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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Special Topics in Calamity Physics - Thryft
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Marisha Pessl | Penguin Books Ltd

Special Topics in Calamity Physics

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Goodreads rating: 3.7

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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.
Amagansett - Thryft
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Mark Mills | Fourth Estate

Amagansett

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Goodreads rating: 3.71

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"Amagansett is a thrilling literary mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. The small town community becomes the main character in this novel, as generations of fishermen grapple with the arrival of outsiders and the changing times. Conrad Labarde is a fascinating protagonist, with his Basque heritage and war experience adding layers to his character. The novel tackles issues of class, race, and family secrets, all set against the backdrop of post-World War II Long Island. Mills' beautiful prose paints a vivid picture of Amagansett, making it a must-read for fans of atmospheric mysteries."
Once We Were There - Thryft
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Bernice Chauly | Epigram Books

Once We Were There

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Goodreads rating: 3.28

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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.
Ultimate Weapon - Thryft
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Shannon McKenna | Brava

Ultimate Weapon

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Goodreads rating: 4.16

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"Ultimate Weapon" is a thrilling read that follows Val Janos as he navigates the dangerous world of organized crime. The book expertly weaves together themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of Hungary's capital city. Fans of action-packed crime novels will find themselves quickly drawn into Val's complex world and rooting for him to overcome the obstacles standing in his way. Overall, "Ultimate Weapon" is a must-read for fans of the genre looking for a thrilling and unforgettable ride.
Nameless - Thryft
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Debra Webb | St. Martin's Paperbacks

Nameless

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Goodreads rating: 4.06

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Nameless is a thrilling crime novel that would appeal to fans of suspense and mystery. The book follows FBI rookie Vivian Grace, who is on a personal mission to catch a kidnapper. She teams up with ex-agent Ryan McBride, and together they must solve the case before time runs out for the victims. The most unique feature of the book is the personal connection that the protagonist has with the case, which adds an emotional depth to the story. Fans of crime thrillers are sure to enjoy Nameless.
Eleven Hours
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Paullina Simons | Flamingo (harpercollins)

Eleven Hours

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Goodreads rating: 3.6

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If intense suspense that tugs at your heartstrings is your kind of read, "Eleven Hours" is a match for you. It weaves desperation with courage in a narrative so fast-paced, each page practically turns itself. You might get lost in this relentless chase where every second counts, and feel every bit of the Texas heat as the story unfolds.
Strange Fits Of Passion - Thryft
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Anita Shreve | Abacus

Strange Fits Of Passion

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Goodreads rating: 3.79

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Strange Fits Of Passion could be a good read for those who enjoy suspenseful, emotional drama. This book captures the escape from an abusive husband, the struggle to start anew, and the re-emergence of past events that bring tragic consequences. The unique feature of the book is its exploration of themes like abuse, trauma, and redemption. The book features a gripping storyline that keeps the readers engaged until the end.
Dangerous To Know - Thryft
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Barbara Taylor Bradford | Harper

Dangerous To Know

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Goodreads rating: 3.83

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a work of fiction.
Mirror Image - Thryft
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Sandra Brown | Grand Central Publishing

Mirror Image

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Goodreads rating: 4.05

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Mirror Image is perfect for readers who enjoy suspenseful thrillers with a touch of romance. The unique plot twist of mistaken identity adds to the suspense and keeps the reader engaged throughout the story. Sandra Brown's masterful storytelling keeps readers guessing until the very end while the romantic elements add a touch of emotion to the thrilling plot. Don't miss out on this must-read novel!
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.
Night Shadow - Thryft
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Nora Roberts | Silhouette Books

Night Shadow

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Goodreads rating: 3.95

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He walked the night, a shadow among shadows. They called him Nemesis and he was everywhere. But the night he saved Deborah O'Roarke from an attacker he rediscovered the sweet ache of longing. As Gage Guthrie he could woo her. But the idealistic prosecutor abhorred his vigilante approach to crime fighting. So how could he reveal he was the phantom who lurked in the Night Shadow? Passion. Power. Suspense. It's time to fall under the spell of Nora Roberts.
Without Him - Thryft
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Fiona O'Brien | Hodder & Stoughton

Without Him

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Goodreads rating: 4.21

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"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.
Firestorm - Thryft
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Iris Johansen | Bantam

Firestorm

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Goodreads rating: 4.04

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Firestorm could be a good read for fans of thrilling psychological mysteries with strong female leads. This book has a unique feature in that it explores the world of arson investigation, and the main character has a special bond with her evidence-sniffing dog. The plot is fast-paced and suspenseful, and the complex dynamics between the characters make for a satisfying read. Some users might appreciate the romantic subplot between the two protagonists. Overall, Firestorm is a highly entertaining mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seat.
Dying for You - Thryft
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Beverly Barton | Hqn

Dying for You

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Goodreads rating: 4.09

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Dying for You is a gripping and intense romantic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows private security agent Lucie Evans, who is kidnapped in a case of mistaken identity and her only hope for survival rests on her ex-boss, Sawyer McNamara, who she has a complicated history with. The book is a whirlwind of action, danger, and romance, making it a perfect read for those who love thrillers with a touch of romance.
The Bed I Made - Thryft
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Lucie Whitehouse | Bloomsbury

The Bed I Made

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Goodreads rating: 3.52

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Recommendation: "The Bed I Made" is a page-turner that keeps you on the edge with its thrilling plot and the alluring but dangerous relationship between the main characters. Lucie Whitehouse's writing style is captivating and the wintry Isle of Wight setting adds a chilling atmosphere. If you are looking for a suspenseful read with a psychological twist, this is the book for you.
Sayang - Thryft
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Gopal Baratham | Times Books International

Sayang

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Goodreads rating: 3.14

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"Sayang" offers a journey through complex emotional landscapes, stirring a blend of curiosity and empathy in a setting rich with Southeast Asian cultural textures. In exploring the tribulations of Joe Samy's personal life, the novel presents a tapestry of human connections infused with the subtle meaning of 'sayang.' It's for readers who appreciate a narrative that intertwines love's tenderness with its inherent sorrows, making for a poignant and culturally evocative read.
The Calibans : The Purgatorium Series, Book Three - Thryft
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The Calibans is an adventurous and mind-blowing conclusion to the Purgatorium series. The book takes readers on a journey through the thin line that exists between art and reality, and brings forth the ultimate adventure that leaves the readers on the edge of their seats. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns and the ending will leave the readers with a major book hangover. If you are a fan of thrilling and adventurous reads that also explore deep philosophical questions around art and reality, The Calibans is the perfect book for you.
Sharky's Machine - Thryft
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William Diehl | Ballantine Books

Sharky's Machine

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Goodreads rating: 3.72

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Italy, 1944: A squad of American soldiers on a dangerous secret mission is ambushed and slaughtered . . . and a fortune in gold vanishes.Hong Kong, 1959: An aging American colonel, haunted by his wartime past, is brutally murdered in a luxurious brothel.Atlanta, 1975: The last survivor of the fatal World War II ambush in Italy is executed at point blank range in a parking lot.Blowing away a crazed, gun-wielding drug dealer on a crowded city bus gets police detective Sharky bounced from the narc squad into the dreaded dregs of the department--vice. That's where he stumbles on a high-priced call girl and her pimp who are fleecing rich johns in an even higher-priced blackmail scam. Together with his "machine" of hard-bitten vice squad veterans, Sharky closes in for a big sting. He doesn't count on falling for Domino, his alluring target. Or falling into the middle of the murderous design she's a part of--involving a hot presidential candidate, the shadowy multimillionaire who's backing him, and the ice-cold assassin they're using to wipe out the past . . . before it blows their future to hell."Every chapter crackles with sex, violence, and corruption."--The Washington Post"Fast-paced, attention-holding, hard-hitting."--Chicago Tribune"A slam-bang ending that should shock the most jaded thriller reader."--The Associated Press
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Thryft
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Mark Haddon | Vintage

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

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Goodreads rating: 3.89

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Recommendation: The book is insightful and leads the reader on a fascinating journey of self-discovery through Christopher, an autistic detective. The fascinating character of Christopher and his perspective on the world offer a unique and thought-provoking perspective. Readers who enjoy mysteries and want to understand the struggles of those with autism will find this book an excellent read.
The President's Daughter - Thryft
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The President's Daughter

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Goodreads rating: 3.92

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Recommended for fans of action-packed political thrillers, with a focus on the President and his family. The book's most unique feature may be its use of unconventional heroes, with a former IRA enforcer and FBI agent as the main characters.
The Weight of Water - Thryft
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The Weight of Water

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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.
Fool Me Once - Thryft
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Fern Michaels | Zebra

Fool Me Once

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Goodreads rating: 3.78

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This book would be a good read for those who enjoy stories that delve into family secrets and the complexities of relationships. The protagonist's journey to uncover the truth about her mother and reconcile with her father is a compelling one, and the addition of a romantic subplot and lively canine characters makes for an engaging read. Fans of Fern Michaels' other works will also enjoy this book.
Buried Evidence - Thryft
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Nancy Taylor Rosenberg | Hyperion

Buried Evidence

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Goodreads rating: 3.72

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As a dedicated district attorney, Lily Forrester presents the perfect image of a defender of justice. Only she knows the dark secret of what happened six years ago, when a desperate crisis drove her to step outside the law and exact a horrifying personal vengeance. Now her ex-husband, faced with serious criminal charges, threatens to expose her unless she compromises her most cherished beliefs to help him. A violent rapist she put behind bars is back on the streets and looking for her. Her beloved daughter seems to be the target of a dangerous madman. And Lily must call on her deepest strength to face her accusers and ensure that the values she holds most dear will triumph. In this taunt new thriller, Nancy Taylor Rosenberg displays the brilliant legal expertise and dramatic flair that have made her books classics of suspense. This long-awaited novel, filled with her trademark intriguing, complex characters and explosive storylines is a surefire recipe for success. Both dedicated fans and first-time readers will be both thrilled and satisfied. This is Nancy Taylor Rosenberg at her nail-biting best. A selection of the Literary Guild and the Doubleday Book Club.
The Devil's Alternative - Thryft
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Frederick Forsyth | Arrow

The Devil's Alternative

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Goodreads rating: 4.09

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Recommended for fans of political thrillers with espionage and suspense elements. The Devil's Alternative is a well-written page-turner that explores the trade-offs inherent in political decision-making. The novel's unique and distinctive feature is its focus on food politics during the Cold War, which makes it a fascinating read for anyone interested in history and the politics of scarcity.
Running Scared - Thryft
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Elizabeth Lowell | Avon

Running Scared

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Goodreads rating: 3.89

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Running Scared could be a good read for someone who enjoys romantic suspense and thrilling sensuality. The setting of Las Vegas adds a unique element to the story, and the focus on Rarities Unlimited provides an interesting look into the world of exclusive appraisals. Fans of Elizabeth Lowell's previous works will not be disappointed with this latest addition to her repertoire.
Warrior's Second Chance - Thryft
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Nancy Gideon | Harlequin Mills & Boon

Warrior's Second Chance

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Goodreads rating: 4.0

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This book is a good read for those who enjoy romantic suspense. With a focus on second chances, the book explores the idea of missed opportunities and how life can give you another shot at happiness. The book's most unique feature is the combination of romance and suspense, making it an exciting and engaging read. Readers will appreciate the character development of the protagonist as she navigates a dangerous situation and decides whether or not to take a chance on love again.

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.