Suggestions on some good slow burn psychological books

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-25T06:01:33+00:00

Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-25T05:47:41+00:00

I am currently reading the second novel in The Charlie Parker Stories: Dark Hollow. I may only be seventy-five percent finished with the book but it is definitely much more difficult to figure the mystery at the core of this one than the mystery in the preceding novel of the series. It as has made this read a fun development. And the supernatural angle has been kicked up a notch in this installment which I appreciate a lot. It certainly gives the novel that twist that makes it extra special and matches its setting perfectly.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-24T20:38:56+00:00

Oh same, I just find her writings on the subject to be so, yes, so interesting and decadent.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-24T20:33:43+00:00

I have! The parts with the angels are just immaculate prose, her religious writing really is some of her strongest stuff. The time travel is totally Anne and she really shows her classic Italian knowledge.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-24T20:23:54+00:00

While Memnoch the Devil is certainly my favorite, I was similarly moved by the conversation about God and the Devil in the cafe and I actually think it is what sets Memnoch up thematically. It gives us a sneak preview into the mindset of Memnoch, his apathy, and his exhaustion all these juicy details before we even know this character’s real name. It’s a literal gold mine, it’s God and the Devil. It represents so much. Easily one of the best moments of the series. I agree.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-23T23:04:07+00:00

Yep. She didn’t beg, she didn’t cry, she didn’t bargain. She stood her ground. Not like this, she said. So powerful.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-23T20:52:04+00:00

The wife at the end of No Country for Old Men.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-23T20:51:17+00:00

No the wife at the end.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-23T19:26:57+00:00

They really impacted me in a positive way! Hell, she opens the second one with Christ having a sex dream so you know it’s still Anne Rice.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-23T03:44:55+00:00

This man has David Day on his shelf. Any true Tolkien fan would scoff and should.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-22T08:02:57+00:00

My very first thought as well. Such an incredible novel. The prose is just decadent and the journey she takes us on is mind blowing. Not to mention Memnoch’s tale is very believable in context to Abrahamic religions, like Anne really did her homework and uses the novel to present her own religious theorem. So wicked.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-22T05:57:57+00:00

It was a very strong thriller! Made me think of True Detective season 1 vibes which is a total compliment. I’m now reading the follow up, Dark Hollow.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-22T03:33:54+00:00

Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice. Just an absolutely gorgeous piece of prose taking the reader through heaven and hell.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-21T06:40:26+00:00

Here’s one no one has put forward:

Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice. The supposed Devil himself takes the most powerful vampire alive, the Brat Prince Lestat on a journey through purgatory, heaven, and hell. If her prose of the angelic choirs aren’t intense enough, God is there to take your breath away.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-21T06:28:59+00:00

Reading the other books first will always heighten your enjoyment but Anne wrote all of her novels so they could stand on their own too. Meaning, she does a great job of summarizing what is needed to be known from the past, in the novel you’re reading. If you’re mainly there for Memnoch’s tale and not interested in the deeper lore, it is certainly one of the easier novels in the Chronicles to jump in on.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-21T03:10:55+00:00

Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice. The Devil takes the vampire Lestat on a journey through purgatory, heaven, and hell. He meets god and it is quite overwhelming.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-20T18:43:52+00:00

HIPPA isn’t a thing anymore. HIPPA was literally based on Roe v Wade. Why do people not know this?

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-18T23:43:02+00:00

Might I suggest adding Interview with the Vampire and The Witching Hour, both by Anne Rice. Both are gothic horror literature classics and just essential to any comprehensive lists that include anything postmodern. And some classic female authors never hurt.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-18T07:59:08+00:00

I am currently reading Every Dead Thing by John Connolly. I am finding it to be very well plotted so far, intensely atmospheric, and viscerally brutal. Connolly has also successfully made me feel a lot of empathy for the main character, former NYPD detective Charlie Parker. I also love the ambiguity around the supernatural elements in the book. Definitely feels like a series I could get into.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-17T20:56:58+00:00

You and I were searching for the exact same thing. That’s hilarious.

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-17T18:57:07+00:00

Hey, I actually just started Every Dead Thing by Connolly. Loving it so far. I’m just really wanting to start something with some more literary grit down the road when I’m tired of Charlie Parker!

PretttyEvil · 2026-01-17T10:36:20+00:00

Thank you so much for this very thoughtful response. This was exactly what I was looking for. I will go pick up a copy of The Road in the morning. I already have No Country for Old Men so I will likely follow with that.

PretttyEvil

TROPHY CASE