Hello everyone,
For my latest list post, I am looking back at the books I have read where all or most of the story have taken place within a confined setting.
The characters may find themselves trapped, in a potentially deadly situation, or somewhere that they feel unable to escape from. So, let us take a look…
Five Survive by Holly Jackson
When I think of confined settings and life-and-death scenarios, this book is the first one that comes to my mind. Six friends find themselves trapped in a recreational vehicle with snipers aimed at them from outside should anyone leave. It is pure stress and terror, bringing out the worst in some of the characters.
All Your Twisted Secrets by Diana Urban
And this is the second one that came to mind! It is a similar premise to Five Survive, with six high school students locked inside a room with a ticking time bomb inside. Although you may have to suspend some of your disbelief here, it is thrilling to read, sets the pulses racing and has a great revelation at the end.
I am grouping these three books together as they are all fairly similar in terms of concept and plot devices, taking place in a hotel or form of accommodation where murders take place and all of the guests are suspects. Usually there are adverse weather conditions involved that prevent everyone from leaving, too.
Of the trio, An Unwanted Guest is more of a murder mystery where guests are being picked off one by one. The other two fall more aptly into the thriller category.
The Devil And The Dark Water by Stuart Turton
In the same way as the three books I just mentioned, this is a murder mystery taking place in a specific setting where characters are being killed one by one. However, this one is far more complex and ambitious, with a supernatural force taking possession of crew members. Out in the wide, wide ocean, there is no escape.
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
This is very much a case of characters being trapped inside their own home, at the mercy of a dictatorial person with the tendencies of a cult leader. They are under his rule for many years with no means of escape, although that is all in the past. In the present day, Lucy is confined by her poverty and continued reliance on her abusive ex-husband for money.
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
This book does not have a confined setting per se, but I included it because while reading it I felt like all the main characters could not escape the spiralling thoughts in their own minds. The confined space here is purely psychological rather than physical.
Hostage by Clare Mackintosh
This high-stakes book sees a plane come under threat of a terrorist attack by a group of climate campaigners, which obviously lends itself to a feeling of complete fear and claustrophobia. If that is not enough, the air stewardess on board discovers her husband and daughter are being held hostage back home.
Medusa by Jessie Burton
After being cursed, Medusa spends all her time hiding away in a cave. This beautifully written story is told from her point of view, detailing her encounter with her would-be killer Perseus.
The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper
This book centres on a group of women who are enslaved at a brothel in the ancient city of Pompeii. Although they are allowed to roam the city, they are chained to the brothel and especially the dreadful rule of Felix, its proprietor.
The September House by Carissa Orlando
The entire story takes place at the titular house, which is inhabited by ghosts. The owner is the only person who can see them, her husband has vanished and now her daughter has arrived to help investigate his disappearance. But the ghosts are never going away. The claustrophobia here is intense and eerie…
Let’s Chat
Which books have you read containing confined, claustrophobic settings? Have you read any of the books on this list? Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading :)
Stephen Reads Books 