Want to read a really scary and mysterious book? Check out the Book of Revelation from The Bible, with all its descriptions of end times and the mind-warping monsters that accompany it. But as the following examples from the Plottake review team show, that’s far from the only part of the good book that gives people the chills.

• “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”

Revelation 13:18

• “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.”

Mark 9:43

• “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth.”

Revelation 12:3-4

• “Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.”

Hosea 13:16

• “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking toward those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”

Luke 21:25-26

• “And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth; They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads; They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes; During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them.”

Revelation 9:3-6

• “And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.”

Revelation 6:8

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Mystery books to read now

If you love a good mystery, then be sure to pick up one of these books next time you are browsing online, curated by the Plottake review team.

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

When her husband turns out to be a serial killer, midwestern mom Gina Royal is forced to completely remake herself to escape the past. Now calling herself Gwen Proctor, and having moved to the remote Stillhouse Lake with her children, she thinks she can finally breathe easy. That is, until a corpse surfaces in the lake and “Gwen” knows it’s a message for her — not from her ex-husband, who’s in prison, but from a new source of evil entirely.

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

Perhaps only Hitchcock can match Patricia Highsmith in her masterful invocation of classic psychological suspense. The Talented Mr. Ripley was originally published in 1955, and has become since shorthand for sociopathic duplicity: it follows a scam artist named Tom Ripley who kills a wealthy friend and adopts his identity, hoping to live out a life of leisure abroad. But his troubles are far from over, as more innocents are caught in his increasingly complex web of lies. Can Ripley’s talents really pull off this ultimate scam?

Tell No One by Harlan Coben

Eight years ago, Dr. David Beck lost his wife after tragedy struck during an anniversary celebration. David is told that she’s dead and it’s time for him to move on. But then a mysterious email arrives one day insinuating that Elizabeth is still very much alive, along with instructions to “tell no one.” And David knows he can’t rest until he tracks her down… even if that means disappearing himself.

For more great mystery reads, check out Plottake today.

Top Mystery Movies of All-Time

Mystery movies are often adapted from best-selling novels. However, sometimes there is a great script that gets developed from just an idea. Whatever the source, there have been some amazing mystery movies over the years. Here are some of those top mystery movies of all time. You can also find the original books on sites like Plottake.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy 2011

The original book was written by spy master writer John Le Carre, and featured lead character George Smiley as a retired agent brought back to find a Soviet Mole. This movie adaptation was a big hit, although it was also a popular TV series in the 1980s starring Alec Guinness as Smiley. You can find the original book on Plottake.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 2005

Although you might think these movies, based on the novels by J.K. Rowling is more fantasy, there is a strong mystery thread that runs through them. You are always wondering what is the concussion to the clues and actions of the characters. This is just one of the series of movies based on the school-boy wizard.

The Lighthouse 2019

The Lighthouse was originally a book and was adapted into a highly atmospheric movie adaptation. The whole movie was shot in black and white, and there is minimal talking throughout. The atmosphere that director Robert Eggers is able to generate is staggering.

To read more mystery books that can tax the brain, why not check out the library at Plottake.

Earth’s Mysterious Archaeological Sites

If you love learning about Earth and the mysteries that surround various archaeological sites, then you will love this list curated by the Plottake review team.

The lost city of Atlantis

The site of the island is described by Greek historian Plato in 360 B.C. as having sunk into the sea over 10,000 years ago. People have claimed to have discovered it all over the world, in places like the Bahamas or Cuba, and most recently in the waters around Micronesia. Without actual archeological relics to study, and since it’s based entirely on ancient writings, the mystery of Atlantis may be an archaeological case that continues forever.

King Tut’s tomb

King Tutankhamun was just nine years old when he ascended to the throne of Egypt in the 1300s B.C., and he was scarcely an adult when he died at 17, but he stands at the center of several archaeological mysteries. Because his mummified body appears to have caught fire after his tomb was sealed, archaeologists believe he was buried very quickly, leading to a botched embalming job that allowed a fire to erupt as a chemical reaction between oxygen and embalming oils.

The Great Pyramids of Egypt

Built as burial shrine to the Pharaoh, Khufu (who reigned from 2589 to 2566 BC), the oldest and largest is the “Great Pyramid of Giza.” Its sheer enormity is mysterious enough (i.e., how did ancient humans construct it?), but in general, the Great Pyramids continue to produce more and more mysterious archaeological wonders, including this recent discovery of a mysterious chamber within the Great Pyramid of Giza.

For tons more mystery content, head over to Plottake today!

Mystifying Audiobooks That Will Leave You at The Edge of Your Seat

Most audiobook fans agree that sometimes the best way to relieve yourself from a long and stressful day at work is by listening to mystical stories. These stories drift you into an imaginary world where you forget about all your troubles. Here are some mystical audiobooks that you can find at Plottake.

Necessities - Boyd Taylor

David Lewis lost both legs in Iraq, but he has managed to overcome his disabilities with sheer willpower. He is married to Cordelia Lehrer, the heiress to a Libertarian newspaper chain. When they get a son, David seems to have everything. He soon discovers Cordelia has betrayed him. The mystical mood portrayed by the characters makes the novel more thrilling.

Problems at the Pub – Kirsten Fullmer

The Sugar Mountain Ladies Historical Society knows that the mayor is planning something evil. That was after he hired Tony Tidwell as an assistant. To stay on top of the situation, Monique offers him a room over her pub. She soon finds out that her hopes and dreams are at risk. To make matters worse, she is both suspicious and attracted to him.

The Return - Aaron Paul Lazar

Gus LeGarde’s first wife leaped to her death from the Letchworth Gorge cliffs. Seven years later, he starts seeing a woman around town who resembles her late wife, Elsbeth. His recent marriage and sanity are thrown into a world of dreams. Is she a ghost? Or could Elsbeth still be alive?

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Mystifying Audiobooks That will Keep You Entertained

Reading audiobooks improves your memory and make you smarter. They equip you with the knowledge that will help you face challenges. Here are mystifying audiobooks that are worth reading.

The Girl who has the Dragon Tattoo - Karl Stig-Erland "Stieg" Larsson

In this audiobook, Lisbeth Salander pairs with Mikael, a journalist. The two try to solve an old case that is about the disappearance of a young heiress. They discover some deeper mystery threads that involve corruption in the Swedish state. Up to date, the Dragon Tattoo remains a mystery to lovers. The meticulous and questions of justice make the audiobook even more interesting once you start reading it. Simon Vance did a great job as the narrator of this audiobook.

Still Life - Louise Penny

Initially published in 2005, this audiobook follows the story of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, who is kind, smart, and devoted to his work. Gamache and his team head over to a murder scene that leaves them in suspense. Three individuals have been murdered, and the residents assume it was a hunting trip gone wrong. Ralph Cosham is the narrator of this audiobook.

Don't Let Go -Harlan Coben

''Don't Let Go'' is narrated by Weber's suspenseful tone, making it even more enjoyable. The narrator performs the parts of the characters very well, making them stand out. Nap finds out his brother and girlfriend have been killed and left lying dead near the railroad tracks.

If you are interested in more mystifying audiobooks, please visit Plottake.com.

Books You Need to Read if You Like These TV Shows

With so many streaming services out there, you will never be short of a TV show that will keep you entertained. Many of these shows also have similarities to books that can take your love of the genre to the next level. Here are books you should read if you like these TV shows.

Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero

One of the big TV hits was The Umbrella Academy which sees a group of kids with special powers getting into all types of trouble. If you loved that show, you should also read Meddling Kids, about a group of kids that later meet up as adults and deal with the nightmares of their past.

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Dysfunctional superheroes in The Boys were definitely worth a watch. If you are waiting for a new series, then in-between times, you can read Vicious. It’s about two people who work to create artificial superpowers, only to decide to eradicate them years later.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Mexican Gothic is about Noemi who goes to see her cousin at her countryside house. Noemi finds that the house has dark secrets that could mean trouble if they are unearthed. If you love this book, then you will also love The Haunting of Bly Manor, the chilling TV series that will make your hair stand on end.

Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words by Andrew Morton

The Crown is another huge TV series that portrays the life of the Royal Family in the United Kingdom. Although many say it is a work of fiction, if you want to find out about the real Diana - Princess of Wales, then the book Diana will give you a great insight into her world at the time.

To find more books like your favorite TV shows, visit www.plottake.com and check out the range.

3 Great Noir Books From 2020

Few genres have the longevity or the breadth within crime fiction than noir—from the hardboiled classics of yesteryear to the dazzling modern interpretations showcased here. These three books are amongst the best noir titles from 2020 you can snap up now!

  Louise Candlish-The Other Passenger  

One of the hottest trends in mystery fiction is ‘domestic noir’—and there are few better exponents of this than Louise Candlish, and her most recent book ‘The Other Passenger’ is no exception. Set in London’s Docklands, with archetypal millennial couple Jamie, a barista, and Clare, an estate agent—only for their lives to unravel when they strike up a friendship with a charismatic couple, one of whom disappears.

  The Lady Upstairs-Halley Sutton  

A timely and exhilarating affair—one that embroils all the corrupt and twisted power machinations of Hollywood in classic noir fashion, with a sharp modern feminist edge on things. When a young con artist stumbles onto a murder plot, she soon finds herself the target of powerful enemies, but can she work her way out from under their thumb? Read to find out.

Blacktop Wasteland-S.A Cosby  

Catapulted into popular consciousness by the likes of Fargo and True Detective, rural noir has become a genre tradition all unto itself, and this masterpiece from S.A Cosby is sure to go down as one of the classics. Set in the sweltering heat of North Carolina, this is an unflinching look at the cost of capitalism and class, as well as a pacy thriller that never lets up.

 

No matter what mystery gets your mind racing, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at Plottake, click through to find the best mystery and thriller books to download today!

 

Murder Mystery Movies That Will Satisfy Your Inner Private Investigator

The murder mystery genre is perfect for those who love solving crimes and being kept on the edge of their seats. If you are looking for a few good movies to satisfy your inner PI, then be sure to check these out.

'Knives Out' (2019)

Harlan Thrombey is a famous author and aging patriarch who kills himself, or does he? That is when detective Benoit Blanc is hired to investigate. As the story unfolds, the plot takes an unusual turn which demonstrates how this movie is a great example of a spin on the classic genre.

'Death on the Nile' (1978)

A woman steals her best friend's husband and ends up dead, but shockingly, her best friend didn't do it. Starring Mia Farrow and a cast of other unbelievable talents, this film channels the perfect balance of intensity and hysterics.

'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' (2005)

Robert Downey Jr. is a thief who gets mistaken for an actor and is thrown into the glamorous, murder-y world of Hollywood. This movie is not only funny, but demonstrates how Downey Jr. is one of the best actors of our time.

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The Best Mystery Movies Every Crime Junkie Needs to Watch

Good mystery movies can make you feel like a detective. Here are a few mystery movies that are guaranteed to keep you on the case from start to finish.

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes is one of the most famous detectives ever and has been played by such actors including Jonny Lee Miller, Benedict Cumberbatch and even Robert Downey Jr.. In Downey Jr.’s version, he and his sidekick Dr. Watson, played by Jude Law, must solve the mystery around Lord Blackfoot, a man who has risen from the grave with an evil plan in mind.

The Fugitive

In this film, Harrison Ford takes on the role of Dr. Richard Kimble, a man who is framed and convicted for the murder of his wife. But when he suddenly finds himself on the run, he's determined to track down the real killer.

Se7en

There are seven deadly sins that are apparently the root of all evil—pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth—and in 1995's Se7en, Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman play a pair of detectives tasked with capturing a serial killer who murders based on this list.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Daniel Craig stars in the lead role as disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist, and Rooney Mara stars as hacker Lisbeth Salander. Together, the two investigate the twisted disappearance of a woman 40 years earlier.

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British Mysteries You Should Check Out on Netflix Canada

Keep your days flying by with these British mysteries now out on Netflix Canada.

Criminal: UK

When detectives interrogate a suspect, slowly but surely the the truth emerges. This anthology series takes place within the confines of an interview room, helping to grow the psychological tension with each episode, and with each episode, there is a well plotted interrogation that strikes all the necessary dramatic beats.

Traitors

Emma Appleton plays Fiona “Feef” Symonds who is a rich-girl-turned-British-civil-servant seduced by a U.S. intelligence officer into rooting out a Russian asset working within the British government post-WWII. This series is definitely enjoyable and interesting to watch.

London Spy

Ben Whishaw plays Danny, a young romantic who falls in love with Alex, a brilliant MI6 spy. Suddenly Alex is found dead and Danny attempts to find out who killed him and why. This is not just a spy thriller but a love story which will move you to tears.

Scott & Bailey

Two female DCs investigate Manchester’s homicides while living out their own compelling personal lives. This is a must-watch not just because it’s a feel good crime drama, but also for its portrayal between the two leads.

Hinterland

A troubled DCI and his partner DI solve a series of murders in a Welsh coastal town. If you love dark and bleak series which build at a leisurely pace, then this one is for you.

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Canadian thrillers and mysteries you need to check out

If you are looking for some books will take you on an adrenaline-inducing adventure, then be sure to check out these great Canadian thrillers.

Wherever She Goes by K.L. Armstrong

Wherever She Goes is a thriller about a woman, Aubrey Finch, who sees a child being abducted. But when no one reports a kidnapping, no one believes Aubrey. Aubrey, a single mother surrounded by whispers about her past and the state of her mental well-being, decides to take matters into her own hands and solve the crime herself.

A Dance of Cranes by Steve Burrows

Inspector Domenic Jejeune returns home to Canada to learn that his brother, Damian, has disappeared during his whooping cranes research trip in Buffalo National Park. Meanwhile, Jejeune's estranged girlfriend Lindy is abducted in Europe. Jejeune heads to the wilderness to find his brother and sergeant Danny Maik works to track down Lindy, leading them both into dangerous territory.

Though the Heavens Fall by Anne Emery

Though the Heavens Fall is the latest instalment in Anne Emery's popular Collins-Burke mystery series. The book takes place in Belfast of 1995, as the Irish Republican Army calls for a ceasefire to the violence that has ripped through the city, which lures Collins and Burke to town.

A Deadly Divide by Ausma Zehanat Khan

In A Deadly Divide, the fifth book in Ausma Zehanat Khan's Getty and Khattak mystery series, Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty are sent to Quebec, where a community is reeling in the aftermath of a mass shooting at a mosque. Fuelling tensions is the arrest of a young Muslim man who was reported to be assisting the wounded, while a priest found holding a weapon was let go.

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Hotel Mysteries That Are Still Unsolved

Here are a few unsolved hotel mysteries that detectives are still trying to figure out today.

Madeleine McCann

On May 3rd, 2007, three-year-old Madeleine McCann disappeared from her family’s hotel room at the Luz Ocean Club resort in Praia da Luz, Portugal. She was staying with her family for seven nights, including her twin siblings, her parents, and family friends. The McCann parents were eating out with friends the evening Madeleine disappeared and checked on all three of the children throughout the night. It was then that Madeleine’s mother discovered her missing. Over the next decade, the Portuguese police, private detectives, and Scotland Yard, investigated the case, but despite their efforts, the case remains a mystery.

The Cecil Hotel

Los Angeles’ Cecil Hotel is home to many unsolved mysteries and murders. One of the most well-known cases is that of Canadian college student Elisa Lam. In 2013, she went missing but after three weeks she was found in the water tank on the hotel roof. Law enforcement officials ruled her death as an accidental drowning, but CCTV footage shows Lam acting strangely when leaving the hotel elevator, and that the roof to the hotel is only accessible via a key held by staff, so to this day many people wonder how she got there.

Rose Burkert and Roger Atkison

In September 1980, a couple stayed at the Amana Holiday Inn near Williamsburg, Iowa on a last minute booking. The couple, Rose Burkert and Roger Atkison, were found dead the next morning when the housekeeper entered their room and saw them murdered. Strange facts about the case include their feet being place up on the desk and a carved piece of soap. There was also the word “this” written on the bathroom mirror. What’s even more creepy is that there was a mortician convention in town with many attendees staying at the Inn. It was rumoured that their killer was one of Roger’s uncles, a serial killer and recent escapee from a mental health institution, yet the case remains unsolved to this day.

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A couple of Canadian mystery novels which uncover bigger secrets

Investigators in Canadian mystery novels often discover that once they tug at one thread, they may find a whole host of things unravelled that they hadn’t bargained for. Here are a couple of Canadian mystery novels which uncover bigger secrets than originally thought.

Cold Skies by Thomas King

There aren’t too many Canadian authors whose work is immediately recognizable, but Thomas King is one of them. In this latest instalment of the series following a retired California cop, we find the uniquely named Thumps Dreadful Water seeking the quiet life in a small town called Chinook.

The origins of the character’s name are form Canadian-Indian tradition, which is a calling card of King himself who, as well as writing thrilling mystery novels, is an advocate for many indigenous people in North America.

In Cold Skies, Thumps’s quest for peace proves futile as the local sheriff, learning of his investigative past, asks for his help in finding the truth behind the sudden discovery of a body. With town set to host a major water conference, the sheriff wants it wrapped up quickly but what Thumps comes to realise is that there may be a connection between the body and the delegates who will soon come flooding into the town. Has he uncovered something much bigger than he could have imagined and what are the secretive forces at play here?

Still Water by Amy Stuart

High River is more than a town – it's a haven for women who want to get away from their troubled pasts. That’s where Sally and her young son were last seen before they suddenly disappear. Clare is the investigator charged with tracking her down, but when she travels to High River looking for answers, she only finds more questions.

Sally’s disappearance isn’t the only tightly-wound secret Clare must unravel as she faces a host of characters who aren’t what they initially appear to be.

Find more Canadian mystery with the books from www.plottake.com.

Two must-read gritty crime novels

Canadians have a well-cultivated image for being nice, and their public persona certainly backs up that assumption by the world. However, when it comes to crime fiction, Canadian writers can get down and gritty like the best of them. Here are two must-read gritty Canadian crime novels.

Needles by William Deverell

First published in 1979, this was a book very much ahead of its time. It features a lawyer Foster Cobb who is investigating an Asian drug boss who is operating on the streets of Vancouver. However, Cobb himself is locked in a heroin habit he is struggling to shake. While try to bring down the drug trade in the city, he finds himself getting deeper into a seedy underworld of prostitution, murder and drugs.

This gritty novel is a thrilling, tightly-wound mystery which features gut-punching twists and jaw-dropping revelations.

Helpless by Barbara Gowdy

Even in its conception, this is a daring book. Gowdy takes an unconventional approach to crime-writing by telling a story from multiple points of view and challenging the reader to examine their preconceptions. It firstly looks at life through the eyes of a paedophile called Ron who is saving a nine-year-old while battling his own inner-demons. Gowdy also tells the story through the eyes of the girl, whose own life is further complicated by her mother’s relationship with her boyfriend.

What is Ron saving the girl from and how can she put her trust in such a man. A challenging and fearless story plays out in the hands of a master of her craft in this often uncomfortable but utterly compelling novel.

For more gripping Canadian mystery check out the books at www.plottake.com.

How To Track Down a Book Without Knowing its Author or Title

There’s nothing worse than not being able to remember the details you need to track down what you want. If you’re trying to recall the name and title of a book, it can be incredibly frustrating. The good news is that there’s tricks you can try that really work. Here’s how to track down a book without knowing its author or title.

Go With Google

You might not think of using a search engine if you can’t remember the title or the author but sometimes just describing a key phrase can be enough to prompt a response. The more unusual and specific the details are, the better. It can be anything from a quote, a character’s name or just plot info; try entering the words into Google and see what comes up.

Appeal to Social Media

Social media often gets a lot of bad publicity but when used in the right way it can be a powerful tool. If you’re trying to think of the title, appealing to your followers might elicit a response. If you have a lot of followers with diverse interests, you stand the best chance of getting the answer. However, even if you don’t, using a clever hashtag could be enough to get your question found - and answered! - by a wider audience.

Try a Book Forum

You’ll find lots of book forums online, filled with avid readers who are keen on discussing their favorite facts. This could be your best bet at identifying the book in question. Describe what you can remember and hopefully one of your fellow bookworms will recognize the details.

To discover your next adventure between the pages of a book, look no further than www.plottake.com. Head over and check out the great variety of books available online.

Tips for deciding which non-fiction book to pick up

There’s nothing like feeling of getting lost in a great fiction story. It can a form of escapism and help you get away from daily chore of everyday life. However, if you prefer stories more rooted in reality, then you are the sort of person who is always on the lookout for a good non-fiction read.

You may have a specific area of non-fiction you always go for, be it business, history, medical or biographies, but whatever you are into it’s important to remember a few key points when selecting a non-fiction book to read.

What are the author’s credentials?

Ok, so anyone can write a book and when it comes to fiction, you can pretty much make up anything as long as it fits with the story. However, when someone is writing about a real-life topic such as medicine for example, you’ll need to check out their credentials. Are they a doctor or medical professional? Have they studied medicine? You need to know that what you are reading something from a credible source.

Be careful of books that oversell themselves

It can be so tempting to pick up books that make bold claims about revealing huge secrets you didn’t know or giving you the inside scoop on something, but, on the whole, these books usually struggle to live up to their own hype.

Dip your toe in a new topic

You may have your favorite topics, but it does no harm once in a while to get out of your comfort zone. If a non-fiction book is well researched and well written, the subject matter can be made to be interesting to anyone.

You can find many engrossing non-fiction books at www.plottake.com.