Books matching: victorian thriller
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'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins is a Victorian thriller filled with mystery and suspense. The story follows Marian Halcombe and Walter Hartright as they try to unravel the secrets surrounding a mysterious woman in white who holds the key to saving their friend Laura Fairlie from dark forces seeking to claim her estate and her life. The novel is masterfully crafted with classic Victorian elements such as unexplained apparitions, exotic dangers, a larger-than-life villain, secret ancestries, and the looming threat of an asylum next door.
The plot of 'The Woman in White' unfolds through documents and diaries of the characters, slowly revealing a tale of societal position, inheritance, confused identities, secrets, and crimes. The narrative is rich with twists and turns, mistaken identities, and surprise revelations, keeping readers engaged in the investigation led by Walter Hartright after his eerie encounter with the woman in white. Overall, the book offers a strange and eerie mystery tale that is well worth reading, despite some dated aspects.
If the machinery of the Law could be depended on to fathom every case of suspicion, and to conduct every process of inquiry, with moderate assistance only from the lubricating influences of oil of gol... - #2
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters is a Victorian gothic novel filled with plot twists and turns, following the story of two orphan girls who unknowingly have intertwined lives. The book delves into themes of betrayal, ruined innocence, treachery, and madness, all set against the backdrop of Victorian London. Through multiple narrators and a complex plot structure, the story unfolds in a gripping manner, keeping readers guessing and engaged till the very end.
Waters' writing style in Fingersmith is described as evocative, rich in historical detail, and atmospheric, successfully transporting readers to the Victorian era. The novel intricately weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and intrigue, creating a dark and fiery tale laced with love, betrayal, and secrecy that is both compelling and immersive.
My name, in those days, was Susan Trinder. People called me Sue. I know the year I was born in, but for many years I did not know the date, and took my birthday at Christmas. I believe I am an orphan.... - #3
Set in Victorian Scotland, 'The Observations' by Jane Harris follows the story of Bessy, a maid with a mysterious past who takes up a position in a country manor house. Her employer, Arabella, exhibits strange behavior that hints at sinister secrets lurking beneath the surface. The novel is narrated by Bessy, whose unique voice brings humor and depth to the tale as she navigates through a blend of comedy, gothic horror, and social commentary. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a world of hidden meanings, secrets, and unexpected twists, making it a compelling Victorian thriller that delves into the roles of women during that era.
Bessy's character shines through as a delightful mix of sassiness, sweetness, cruelty, and vulnerability, making her a relatable and believable protagonist. The interactions between Bessy and Arabella, along with the quirky sayings and phrases used by Bessy, add a touch of humor and lightness to the otherwise dark and mysterious narrative. Despite the slow build-up and the lack of a big reveal towards the end, 'The Observations' stands out as a captivating read that keeps readers guessing and invested in the fates of the characters.
I had reason to leave Glasgow, this would have been about three four years ago, and I had been on the Great Road about five hours when I seen a track to the left and a sign that said ‘Castle Haivers’.... - #4
'The Quick' by Lauren Owen is a gothic tale set in late Victorian London, where the story follows James Norbury as he moves to London to pursue a career as a poet. However, things take a dark turn when he gets caught up with a mysterious club of vampires, leading to his disappearance. His older sister, Charlotte, sets out on a mission to uncover the truth and rescue her brother, delving into a world of horror, suspense, and eerie atmospheres. The narrative weaves through various viewpoints, exploring the themes of social class, repressed desires, and the thin line between sanity and insanity in a fog-shrouded Victorian setting.
At the end of the hall gardens, the ground gave way to a sudden drop that felt like the edge of the world. Below was a ditch full of nettles, which was called a ha-ha. Beyond that there were wide flat... 'The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper' by author Hallie Rubenhold delves into the forgotten stories of the five victims of Jack the Ripper. It challenges the common narrative that these women were all prostitutes, revealing their diverse backgrounds and the societal circumstances that led them to their tragic fates. Through meticulous research, the author humanizes these women, portraying them as daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, and lovers, rather than mere victims of a notorious killer. Rubenhold's narrative skillfully reconstructs the lives of these women, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by working-class women in Victorian England.
The first version, more frequently featured in history books, is the one that those who lived in late-nineteenth-century Britain wished to recall, the version they recounted to their grandchildren wit...- #6
'The Meaning of Night' by Michael Cox is a Victorian mystery novel that begins with a confession of a murder committed by the protagonist. Set in the 19th century, the novel unravels a complex tale of murder, deception, revenge, and intrigue in the backdrop of Victorian England. The writing style is described as authentic to the period, with detailed descriptions and dialogue reminiscent of Victorian melodramas and detective novels, evoking the styles of authors like Wilkie Collins and Dickens.
It had been surprisingly – laughably – easy. I had followed him for some distance, after first observing him in Threadneedle-street. I cannot say why I decided it should be him, and not one of the oth... - #7
The Corset by Laura Purcell is a Victorian gothic thriller that follows two women from different societal backgrounds, Dorothea Truelove and Ruth Butterham. Dorothea, a wealthy heiress, visits female prisoners, including Ruth, who is awaiting trial for murder. Ruth, a teenage seamstress, believes she has the supernatural power to cause death through her needlework. As the two women's lives become intertwined, the story unfolds with elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural, leading to a startling ending that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
My sainted mother taught me the seven acts of corporeal mercy: to feed the hungry; refresh the thirsty; clothe the naked; shelter the traveller; comfort the sick; visit those imprisoned; and bury the ... - #8
The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier is a suspense thriller novel set in 1950s France, where an Englishman named John meets his double, a French aristocrat named Jean, and is forced to switch identities with him. As John navigates Jean's crumbling finances and complicated family dynamics, he uncovers a web of secrets, betrayals, and conflicts that challenge his sense of identity and commitment. The story unfolds with poetic prose, compelling plot twists, and subtle character development, culminating in an uncertain denouement that mirrors the complexities of real life.
I left the car by the side of the cathedral, and then walked down the steps into the Place des Jacobins. It was still raining hard. It had not once let up since Tours, and all I had seen of the countr... - #9
The Darwin Affair by Tim Mason is a Victorian thriller set in 1860, where Chief Inspector Detective Charles Field is tasked with solving a series of murders and unraveling a conspiracy against Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The plot revolves around the clash between those who support Charles Darwin's theories and those who seek to discredit them, leading to a complex narrative filled with historical figures like Charles Darwin, Sir Richard Owen, Karl Marx, and Bishop Wilberforce. The book combines mystery, history, and suspense, taking readers on a journey through the dark alleys of Victorian London and the corridors of power.
The writing style of The Darwin Affair is engaging and fast-paced, keeping readers hooked with its non-stop action and unexpected twists. The author, Tim Mason, skillfully weaves together real historical events and fictional elements, creating a vivid portrayal of Victorian England and its societal tensions. The characters, particularly Chief Detective Inspector Charles Field, are well-developed, adding depth to the narrative and making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and mystery.
The heat moved like a feral thing through the streets, fetid and inescapable. Chief Detective Inspector Charles Field, sweating in his shiny black greatcoat, ducked into the shadowed portico of a hous... - #10
"The Broken Bridge" by Philip Pullman is a coming-of-age novel that follows Ginny, a biracial teenage girl living in a small Welsh village with her white father. When secrets from the past emerge, Ginny's world is turned upside down as she discovers hidden truths about her family and herself. The book delves into themes of identity, race, family secrets, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a picturesque yet haunting Welsh landscape. Pullman's narrative skill captures teenage emotions of alienation and isolation, with a touch of the supernatural woven into the storyline.
ONE HOT DAY toward the end of the summer term in which Ginny had her sixteenth birthday, she got home from school to find Dad already there, talking to a stranger. Normally he didn’t get home till six...