Books matching: amateur sleuth character
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- #1
In 'Smallbone Deceased' by Michael Gilbert, set in 1950s Britain, the story unfolds in a prestigious law firm, Horniman, Birley and Craine, where the body of a trustee, Mr. Smallbone, is discovered in an airtight deed box. The novel follows the investigation led by Inspector Hazlerigg and a newly qualified solicitor, Henry Bohun, who becomes entangled in the case. With a witty and sardonic tone, the book delves into the intricate workings of the legal world, portraying a cast of engaging characters and a cleverly constructed murder mystery involving missing documents and complex legal procedures.
First will be set out the Parties, each by his full name and address and by a Description, as, Lieutenant-Colonel in His Majesty’s Grenadier Regiment of Foot-guards, Solicitor to the Supreme Court of ... - #2The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber TreeBook 1 in the series:The Darling Dahlias
"The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree" by Susan Wittig Albert is a cozy mystery set in the 1930s in Darling, Alabama. The story follows a group of women who belong to a garden club and have inherited a rundown house that becomes their clubhouse. As they work on the place, they encounter a ghost, a murder disguised as an accident, a friend accused of embezzlement, and an escaped convict. The women, including Lizzy, Verna, and Ophelia, come together to solve the mysteries, showcasing their friendship, resourcefulness, and amateur sleuthing skills. Through light-hearted storytelling, the author introduces readers to the characters' personalities, morals, and the dynamics of a small southern town during the aftermath of the 1929 financial crash.
provides readers with an insight into Southern life in the 1930s, offering a glimpse into the challenges and camaraderie of the era. The plot involves multiple mysteries that are solved by the end of the story, showcasing the unity and determination of the garden club members as they navigate through difficult circumstances. With historical references and attention to detail, Susan Wittig Albert weaves a tale that immerses readers in the setting of Darling, Alabama, highlighting the characters' relationships, the town's dynamics, and the spirit of friendship that drives the narrative forward.
- #3
Opium and Absinthe by Lydia Kang is a historical murder mystery set in the Victorian era, following the protagonist Tillie Pembroke as she investigates her sister's murder at the hands of a vampire. The book delves into themes of addiction, medical malpractice, societal restrictions on women, and the struggle for justice in a gripping and gothic narrative style.
“Tillie! Hurry, we’re leaving soon!” Dorothy Harriman called from outside the stable. She was already on her mount, hat and veil perfectly in place, a swirl of chestnut hair at the nape of her neck. H... - #4
"By Book or By Crook" in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates follows Lucy Richardson, a librarian assistant in a lighthouse library, who becomes entangled in a murder mystery during a Jane Austen exhibit. As books start disappearing and mysteries unravel, Lucy and her fellow librarians work together to uncover the culprit. The setting of a library in a lighthouse on the Outer Banks adds charm to the story, with likable characters and unexpected twists keeping readers engaged until the reveal.
Lucy's journey from her chaotic Boston life to her dream job in a small library in a lighthouse takes a drastic turn when a murder and a rare book theft threaten her newfound perfect life. The plot unfolds with suspenseful elements and delightful settings, offering a promising start to a cozy mystery series with a mix of family dynamics, friendship, and murder investigation. Despite a few flaws like a slow middle section, the book wraps up nicely, leaving readers eager for the next installment.
The party was a private affair, a viewing of the new collection for staff and board members of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, as well as local dignitaries and community supporters, before the of... - #5
'A Death of No Importance' by Mariah Fredericks is a historical crime fiction featuring Jane Prescott, a ladies maid to the upper echelons of New York in the first decade of the 20th century. The story revolves around Jane's keen observations and insights as she solves a murder mystery involving the death of a playboy engaged to her mistress. Set against the backdrop of the Gilded Age, the book delves into the societal issues and class disparities of the time period, all while maintaining a consistent tone with the era it portrays.
- #6
'Books Can Be Deceiving' in the 'Library Lover's Mystery' series by Jenn McKinlay follows Lindsey Norris, the director of Briar Creek Public Library, as she sets out to prove her friend Beth's innocence in a murder case involving her ex-boyfriend. The cozy mystery is set in a charming town in Connecticut and features a cast of quirky characters, book discussions, and a well-crafted mystery plot. Readers praised the accurate depiction of daily life in a public library, the engaging setting, and the enjoyable sleuthing elements woven into the story.
Lindsey Norris glanced up from her knitting at the two ladies sitting across the circle from her. It was crafternoon Thursday, where members of the crafternoon club gathered at the Briar Creek Library... - #7
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.
- #8
An Expert in Murder by Nicola Upson is a historical mystery novel set in 1934, featuring the famous mystery writer Josephine Tey as the protagonist. The story unfolds as Tey travels to London to celebrate the success of her play, Richard of Bordeaux. However, the journey takes a dark turn when a young woman she meets on the train is found murdered. As the investigation progresses, more murders occur, all seemingly connected to Tey's play and the London theatre world of the 1930s. The book blends fact and fiction, exploring the intricate relationships between the characters, the backdrop of post-World War I London, and the complexities of the murder mystery.
Had she been superstitious, Josephine Tey might have realised the odds were against her when she found that her train, the early-morning express from the Highlands, was running an hour and a half late... - #9
The Shortest Way to Hades by Sarah Caudwell is a witty murder mystery featuring the amateur sleuth Professor Hilary Tamar. The plot revolves around a family trust arrangement that needs to be changed to avoid hefty taxes upon the matriarch's death. However, when a young member of the family dies in suspicious circumstances, Professor Tamar must investigate to prevent further tragedies. The writing style is described as verbose and stilted at times, with passages of legal language that may distance the reader from the characters and action. Despite this, the book is praised for its dry British humor, literary references, and charming prose style.
Awaiting me in my pigeon-hole at the porter’s lodge of St. George’s College, the message perplexed me more than a little. If my former pupil Timothy Shepherd, now in practice as a barrister in Lincoln...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hilary Tamar ) - #10
"Thus Was Adonis Murdered" by Sarah Caudwell is a murder mystery set between London and Venice in the early 1980s. The story revolves around eccentric lawyer Julia Larwood who becomes the leading suspect in a murder case involving a young man found dead in her bed. Her London colleagues, along with their mentor Professor Hilary Tamar, work together to solve the mystery from a distance using letters and phone calls from the accused murderer. The plot is presented through witty dialogue, letters, and humor, creating a light-hearted atmosphere despite the serious subject matter.
Scholarship asks, thank God, no recompense but Truth. It is not for the sake of material reward that she (Scholarship) pursues her (Truth) through the undergrowth of Ignorance, shining on Obscurity th...