Books matching: amateur detective
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- #1
The Amateurs by Sara Shepard is a murder mystery book that follows the story of Aerin Kelly, whose sister, Helena, was killed five years ago. Seeking help, Aerin posts on an online forum dedicated to solving cold cases, Case Not Closed (CNC). Two amateur sleuths, Seneca Frazier and Maddy Wright, along with other members, join forces to investigate Helena's murder. As they delve deeper into the case, they face explosive relationship dynamics and physical threats, uncovering clues and unearthing major leads.
The book is fast-paced, filled with plot twists, and cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, keeping readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next. The writing style is organized and clear, making it easy to follow the storyline. The characters are a mix of likable and relatable teens, each playing a pivotal role in solving the mystery, with unexpected plot twists that keep the reader on edge until the surprising ending.
ON THURSDAY NIGHT, just before school was off for spring break, Seneca Frazier sat cross-legged on her bed in her small dorm room at the University of Maryland. It was after 11:00 p.m., and the dorm w... - #2
"Ghost of a Chance" in the series "Chintz 'n China Mystery" by Yasmine Galenorn follows the story of Emerald O'Brien, a divorced mom who owns a tea shop and can communicate with the dead. When a ghost, Susan Mitchell, appears seeking help in solving her murder, Emerald is drawn into a mystery involving ghosts, murder, and amateur detective work. With the support of her friends and family, including her children and two best friends, Emerald navigates the challenges of running her shop, raising her kids, and dealing with supernatural occurrences in her small town of Chiqetaw, WA.
- #3
A Clubbable Woman by Reginald Hill is the first book in the Dalziel and Pascoe series, introducing readers to the detectives Fat Andy Dalziel and Peter Pascoe. The story revolves around a murder case where a woman is found dead in her sitting room, leading the detectives to investigate the local rugby club where the family at the heart of the case is involved. Set in a small Yorkshire town in the 1970s, the book delves into the social interactions and intrigues within the community, while also exploring the evolving relationship between the two main characters.
The narrative style of the book is described as having decent twists and turns in the case, with a saturated atmosphere of rugby due to the involvement of a rugby club. The story unfolds with interesting character dynamics, particularly between Dalziel and Pascoe, and keeps readers engaged with its plot that involves guessing the killer's identity. Despite some hints of extreme sexism reflective of the time it was written, the book is praised for its original denouement and detailed depiction of life in a class-conscious society centered around a game like rugby.
His head was being pumped up and down by an unknown hand. As he surfaced, his gaze took in an extensive area of mud stretching away to the incredibly distant posts. Then his forehead was brought down ... - #4
'The Last Detective' by Peter Lovesey follows the investigation led by Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond in Bath, England, as he tackles the murder case of a former actress found dead in a reservoir. The plot is intricate, filled with twists, red herrings, and unexpected revelations, keeping readers engaged until the very end. The writing style combines elements of traditional police procedurals with modern crime detection methods, showcasing Diamond's skepticism towards technology and his reliance on old-school investigative techniques.
- #5
'Strong Poison' in the 'Lord Peter Wimsey' series by Dorothy L. Sayers narrates the beginning of Lord Peter's relationship with Harriet Vane. Peter falls in love with Harriet as she is on trial for her lover's murder. The plot revolves around Peter's conviction of Harriet's innocence and his determination to prove it, despite social stigma and challenges. The writing style is described as well-constructed, amusing, and thought-provoking, with deeper questions raised about relationships and societal norms.
The judge was an old man; so old, he seemed to have outlived time and change and death. His parrot-face and parrot-voice were dry, like his old, heavily-veined hands. His scarlet robe clashed harshly ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lord Peter Wimsey ) - #6
'The Thursday Murder Club' by Richard Osman is a cozy mystery novel set in a luxury retirement village where a group of senior citizens, known as the Thursday Murder Club, come together to solve cold cases. When a real murder occurs within their retirement community, the group finds themselves entangled in a present-day murder investigation. The book is praised for its witty writing style, well-developed characters, and engaging plot that combines humor, mystery, and a touch of realism about aging and friendship.
The story follows the quirky members of the Thursday Murder Club, including Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim, as they navigate the complexities of solving a murder while dealing with their own personal struggles and relationships. The novel cleverly weaves together multiple plotlines, red herrings, and unexpected twists, keeping readers guessing until the very end. With a mix of humor, pathos, and clever storytelling, 'The Thursday Murder Club' offers a delightful and entertaining read that celebrates the power of friendship and the thrill of solving mysteries in a unique setting.
I knew who she was, of course; everybody here knows Elizabeth. She has one of the three-bed flats in Larkin Court. It’s the one on the corner, with the decking? Also, I was once on a quiz team with St... - #7
In "Speaking from Among the Bones," Flavia de Luce, a precocious young chemist and crime solver in 1950s Britain, finds herself entangled in a mystery surrounding the opening of St. Tancred's tomb, which reveals a new corpse. As Flavia navigates through the investigation, she uncovers a complex web of characters and secrets, all while dealing with family dynamics and financial struggles at their historic estate, Buckshaw. The book is filled with witty humor, intricate mysteries, and a blend of dark undertones and lighthearted moments, all brought to life through Flavia's sharp intelligence and quick thinking.
The writing style of the book is described as smooth, entertaining, and sometimes funny, with a touch of creepiness and grave digging that may appeal to young adults. Readers praise the character development, particularly Flavia's growth and interactions with her sisters, as well as the incorporation of scientific details, historical elements, and unexpected twists that keep them engaged and eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Flavia de Luce series.
BLOOD DRIPPED FROM THE neck of the severed head and fell in a drizzle of red raindrops, clotting into a ruby pool upon the black and white tiles. The face wore a grimace of surprise, as if the man had...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Flavia de Luce ) - #8
In the book 'Missing Susan' by Sharyn McCrumb, readers are taken on a mystery tour of England where newlywed Elizabeth MacPherson finds herself amidst a group of tourists visiting famous murder sites. Little does she know that their tour guide, Rowan Rover, has been hired to murder one of the tourists, the obnoxious Susan Cohen. As the group travels through England, accidents befall them, and Elizabeth must uncover the truth behind the mysterious events unfolding during their trip. With a mix of humor, suspense, and unexpected twists, the book keeps readers engaged as they follow the unfolding murder mystery and the interactions between the eccentric characters on the tour.
The plot of 'Missing Susan' is filled with humor, interesting side stories about famous murder mysteries in Britain's history, and a cleverly constructed mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end. Sharyn McCrumb's writing style in this book seamlessly blends elements of mystery, humor, and historical background, creating an entertaining and engaging read for fans of light-hearted mysteries with a touch of wit and suspense.
(Also, see 33 recommendations for the series Elizabeth MacPherson ) - #9
'Raffles: The Amateur Cracksman' by E.W. Hornung follows the adventures of A.J. Raffles, a gentleman thief and skilled cricket player, along with his reluctant accomplice and chronicler, Bunny. The book consists of a series of short stories that showcase Raffles' clever schemes and daring heists, set in late Victorian England. The writing style is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes stories, with a focus on the criminal activities of the protagonists and the moral dilemmas they face, all narrated from Bunny's perspective.
IT was half-past twelve when I returned to the Albany as a last desperate resort. The scene of my disaster was much as I had left it. The baccarat-counters still strewed the table, with the empty glas... - #10
Death by Bubble Tea is a cozy mystery set in a night market where cousins Yale and Celine become amateur sleuths after a murder occurs. The story features unique Asian food descriptions, cultural additions, and family ties, with the plot unfolding through the investigation of multiple suspects. The writing style is engaging, gradually developing the characters and their relationships as the mystery evolves.