Well, 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis is also quite terrifying. It delves into the mind of a serial killer in a very disturbing way. Patrick Bateman's character and his actions are both shocking and thought - provoking. Also, 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy is terrifying in its bleak portrayal of a post - apocalyptic world. The father - son relationship against such a desolate backdrop is both heart - wrenching and scary.
One of the terrifying 21st - century novels could be 'The Girl with All the Gifts' by M. R. Carey. It presents a post - apocalyptic world where the zombies are not just mindless monsters but have an unexpected side. Another might be 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman. The idea of not being able to see outside without going insane is really creepy.
For some of these novels like 'The Girl with All the Gifts', it's the subversion of traditional zombie concepts. The idea that the zombies are evolving and have more to them than just being a threat makes it terrifying. It challenges our preconceived notions of the genre.
Sure. 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt is a great one. It's a coming - of - age story that also delves into the world of art and the underworld. Another is 'A Visit from the Goon Squad' by Jennifer Egan, which has an interesting structure and tells stories about different characters over time.
The 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is also a notable one. It reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad and delves into the harrowing experiences of slaves in the United States during the 19th century, while also being very relevant to understanding the long - term impact of slavery in the 21st - century context.
One of the 21st century classic novels is 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It tells a powerful story of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history. Another is 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan, which explores themes of guilt, love, and the consequences of a false accusation through a complex and beautifully written narrative.
Sure. 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a great one. It's a story full of twists and turns. The characters are complex, especially the female lead, Amy. Her actions and the way the story unfolds through her and her husband's perspectives are really captivating.
One well - known Marlborough - related 21st - century novel could be 'The Marlborough Man' if there is such a novel in this context. It might explore themes related to the area of Marlborough, perhaps its history, culture or the people there in a modern setting.
Well, 'NW' by Zadie Smith is an interesting read. It explores the lives of four Londoners from different backgrounds. And 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, although it has an American author, is set partly in England and is a gripping psychological thriller that was very popular in the 21st century.
Sure. 'The Cartel' by Don Winslow is a 21st - century noir that looks at the drug trade in a modern context. It shows the brutal and complex world of the cartels. 'The Sympathizer' by Viet Thanh Nguyen is also a notable one. It combines elements of noir with a deep exploration of identity and the aftermath of war in a modern - day setting. And 'The Power' by Naomi Alderman, while not a traditional noir, has noir - like elements as it explores power dynamics and the dark side of human nature in a world where women have a special power.
The 'Clockwork Century' novels are a series of steampunk - themed books. One well - known one is 'Boneshaker' by Cherie Priest. It's set in an alternate history Seattle filled with zombies and steam - powered machinery. The series often features a post - apocalyptic or alternate - reality setting where steam technology has advanced in unique ways.
Sure. 'In the Woods' by Tana French is a great thriller. It has a really engaging mystery set in Ireland. The characters are complex, and the setting adds to the overall mood of the story. Then there's 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty which, while also having elements of drama, has a strong thriller aspect with its mystery and the secrets the characters are hiding.