 10 kisses a day leading to a deeper connection before their relationship is tested on a journey to Scotland. The story combines charming romance, witty characters, and a touch of humor, making it a delightful and engaging read.
In neither case had the Scotsman indicated a particular interest in undertaking such intimate activities with an Essex sister, but his participation was taken for granted. And, naturally, both of thes...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Essex Sisters ) - #3
A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe is a gothic romance novel set in a mysterious and eerie Sicilian castle. The story revolves around the unhappy love romances of the daughters of the castle, filled with elements like ruined wings, hidden passages, mysterious lights, and ghostly secrets. The plot takes unexpected turns, incorporating standard tropes of the gothic genre such as suspenseful moments, ghostly apparitions, and tragic love stories set in exotic Sicily. The writing style reflects the author's Gothic influences, with dreamlike descriptions of landscapes, fainting women, handsome heroes, and dastardly villains.
On the northern shore of Sicily are still to be seen the magnificent remains of a castle, which formerly belonged to the noble house of Mazzini. It stands in the centre of a small bay, and upon a gent... - #4
"Matched" in the series "Garrison Earth" by V.K. Ludwig tells the story of Melek and Katie, two characters facing abuse, discrimination, romance, and survival in a world filled with trauma and unexpected challenges. As they navigate through terrible circumstances and race against time, they find strength in each other and strive to overcome obstacles, including drug addiction, assault, and the pursuit of bounty hunters. The plot is a rollercoaster of emotions, with unforgettable characters and a mix of drama, romance, and crackling moments that keep readers engaged and moved to tears.
A hand settled on my shoulder, soft silicone over cold, unfeeling metal, making old dread surge from where it lived in the pith of my bones. I dragged my nail over the raw patch above my wrist, blood,...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Garrison Earth ) - #5
Foolscap by Michael Malone is a delightful academic novel that offers a witty satire of academia. The book follows Theo Ryan, a drama professor, as he seeks validation for his play 'Foolscap' with the help of renowned playwright Ford Rexford. The narrative takes unexpected turns, blending elements of campus life in the Southern US with a caper set in the English countryside. Malone's writing style is described as engaging, with gentle satire and humorous situations that keep the reader absorbed in the story.
- #6
Author's Note: This deliciously scandalous, small-town, single dad standalone includes steamy times in front of a kitchen sink, a hot new use for a chocolate ice cream cone, and an alpha cinnamon-roll hero who's very good with his hands.
Peyton
Af
... - #7
The Stranger Times is a magical and humorous book that follows the editorial office of The Stranger Times, a publication reporting on paranormal and nutty events. The story revolves around a diverse cast of characters such as Grace, the efficient office admin, Stella, the sulky teenager, and Banecroft, the abrasive editor. The plot builds momentum like a Clydesdale on a race track, immersing readers into a strange and unusual world that is just at the corners of reality. The writing style is inventive and original, making readers burst out into laughter in public and creating a sense of immersion into the story.
- #8
Three lost souls meet in Athens, where their lives are destined to change forever. Rebecca is a young French painter, fleeing two years as a stewardess with Air France and a life bereft of personality and understanding. While trying to work out who she is, she stumbles upon two men her first friend in Athens is George, a lonely American Ivy League educated linguist in love with ancient languages, alcohol, and Rebecca herself. But then she stumbles upon Henry Bliss, a Welsh archaeologist, who she suspects can show her not only the secrets of the ancient city she lives in but of her own heart, even though he's hiding his own secrets from the distant past. Each of them is lost in some way each of their relationships defines who they are and what they will become in the years ahead.
First, I must say that Simon Van Booy's writing is exquisite. There is no other word for it. It is one of two traits that made me love his stories He can make the most mundane of topics into something gorgeous. The subject of Everything Beautiful Began After is not mundane, and Van Booy does not disappoint. The other trait that drew me to Van Booy's short stories is the buoyancy his tales achieve. No matter the subject, they are wrapped in a feeling of lightness that highlights poignancy and emphasizes a kind of magic and happiness that I fell in love with. I was a little disappointed to find that rare quality lacking in Everything Beautiful Began After, which seemed to sink slowly rather than rise. Overall I am happy to have read Simon Van Booy's debut novel. It was a lovely, bittersweet, and skillfully original book, if not quite on par, in my opinion, with his short stories.
Athens has long been a place where lonely people go. A city doomed to forever impersonate itself, a city wrapped by cruel bands of road, where the thunder of traffic is a sound so constant it’s like s... - #9
'A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons' follows the journey of Saffron Everleigh, an under-rated research assistant in 1920s England who finds herself entangled in a murder mystery at University College of London. The plot unfolds as Saffron, a botanist, investigates the death of a faculty member's wife with the help of another researcher, navigating through a male-dominated field and facing challenges from the past. The writing style immerses readers in the setting of 1920s England, drawing comparisons to Agatha Christie and creating a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.
Light poured from the windows of the grand house, illuminating the front steps and graveled drive. The taxi rolled to a stop and Saffron emerged, then was led up the stairs by a liveried footman. A ma... - #10
'The Dragon Behind the Glass' by Emily Voigt delves into the captivating world of the Asian Arowana, a fish that holds immense value in the aquarium trade. The narrative follows the author's journey across multiple countries and jungles as she uncovers the secrets and controversies surrounding the arowana. From encounters with colorful characters to exploring the dark underbelly of the exotic pet trade, Voigt weaves a tale that is part exposé, part travelogue, and part scholarly investigation. As she immerses herself deeper into the fish world, her perspective evolves, leading to a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between humans and the aquatic world.
is a blend of adventure, science, and history, offering readers a unique insight into the complexities of the aquarium fish trade. Voigt's meticulous research and engaging storytelling bring to light the challenges faced by the arowana, a mass-produced endangered species coveted by a select group of enthusiasts. Through her experiences and encounters, Voigt sheds light on the environmental impact of fish farming, the bureaucracy of species protection, and the obsession that drives individuals to extreme lengths in pursuit of this elusive fish.
On a freezing Tuesday in March 2009, my alarm blared at 4:00 a.m. By 6:45, I stood shivering outside a housing project in the South Bronx with Lieutenant John Fitzpatrick and three junior officers, fr...