Contemporary Fiction

Here in our Contemporary Fiction section at Thryft, discover compelling narratives from groundbreaking authors that challenge, entertain, and inspire us. From thought-provoking tales to emotional sagas, find your next page-turner here!

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Ninth House
Leigh Bardugo | Gollancz

Ninth House

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Goodreads rating: 4.03

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If you're intrigued by the blend of elite education and the occult, "Ninth House" should be on your reading list. Leigh Bardugo steps into the adult realm to deliver a tale that taps into the allure of secret societies with a gritty, fantastical layer. Dive in for a story that's as much a stubborn mystery as it is a tour through the unseen corners of a prestigious institution. Engaging, dark, and thrillingly paced, this book promises to entangle you in its web of hidden power and magic.
Doomed - Thryft
Chuck Palahniuk | Anchor Books

Doomed

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Goodreads rating: 3.32

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Chuck Palahniuk delivers the unexpected once again with "Doomed." Imagine experiencing life as an invisible spectator, able to observe but not interact—it's a unique perspective on existence that's both chilling and darkly humorous. If the idea of exploring life from the other side piques your curiosity and you have a taste for the peculiar, this book might just be your next page-turner.
Lake Like a Mirror
Natascha Bruce, Ho Sok Fong  | Granta Books

Lake Like a Mirror

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Goodreads rating: 3.31

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If the complexity of human experiences intrigues you, "Lake Like a Mirror" could be a powerful read. The author, Ho Sok Fong, threads nine stories with a delicate touch, each revealing the inner turmoil and societal pressures faced by different women. Set against the rich backdrops of Malaysia and Taiwan, this collection not only provides a cultural voyage but also an intimate exploration of what moves us beneath the surface.
Frozen Fire - Thryft
Tim Bowler | Oxford

Frozen Fire

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Goodreads rating: 3.63

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"Frozen Fire" could be a good read for someone who enjoys young adult mystery novels. The book has a unique and distinctive feature of having a mysterious boy who is both dying and elusive, creating an intriguing atmosphere. Tim Bowler expertly weaves together a complex and dangerous mystery that involves violent people, police, and a missing brother. The protagonist Dusty is a relatable character who is forced to confront her fears and past trauma while navigating a dangerous situation. Overall, "Frozen Fire" is a gripping page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
How the Dead Live - Will Self
Will Self | Grove Press

How the Dead Live - Will Self

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Goodreads rating: 3.57

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If you’re into books that twist reality with a satirical edge, "How the Dead Live" might just be your unexpected match. The narrative takes a sharp knife to the concept of life after death, reshaping it with a blend of dark humor and a reflection on human flaws. Will Self isn't one to tread lightly; he dives into the deep end of existential questions with both wit and candor.
Dark Days - Thryft
Caitlin Kittredge | St Martins Pr

Dark Days

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Goodreads rating: 3.91

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Dark Days could be a good read for fans of supernatural fiction with a romantic and action-packed twist. Readers will enjoy the unique portrayal of demons and monsters, as well as the complex relationships between characters. The distinctive feature of the book is its incorporation of Irish mythology, providing a fresh take on the classic depiction of Hell.
The Retribution of Mara Dyer - Thryft
Michelle Hodkin | Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

The Retribution of Mara Dyer

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Goodreads rating: 4.07

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"The Retribution of Mara Dyer" has a gripping storyline that will keep readers on edge till the end. The intricate plot, with its web of lies, betrayal, and unforeseen twists, will leave readers gasping for breath. A must-read for fans of thrilling mysteries who love unexpected endings.
Frozen Fire - Thryft
Tim Bowler | Speak

Frozen Fire

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Goodreads rating: 3.63

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"Frozen Fire is a gripping novel that explores the depths of human emotions and relationships, providing readers with a thrilling and suspenseful read. The unique and intriguing plotline will keep readers on edge throughout the book, making it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers."
How the Dead Live - Thryft
Will Self | Penguin Books

How the Dead Live

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Goodreads rating: 3.58

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"How the Dead Live" isn't your typical ghost story; it's for those who like their supernatural laced with acid satire. Will Self takes you on a bizarre journey through an afterlife full of as much, if not more, vibrancy and vulgarity as life itself. If you appreciate a narrative that challenges the norms with sharp humor, Lily Bloom's post-mortem adventures are sure to entertain and provoke thought.
The Creeping
Alexandra Sirowy | Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

The Creeping

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Goodreads rating: 3.66

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"The Creeping" seems perfect for you if you're drawn to stories that blend the eerie atmosphere of "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" with a touch of small-town intrigue and a hint of romance. The idea that the protagonist, Stella, has to face an unresolved childhood trauma that resurfaces with a new mystery presents a gripping read. It's the kind of book that promises to send shivers down your spine on a hot summer night, as the line between the past and present blurs and dark secrets come to light.
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
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Michelle Hodkin | S&s Books For Young Readers

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

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Goodreads rating: 4.02

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If you're drawn to the blurry lines between reality and illusions, "The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer" could surprise you with its gripping narrative. Michelle Hodkin masterfully blends psychological suspense with a hint of supernatural, delivering twists that will keep you second-guessing. It's not just a story about recovering from trauma, but also a deep dive into the complexities of the mind and heart, perfect for readers who love a dark, romantic plunge into the unknown.
Mongrels - Thryft
Stephen Graham Jones | William Morrow/harpercollins, [

Mongrels

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Goodreads rating: 3.93

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This spellbinding coming-of-age story follows a young boy who must navigate a world that shuns his family because they're werewolves. With a mix of humor and darkness, "Mongrels" takes readers on a fascinating journey as the boy grapples with his identity and struggles to understand his place in a complex world. Perfect for those who appreciate unique and surreal storytelling, this book offers a compelling exploration of resilience and belonging.
Blood Brothers : Number 1 in series - Thryft
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Nora Roberts | Piatkus

Blood Brothers : Number 1 in series

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Goodreads rating: 4.16

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This book would be a good read for fans of supernatural thrillers. The unique feature of the book is the curse that has been unleashed by the blood oath taken by the three friends, which comes back to haunt them every seven years. Readers would enjoy the suspense and mystery surrounding the curse, and the romantic tension between Cal and Quinn adds an additional layer to the plot. Overall, Blood Brothers is an engaging and thrilling read.
Blood Brothers - Thryft
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Nora Roberts | Piatkus

Blood Brothers

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Goodreads rating: 4.16

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"Blood Brothers" is perfect for those who love horror, mystery, and romance all wrapped into one. Nora Roberts weaves an eerie tale of a three-hundred-year-old curse that haunts a small town every seven years. The book delves into dark secrets, blood sacrifices, and a race against time to break the curse before the next cycle. The love story between Cal Hawkins and mysterious journalist Quinn adds a layer of heart to the thrilling plot. It's a must-read for fans of the supernatural and suspense genres.
Geek Love : A Novel - Thryft
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Katherine Dunn | Random House Vintage

Geek Love : A Novel

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Goodreads rating: 3.96

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Geek Love is the story of the Binewskis, a carny family whose mater- and paterfamilias set out ― with the help of amphetamine, arsenic, and radioisotopes ― to breed their own exhibit of human oddities. There's Arturo the Aquaboy, who has flippers for limbs and a megalomaniac ambition worthy of Genghis Khan . . . Iphy and Elly, the lissome Siamese twins . . . albino hunchback Oly, and the outwardly normal Chick, whose mysterious gifts make him the family's most precious ― and dangerous ― asset.As the Binewskis take their act across the backwaters of the U.S., inspiring fanatical devotion and murderous revulsion; as its members conduct their own Machiavellian version of sibling rivalry, Geek Love throws its sulfurous light on our notions of the freakish and the normal, the beautiful and the ugly, the holy and the obscene. Family values will never be the same.
666 Charing Cross Road - Thryft
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Paul Magrs | Headline Review

666 Charing Cross Road

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Goodreads rating: 3.52

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This book is perfect for fans of horror and the supernatural. The plot follows a museum owner whose life is turned upside down when a little leather book arrives which is stained with vampire blood. The arcane magic brings Bessie, the centrepiece of her museum show, to life and gives her boyfriend unimaginable power. With vampires taking over NYC and threatening to spread to London, Bessie and her new friends must stop them. This book will keep you hooked with its unique blend of horror, dark magic, and museum show thrill.
The Creeping - Thryft
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Alexandra Sirowy | Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

The Creeping

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Goodreads rating: 3.66

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Romance, friendship, and dark, bone-chilling fear fill the pages of this “genuine and truly eerie” ( RT Book Reviews ) debut in the spirit of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children .Twelve years ago Stella and Jeanie vanished while picking strawberries. Stella returned minutes later, with no memory of what happened. Jeanie was never seen or heard from again.Now Stella is seventeen, and she’s over it. She’s the lucky one who survived, and sure, the case is still cloaked in mystery—and it’s her small town’s ugly legacy—but Stella is focused on the coming summer. She’s got a great best friend, a hookup with an irresistibly crooked smile, and two months of beach days stretching out before her.Then along comes a corpse, a little girl who washes up in an ancient cemetery after a mudslide, and who has red hair just like Jeanie did. Suddenly memories of that haunting day begin to return, and when Stella discovers that other red-headed girls have gone missing as well, she begins to suspect that something sinister is at work.And before the summer ends, Stella will learn the hard way that if you hunt for monsters, you will find them.

Explore Modern Narratives

Whether you’re drawn to gritty urban plots or stories focused on tender relationships, novels in our Contemporary Fiction section echo the complexities of today’s world. Immerse yourself in stories that capture significant human experiences, by insightful authors from around the globe. This is our gateway to modern narratives shaping the future of literature.