Books matching: amateur sleuths
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- #1The Norths Meet MurderBook 1 in the series:Mr. and Mrs. North
'The Norths Meet Murder' in the series 'Mr. and Mrs. North' by authors Frances Lockridge, Richard & Frances Lockridge is a murder mystery set in 1930s New York City. The story follows Mr. and Mrs. North, an upper-class couple who stumble upon a dead body in a vacant studio they were planning to use for a party. Despite being potential suspects, the Norths befriend Lieutenant Weigand, the detective investigating the murder, and together they uncover intriguing clues, including lobsters, a little bit of letterhead, and an open window. The narrative combines elements of police procedural and amateur sleuthing, all while highlighting the social setting of the time through the lens of cocktails and social interactions.
MR. NORTH came home rather early that Tuesday afternoon, and as soon as he came in Mrs. North realized he was in a mood. He was, for one thing, annoyed about the weather, because it was behaving so ir... - #2
"Plaid and Plagiarism" in the series "Highland Bookshop Mystery" by Molly MacRae follows the story of four women who move back to Scotland to open a joint bookshop, Bed and Breakfast, and tea shop. The women, while related, each have their own purpose and past, drawing the readers into their mind frames as they navigate a murder mystery that unfolds in the small village of Inversgail. The plot is filled with eccentric characters, humor, and a cozy setting in Scotland, creating a charming backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The writing style is dialogue-heavy, with sparse descriptions of the locale, and the author introduces a large cast of characters, some of whom are described as successful in prior careers but struggle to establish themselves as individuals in the new business.
And there’s no need to cluck your tongue at my back, either,” Christine said, not waiting for Janet to catch up. “You know well enough it’s time we went to see the house for ourselves and find out wha... - #3
'Earthly Delights' by Kerry Greenwood follows the story of Corinna Chapman, a plus-sized baker in Melbourne, who finds herself entangled in solving mysteries while navigating through her eccentric apartment building and dealing with various quirky characters. The plot involves Corinna investigating the terrorizing of women in her building, going undercover at a BDSM club, and teaming up with a detective to solve crimes, all while managing her bakery and forming romantic connections.
Of course, if Horatio didn’t insist on sitting in my slippers it might cut down the number of times this happened, and the consequent karmic debt. I’ll probably come back as a mouse, and that would be... - #4
Brownies and Broomsticks is a cozy mystery novel that follows the story of Katie Lightfoot, who moves to Savannah to help her aunt and uncle open a bakery. As Katie settles into her new life, she discovers her aunt's magical abilities and finds herself embroiled in solving a murder mystery to clear her uncle's name. With the help of quirky characters, magical spells, and a touch of romance, Katie delves into the world of witchcraft while navigating the challenges of running a bakery and uncovering family secrets.
The book is praised for its charming and light-hearted tone, blending elements of mystery, witchcraft, and baking seamlessly. Readers enjoy the unique plot that combines a cozy mystery with a touch of magic, creating an engaging and entertaining story that keeps them hooked until the very end.
Aunt Lucy knelt beside the porch steps, trowel in hand, patting the soil around a plant. She looked up and waved a gloved hand when I pulled into the driveway of the compact brick house, which had onc... - #5
'The Red House Mystery' by A.A. Milne is a classic golden age country house locked room novel written in 1922. The story revolves around a murder that takes place in a family mansion when a prodigal brother returns home. The plot includes various tropes common in English mysteries of the time, such as a manor house setting, house party guests, slow-witted police, secret passages, and upper-class behavior. The amateur detective, Antony Gillingham, along with his friend Bill Beverley, sets out to solve the murder mystery, reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Watson, in a relaxed and charming manner.
The book is described as a delightful and frothy read with unexpected twists and turns, a witty dialogue, and a lack of gore and violence despite the murder. The writing style is praised for being charming, engaging, and evoking the early 1920s English country manor life. Despite some predictable elements, the book offers a fun and entertaining experience for readers who enjoy the golden age of detective fiction.
In the drowsy heat of the summer afternoon the Red House was taking itssiesta. There was a lazy murmur of bees in the flower-borders, a gentlecooing of pigeons in the tops of the elms. From distant la... - #6
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... - #7
In the book "On What Grounds" by Cleo Coyle, Clare Cosi returns to manage The Village Blend coffeehouse in NYC, only to find her assistant manager dead under suspicious circumstances. Clare, along with her ex-husband Matteo, delves into solving the mystery while navigating complex relationships with her ex-mother-in-law and ex-husband. The story is filled with references to coffee, detailed coffee-making scenes, and a cozy mystery plot that keeps readers engaged with a satisfying surprise ending.
If the beans are Robusta rather than Arabica, the roasting time too long or short, the filtering water too hot or cold, the grinds too finely or coarsely milled, the brew allowed to sit too long—any o... - #8
"Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder" by Joanne Fluke is the first in the cozy mystery series featuring Hannah Swensen, a cookie shop owner in Lake Eden, Minnesota. When the local milk deliveryman is found murdered near her shop, Hannah gets involved in solving the crime with the help of her brother-in-law, a police officer. offers a light-hearted and enjoyable read, blending elements of small-town life, quirky characters, and amateur sleuthing, all while incorporating delicious cookie recipes throughout the story.
Despite some readers finding the plot predictable and the characters somewhat cliché, the book offers a cozy and entertaining mystery with a touch of humor. The writing style is described as light, easy to read, and perfect for those looking for a relaxing escape into a world of cookies, mysteries, and small-town charm.
Hannah Swensen slipped into the old leather bomber jacket that she’d rescued from the Helping Hands thrift store and reached down to pick up the huge orange tomcat that was rubbing against her ankles.... - #9
'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... - #10
In "The Anatomist's Wife," Lady Kiera Darby, a talented artist haunted by scandal, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation at her sister's estate in Scotland. As suspicions swirl around her, she teams up with Sebastian Gage, an inquiry agent, to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of a houseguest. The book weaves together historical details, romance, and a complex mystery set against the backdrop of 19th-century high society, showcasing Lady Darby's resilience and investigative skills alongside Gage's charm and expertise.
The story unfolds with Lady Darby navigating societal scorn and her own troubled past, all while delving into the intricacies of the murder case alongside Gage. Through Lady Darby's voice and observations, readers are drawn into a tale of intrigue, courage, and budding romance, as the duo races against time to solve the murder before official authorities arrive at the remote estate, blending elements of forensic detection and historical mystery in a captivating narrative.
The scream froze me in my tracks, but the shout that followed propelled me out of my indecision and around the hedge line of the maze. Lady Lydia Perkins continued to shriek at ear-piercing levels whi...