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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Stephanie Perkins
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Macmillan
Children's
Books
The Woods Are Always Watching
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Goodreads rating: 3.07
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In stock: Like New
If you found yourself riveted by the tense, spine-tingling atmosphere in "There's Someone Inside Your House," Stephanie Perkins's "The Woods Are Always Watching" could be another thrilling ride for you. It's fresh and contemporary, perfect for a dose of horror that feels both close to home and disturbingly possible. The woods setting adds an eerie touch to the already gripping narrative.
Kathryn Foxfield
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Scholastic
Uk
Good Girls Die First
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Goodreads rating: 3.37
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In stock: Very Good
If you thrive on the rush of adrenaline from a story that has you flipping pages at lightning speed, "Good Girls Die First" might be your next ride. Imagine being trapped in a setting as eerie as an abandoned carnival, with suspense breathing down your neck. The tension between who to trust when everyone is a suspect will keep you guessing. And if you find yourself drawn to the raw desperation of characters in survival mode, Ava's journey will be a compelling companion.
Mark Z. Danielewski
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Random
House
House of Leaves
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Goodreads rating: 4.09
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If you're drawn to books that defy traditional storytelling, "House of Leaves" is for you. You'll delve into a mind-bending narrative that challenges how stories are told. Beyond the eerie tale of a house defying laws of physics, it experiments with visual form, footnotes, and layered narratives—it's a novel that's as much an art piece as it is a gripping horror story.
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Chuck Palahniuk
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Vintage
Books
Damned: Life Is Short, Death Is Forever
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Goodreads rating: 3.4
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If you're a fan of Chuck Palahniuk's trademark dark humor and subversive storytelling, "Damned" might just be the next page-turner for you. Picture a sardonic twist on the afterlife, where the protagonist navigates the absurdities of hell with a wit that could cut through brimstone. As always with Palahniuk, expect the unexpected and a journey that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Audrey Niffenegger
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Vintage
Books
Her Fearful Symmetry
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Goodreads rating: 3.26
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If you're drawn to the eerie yet beautifully written, "Her Fearful Symmetry" could captivate you. Audrey Niffenegger weaves a haunting narrative that delves into themes of love, loss, and identity, all set against the atmospheric backdrop of London's Highgate Cemetery. It's a modern ghost story that touches on familial bonds and the complexities of twinhood in a way that's both intimate and unsettling. An enthralling choice for those who delight in the supernatural mingled with rich, emotional storytelling.
Chuck Palahniuk
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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.
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Chuck Palahniuk
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Vintage
Books
Damned: Life Is Short, Death Is Forever
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Goodreads rating: 3.4
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If you're into Chuck Palahniuk's signature blend of sharp wit, dark humor, and bizarre twists, "Damned" is right up your alley. Picture the fiery depths of Hell through the eyes of a 13-year-old girl—one where the underworld is just as nuanced with politics and red tape as the world above. It's a quirky read that challenges norms and indeed makes life and death seem absurdly eternal.
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"Blood Brothers" is a seductive blend of supernatural suspense and passionate encounters, perfect for readers who enjoy a touch of the eerie with their romance. Nora Roberts crafts a compelling tale that will keep you hooked with its hint of mystery and building tension as the town's dark secrets unfold. If you're after a story that combines the thrill of the unknown with the warmth of human connections, this book promises to deliver.
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George Szirtes, László Krasznahorkai |
New
Directions
The Melancholy of Resistance
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Goodreads rating: 4.15
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If you've ever felt that the world around you is teetering on the edge of chaos, "The Melancholy of Resistance" might resonate deeply with you. László Krasznahorkai masterfully crafts a narrative that's as thought-provoking as it is unsettling, diving into the human psyche during times of societal unrest. It's a challenging read, but its beauty lies in the dense, hypnotic prose and the philosophical depth that Krasznahorkai is renowned for. This book is a journey through the darker side of human nature, which could be just the kind of profound literary experience you're searching for.
Michelle Hodkin
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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.
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Will Self
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Penguin
Books
My Idea of Fun: A Cautionary Tale
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Goodreads rating: 3.53
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If you're drawn to stories that blend the macabre with biting satire, "My Idea of Fun" could intrigue you. Will Self delivers a tale that's as much about growing up as it is about the grotesque allure of mentorship gone awry. You might find it captivating how Self explores the darker sides of human desire and ambition through the eyes of a young, impressionable protagonist.
Stephen Graham Jones
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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.
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"The Evil Seed" blends the allure of a gothic mystery with the raw emotions of contemporary relationship drama. You might find it gripping if you've ever felt the sting of jealousy or the pull of an unsolved enigma. Joanne Harris weaves past and present, revealing how a deep-seated legacy can disrupt the present, making you question whether some fates are truly inescapable. The discovery of an old diary serves as a portal into a world where love intertwines with a dark history, promising a read that will both thrill and haunt you.
Tim Bowler
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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.
Tim Bowler
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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."
Will Self
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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.
Daphne Gottlieb
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Soft
Skull
Press
Final Girl
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Goodreads rating: 3.99
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If you're into the gritty interplay between cultural critique and personal narrative, "Final Girl" may resonate with you. Daphne Gottlieb stitches together the horror genre's tension and thrill with intimate themes, crafting poetry that's as thought-provoking as it is eerie. With its raw emotion and cultural dissections, this book won't just chill your spine; it might also hijack your thoughts long after you've turned the last page.
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Jodi Picoult
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Washington
Square
Press
Second Glance
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Goodreads rating: 3.8
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If you're intrigued by the interplay of the spiritual and the real, "Second Glance" may just be the kind of novel that keeps you up at night. Jodi Picoult weaves a tale that is as much about second chances in love as it is about righting historical wrongs. Dive into this narrative if you're looking for a story that marries the thrill of a ghost story with the depth of historical fiction.
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Nora Roberts
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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.
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Recommended for fans of ghost stories with complex characters and atmospheric settings, such as The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. Niffenegger's use of the cemetery as a character adds depth to the haunting tale of love, loss, and identity.
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Paul Magrs
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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.
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Katherine Dunn
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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.
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Raj Kamal Jha
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Macmillan
Pub
Ltd
If You Are Afraid Of Heights
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Goodreads rating: 3.25
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If You Are Afraid Of Heights is a captivating book that weaves together multiple stories into one. It is a unique blend of reality and fantasy that will leave the reader wanting more. Recommended for those who appreciate intricate storytelling and are not afraid to explore the darker corners of life.
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Nora Roberts
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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.
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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.
Contemporary Fiction refers to literature set in the current day, often exploring themes relevant to today’s societies, cultures and struggles. Contemporary Fiction mirrors the present world and its challenges.
Try Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Haruki Murakami and Sally Rooney, whose works bring unique voices to the genre, capturing and offering diverse perspectives on modern life. Also we stock popular, bestselling contemporary authors such as Taylor Jenkins Reid, Jojo Moyes and Mitch Albom here!
Yes, definitely! We believe in highlighting local and regional voices. Explore our collection of Asian Contemporary Fiction for novels by Singaporean and Asian writers.