Typically, Elizabeth horror novels often have a strong gothic atmosphere. This includes things like dark, foreboding settings such as old castles or abandoned mansions. They also tend to have elements of the supernatural, like ghosts, vampires, or other unearthly creatures.
Many Elizabeth horror novels deal with themes of morality and the human condition. For example, they might explore the consequences of human ambition, as in 'Frankenstein'. The characters often face moral dilemmas that are intertwined with the horror elements. The language used is often rich and descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the terrifying situations. It can be quite archaic in some cases, adding to the overall atmosphere of mystery and dread.
In Elizabeth Short - inspired novels like 'The Black Dahlia', a common characteristic is a sense of mystery. The plot often revolves around her unsolved murder, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing.
Elizabeth Strout's novels often feature complex characters. Her characters are deeply nuanced, with a mix of flaws and virtues. For example, in 'Olive Kitteridge', Olive is a prickly yet endearing character. Her novels also explore themes of human relationships, like the complex dynamics between family members and neighbors. The settings in her books are often small - town America, which adds to the sense of intimacy and community.
These novels typically have a strong sense of historical setting. The Tudor period was rich in culture, fashion, and courtly life. Elizabeth I novels usually do a good job of painting a vivid picture of the palaces, the clothing, the feasts, and the social hierarchies of that era. This helps the reader to better understand the context in which Elizabeth I ruled and made her decisions.
Susan Elizabeth Phillips' novels often feature strong, complex female characters. Her stories usually blend elements of romance, humor, and drama. For example, in some of her books, the female protagonists face various challenges in their relationships and personal growth, while also having witty and engaging interactions with the male characters.
Elizabeth Lowell's romance novels often feature strong and complex characters. Her stories usually blend elements of mystery and adventure. For example, in some of her works, the hero and heroine might be involved in a search for a hidden treasure while also falling in love. The settings in her novels are vividly described, ranging from historical landscapes to exotic locations.
Her romance novels often have a strong sense of place. For example, in 'North and South', the contrast between the southern and northern regions of England is vividly portrayed, which affects the relationships in the story. They also deal with social class differences. In her romances, characters from different classes fall in love, like in 'Wives and Daughters', and they have to navigate these differences.
Well - developed characters. For example, in 'The Greatest Knight', the character of William Marshal is multi - dimensional. His growth, his relationships, and his actions are all explored in great depth. This is a common trait in her novels. The characters feel real and their stories draw you in.
Many 2020 horror novels seemed to focus on modern fears. For example, in 'The Only Good Indians', there was a sense of dread related to the past coming back to haunt the present, which could be seen as a reflection of our fear of past mistakes catching up with us.
These horror novels also had a strong sense of mystery. In 'The Fireman', the origin and nature of the spore that was causing people to combust was a mystery that drove the plot forward. The readers were constantly trying to figure out what was going on, which added to the overall sense of unease and horror. There was also a trend towards more complex characters who had to deal with the horror in different ways, adding depth to the stories.
The 2019 horror novels had several characteristics. A lot of them had a strong sense of atmosphere. Whether it was the oppressive heat in a southern setting or the cold isolation of an old mansion, the settings added to the horror. The use of unreliable narrators was also common. This added an extra layer of mystery and unease as the reader couldn't always trust what they were being told. Moreover, these novels often had a moral or ethical underpinning, making the horror not just about scares but also about deeper human concerns.