Some Recent Favorites

~ Although I'm finding lately that I spend most of my spare time writing (and learning how to promote that writing) and not reading nearly as much as I'd like to, I still want to share some of my more recent favorite reads. Writing has become one of my favorite things to do, but there's still nothing quite like opening the door on a story that's fully written, ready and waiting.

Some of the titles here aren't especially new, but they were new to me.I actually read a few classics (for the first time) last year. Specifically, The Time Machine by H.G. Wells, and Lord of The Flies by William Golding. Both are delightfully disurbing (for different reasons). These two titles need no introduction, but if you haven't read them, I certainly recommend doing so. They are both currently free for the Kindle. For the rest of my most recent favorites, I'll spare you the long, drawn out reviews, as you can get those anywhere. Instead, here's a quick blurb about them. Happy reading! 

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Come Closer by Sara Gran

Buy HEREat Amazon

Supernatural thriller. Very well written in a well-paced narrative tone that provides contstant tension, without reverting to the jump-scare style tactics of many horror novels. I found a few scenes to be deliciously wicked.

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Mudvein by Tarryn Fisher

Buy HEREat Amazon

Deep mystery, and written from the perspective of the main character. So, if she's in the dark, you're in the dark (Hmmm... In The Dark?). Although I wasn't a big fan of the ending, the story is really good and I found it hard to put down.

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The Contortionist's Handbook by Craig Clevenger

Buy HEREat Amazon.

This one gave me a few memories of Fight Club, especially in that there are several layers of stuff going on here. Although you don't need to catch all of it to enjoy the book. The ending is even better if you do. I did find myself having to force through a couple of slow spots, but overall, a really good story nonetheless.

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Under The Skin by Michel Faber

Buy HEREat Amazon.

Apprently this one has a film adaptation, but the reviews of that are quite mixed (and mostly negative from what I read) so I avoided it. The book, however, is great. One of the most original stories I have read in a while, and the turns it takes will keep you constantly guessing.

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Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King

Buy HEREat Amazon.

I've been a fan of Stephen King for as long as I can remember reading. Having said that, ever since Deloris Claiborne, I've continued to lose interest. Something seemed missing. Full Dark, No Stars is a book of short stories and all of them are rock solid. It reminded me of classic King. The story 1922 was my favorite, and it's the first one. Don't read before you go to sleep.  ....and speaking of which...

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Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson

Buy HEREat Amazon.

This one was also made into movie. However, I read it before I viewed so much as a trailer for the film. An easy read and a page turner. I burned through this book in a few days. It's a great mystery/thriller along the lines of Memento (film). If you're fans of that story, read this one.

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If you've got any favorites that you'd like to share (indie or not), please do. It's always nice to get recommendations directly rather than scanning the many reviews. I'm especially intersted in indie authors right now, but I'm open to any good book.