Literary Fiction Books

"Make Death Love Me" is a gripping crime novel that follows a man's desperate attempts to break free from the mundanity of his life. Ruth Rendell keeps the reader intrigued with meticulously crafted characters and an unpredictable plot. The book is perfect for those who enjoy psychological thrillers that showcase the complexities of the human mind. Readers will be haunted by the protagonist's twisted fantasy of a daring bank heist and the consequences that follow.

Dark Hollow could be a good read for someone who enjoys dark mysteries with a haunted detective. Readers will appreciate the author's use of atmospheric settings in Maine, and the complex interplay of family history and secrets. The book has many gruesome and violent scenes, but they serve to heighten the suspense and the stakes of the narrative. Ultimately, the book is a deep exploration of grief, loss, and the lengths individuals go to seek redemption in the face of tragedy.

"A Hidden Life" by Adele Geras can be a good read for those who enjoy family drama and uncovering hidden secrets. The unique feature of the book is the role Louise's inheritance plays in unveiling the family's explosive secret. Readers may appreciate the unpredictability of the book's twists and turns as old family feuds and resentments come to light.

"Treat Us Like Dogs and We Will Become Wolves" is a thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on counterculture and the power of leadership. The book delves deep into the complexities of human behavior and the dangers of blind obedience, making it a must-read for those interested in sociological issues. Author Carolyn Chute's vivid portrayal of the Settlement and its counterculture community will transport readers to a new world, while the characters' struggles and desires feel all too familiar. Overall, this book is a passionately written and compelling commentary on human nature and the ways we choose to live our lives.

This book would be a great read for anyone who enjoys a mystery intertwined with intellectual commentary and a coming-of-age story. Marisha Pessl's unique writing style and use of literary references throughout the novel add a distinctive touch to the story, keeping readers engaged until the very end.

President-elect Kerry Kilcannon quickly appoints a new Chief Justice to the
Supreme Court--Caroline Masters. While the Senate spars over her
nomination, an abortion rights case makes its way toward the judge--and
will explode into the headlines. Suddenly, the most divisive issue in
America turns the president's nomination into an all-out war. Knopf.

Author: Richard North Patterson
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: 2002

This book is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its atmospheric setting and complex characters, "On Beulah Height" delves into the haunting secrets of a forgotten town. As the past and present intertwine, the suspense builds, leaving you eager to uncover the truth behind the disappearances. Get ready for a chilling and compelling read that will keep you guessing until the very end.

"Without Him" could be a good read for fans of domestic suspense. The book is gripping, with a strong emotional core, and explores the intricate web of relationships within a family, as well as the consequences of keeping secrets. Fiona O'Brien has a knack for creating complex characters and the twists and turns of the plot keep readers on the edge of their seats.

1967, Lake City, Ohio. Tony Lord and Sam Robb, both in their teens, are best friends and athletic rivals. Twenty-eight years later, Tony is a successful San francisco attorney; sam is an assistant principal at Lake City High School. Sam has never left home, and Tony has never returned since the trauma that changed his the brutal murder of his first love, Alison, of which he was wrongly accused and which turned everyone, even Sam, against him. Now Sam is a suspect. One of his female students has been murdered. Tony, reluctantly but inevitably, comes back to defend him. At once, Tony is plunged into the unfinished business of his past. In the merciless arena of a murder trial, he must confront not only his fear that Sam is a murderer but also the buried truths that obscure the real meaning of Alison's death. Powerful in its portrayal of the complexities of male friendship, of the darkest recesses of love, and of the many ways in which the past stakes its claim upon the present, Silent Witness is that rare suspense novel which is far more - the kind of story we have come to expect from Richard North Patterson.

The Weight of Water is a fascinating and thought-provoking read, particularly for those interested in exploring the complex emotions of women. The book's depiction of the protagonist's slow descent into madness is chilling and engaging, and the author's deft handling of multiple timelines makes for a complex and intriguing narrative structure. While the plot can be a bit slow at times, The Weight of Water ultimately delivers a powerful and haunting meditation on the nature of passion and betrayal.

Alexander Kurbsky, a famous Russian writer and ex-paratrooper, is disillusioned with the Putin Government and wants to disappear into the West. He enlists the help of Charles Ferguson, Sean Dillon, and their team of private army to make this happen, but Kurbsky is still working for the Russians. The plan is to infiltrate Western intelligence and do the most effective job possible. A thrilling page-turner, full of intrigue, deception, and danger.

"Secret Manta" is a dive into the transformative power of poetry, blending Asian culture, personal experiences, and the nuances of identity. It's like a secret passage into the author's soul, one that resonates with anyone interested in exploring the multifaceted layers of self and culture. If you're looking to connect with poetry on a deep, almost spiritual level, then let this book be your guide.

Recommendation: - This gripping thriller delves into the complexities of the Cold War era, presenting a chilling scenario where global leaders are forced to make impossible choices. With its fast-paced narrative and high-stakes plot, The Devil's Alternative keeps readers on the edge of their seats, immersing them in a world of espionage, suspense, and political intrigue. If you enjoy heart-pounding thrillers that explore the ethical dilemmas of war, this book is a must-read.

Once We Were There by Bernice Chauly is a perfect read for those who like a mix of love, heartbreak, tension, and recovery. The book's unique aspect is its depiction of the dark side of city life, where babies are sold and girls are trafficked. The novel will make the reader feel the pain of losing an innocent child and the struggles of second chances. The book's narrative style is slow, which helps create a profound insight into the lives of the characters. When you finish reading, you will be left feeling stunned at how real the story felt.

In a southern Illinois college town where horror is carved in flesh and corruption knows no bounds, a young English professor with a shrouded past is about to learn higher education can be murder.     No one remembers how the body of Josie Fortune was found deep inside Lues Creek Canyon twenty years ago. No one remembers how corrupt police officials framed an innocent man and handed the victim’s daughter into the state’s welfare system. No one remembers, no one but a killer left to carve out a brutal legacy of torture and murder with absolute impunity in this rural southern Illinois college town.     When Josie Darling returns to Lues State to assume a teaching position and come to terms with her mother’s murder, she takes every precaution to hide her tainted past from her colleagues. But someone close remembers, and the shadows of history close in. Threats come, intimate promises of violence written in a desperately psychotic scrawl, invading every aspect of her life. Confronted by personal and professional jeopardy at every turn, Josie must face her terror and expose the identity of her mother’s killer—a killer who is now stalking her.     “If you think you can sleuth this thing, I’m afraid you’re in over your head,” warns a local investigator, but Josie’s stake in this case is all too personal and all the more immediate as she uncovers other murders. Her list of potential suspects includes her deranged ex-husband, her outlaw stepfather and any of his rogue clan, several manipulative Englishprofessors, and a host of corrupt local lawmen.      Struggling against an unseen but ever-present enemy and with few allies to counsel her, Josie embarks on an odyssey of self-discovery. Using her well-honed research skills, the academic becomes the detective and sets out to recover her birthright. Josie transforms herself from tormented victim to relentless avenger as she takes on the intense willfulness of her namesake. But even her renewed strength of character may not help Fortune’s Darling save herself and find the elusive killer’s true identity in time, an identity heard only in the whisper of leaves.

"The Spy's Wife" is a thrilling page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Reginald Hill's unique writing style and plot twists will keep you guessing until the very end. With unexpected character developments and a strong female lead, this book is perfect for fans of espionage and suspense.

Recommended for those who enjoy poetic language, introspective characters, and surreal experiences. The One Inside is a soulful exploration of memory, loss, and regret. Shepard's writing style is dreamlike, weaving together past and present to create an atmospheric blend of introspection and surrealism. Readers will find themselves relating to Shepard's protagonist as he grapples with the complexities of his relationships and his place in the world.