Books matching: blackmail and murder
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- #1
Save:Not your typical Hardy but a fun, twisty Gothic rollercoaster; worth reading for the plot and atmosphere, especially if you love Victorian sensation fiction.
Desperate Remedies by Thomas Hardy is a sensational novel that delves into themes of identity fraud, murder, love entanglements, and social and economic struggles of the day. The plot revolves around Cytherea, a young woman who finds herself in a web of mysteries, dark secrets, and romantic entanglements as she navigates through deceit, death, bigamy, and unexpected twists. Set in the late 1800s English countryside, the book combines elements of gothic romance and sensation novels to create a compelling narrative filled with remarkable coincidences and unexpected revelations.
In the long and intricately inwrought chain of circumstance which renders worthy of record some experiences of Cytherea Graye,1 Edward Springrove, and others, the first event directly influencing the...1871•455 pages - #2
Save:A breezy, hilarious murder mystery packed with European charm - ideal for your next beach read, especially if you love your whodunits with a side of witty banter and travel escapism.
'Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies' by Catherine Mack is a cozy murder mystery set during a book tour in Italy, where a group of well-known writers find themselves entangled in a web of blackmail and murder. The main character, Eleanor Dash, an author and amateur sleuth, navigates through suspense, romance, and drama while trying to solve the mysteries unfolding around her. The writing style of the book incorporates witty footnotes that break the fourth wall, immersing readers deeper into the investigation and adding a comedic touch to the narrative.
The plot of the book unfolds with a perfect blend of suspense, romance, and humor, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Eleanor's journey through a series of elaborate events turned deadly. The characters, each with their own motives and secrets, add depth to the story, making it an engaging and unpredictable read that leaves readers eager for more from the talented author, Catherine Mack.
I write books for a living. But the thing is, I never meant to write a book in the first place. I know that sounds nuts—who writes an entire novel by accident?—but that’s what happened. Ten years ago,...April 2024 - #3
Save:For noir fans and lovers of sharp dialogue, The Big Sleep is an essential read - gritty, witty, and a masterpiece of the genre, even if the plot’s a bit of a maze.
'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic noir detective story set in Los Angeles. The book follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he navigates through a complex web of blackmail, murder, and intrigue while dealing with shady characters and dangerous situations. The writing style is characterized by snappy dialogue, witty descriptions, and vivid details of the city of Los Angeles, creating a gritty and atmospheric setting reminiscent of classic detective movies.
The story unfolds with Marlowe being hired by a wealthy man to handle a blackmail case involving his daughter, which quickly escalates into a series of events leading to multiple deaths and a deeper mystery. As Marlowe delves deeper into the case, the plot becomes more intricate and the stakes higher, showcasing Chandler's talent for creating suspenseful and engaging narratives that keep readers hooked until the final revelation.
IT WAS ABOUT ELEVEN O’CLOCK in the morning, mid October, with the sun not shining and a look of hard wet rain in the clearness of the foothills. I was wearing my powder-blue suit, with dark blue shirt...1939•237 pages - #4
Save:A satisfying, well-crafted mystery full of fascinating details about racing and photography, anchored by a compelling main character - great for fans of classic, character-focused whodunits.
Philip Nore, a jockey with a talent for photography, gets entangled in a web of mysteries involving a track photographer's death, hidden family secrets, and a tangled network of corruption and blackmail. As Nore delves into these puzzles, he uncovers dark truths and faces danger while navigating the worlds of horse racing and photography. The book weaves together themes of family complexities, amateur sleuthing, and the protagonist's personal growth, all set against the backdrop of British horse racing.
Winded and coughing, I lay on one elbow and spat out a mouthful of grass and mud. The horse I'd been riding raised its weight off my ankle, scrambled untidily to its feet and departed at an unfeeling...1961•324 pages - #5
Save:Wickedly over-the-top and steamy, "Sin" is pure, unapologetic historical erotica - perfect for readers seeking a wild ride with mystery, romance, and plenty of heat. Not for the faint of heart or those craving historical realism!
Set in 1818 England, 'Sin' follows the story of Venetia Hamilton, an illegitimate daughter of an erotic artist, who takes over painting sensual images to support her family. When Marcus, an Earl known for his rakish ways, discovers that Venetia is painting scandalous portraits of him, he urges her to stop. However, their paths intertwine further when they are both blackmailed, leading to a country house party filled with murder, desires, and an exploration of their own secrets. The book seamlessly combines non-stop sexcapades with a murder mystery and a love story, revealing complex characters like Venetia and Marcus as they navigate through a riveting and steamy historical erotica.
Venetia Hamilton tapped the end of her brush against her lips as she studied her watercolor painting. Even though her earl—yes, she’d decided he was an earl—was a most experienced man, this time he’d...September 2006•335 pages - #6
Save:A genteel, character-driven Golden Age mystery with sharp social observation and a satisfying puzzle - great for fans of old-school whodunits, but less appealing if you need speedy plots or modern sensibilities.
"Death in a White Tie" by Ngaio Marsh is a classic murder mystery set in 1930s London high society during debutante ball seasons. The plot revolves around Chief Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn investigating the death of his friend, Lord Robert Gospell, amidst a string of blackmail cases targeting women of the upper class. The writing style is described as clean, well-paced, and with clues dropped along the way, keeping the reader guessing until the end. also delves into the personal life of Inspector Alleyn, including his courtship of painter Agatha Troy, adding depth to the storyline.
‘I think perhaps I have. I have told George and Grace that I will bring Sarah out this coming season. Here is a letter from George and here is another from Grace. Government House, Suva. They think it... - #7
Save:A fun, fast-paced Victorian romantic suspense that feels comfortingly familiar - perfect for devoted Amanda Quick fans, but maybe not her most surprising or emotionally resonant work.
Ursula Kern, owner of the Kern Secretarial Agency in Victorian London, becomes entangled in a mystery when her best friend is found dead. Suspecting foul play, Ursula teams up with Slater Roxton, an adventurer and client, to uncover the truth behind the murder. As they delve into the dark world of blackmail, assassins, and crime lords, Ursula and Slater find themselves facing danger while navigating their own secrets and developing a romantic connection. The story is a blend of mystery, romance, and intrigue set in a vivid historical backdrop, featuring strong and engaging characters with witty dialogues and humorous moments.
April 2015•467 pages - #8
Save:A cult classic of 1970s noir–gritty, brilliant, and haunting. Not your average mystery, but unforgettable for those who like their fiction dark and deeply character-driven.
Newton Thornburg's 'Cutter and Bone' is a dark and twisted tale of two friends, Richard Bone and Alex Cutter, navigating through post-Vietnam disillusionment and weariness. The story revolves around Bone witnessing a murder, which leads them to concoct a blackmail scheme against a wealthy tycoon, J.J. Wolfe. The novel delves deep into the characters' inner struggles, societal commentary, and the quest for meaning in their bleak lives, set against the backdrop of 1960s and 70s American society.
The narrative is a blend of hardboiled mystery, character development, and societal critique, creating a seedy atmosphere filled with intrigue and despair. Thornburg's writing style intricately weaves together the complexities of the characters, the melancholy of the plot, and the stark contrasts within American society, offering a gripping and thought-provoking read that goes beyond the typical crime novel.
It was not the first time Richard Bone had shaved with a Lady Remington, nor did he expect it to be the last. Nevertheless he felt a distinct breath of revulsion as he drew the instrument back and for...1976•333 pages - #9
Save:A dynamic, suspenseful, and spicy debut with a standout female assassin, lovable cast, and addictive twists. If you’re into gritty romance and criminal intrigue, grab this one - and be ready for the next book!
In "The Secrets We Keep" by Mila Sin, readers are introduced to Rogue, a trained assassin, who navigates a world of death, deception, and lust alongside an unlikely gang while trying to take down a criminal organization. The story delves into Rogue's past, her relationships with the men around her, and her quest for freedom from the evil forces that control her life. The plot is described as gripping, filled with twists and turns, and keeps readers eagerly anticipating what will happen next.
The book is a mix of emotional relationship dynamics and a complex, plot-heavy narrative involving gangsters, criminals, fear, and blackmail. Mila Sin expertly weaves these two sides together, seamlessly transitioning between them to create a riveting story that unfolds with intrigue and suspense.
I kick out a leg like a deranged ballet dancer to fling some off against the stained concrete wall to my right. Leaving blood spatter doesn't particularly matter when most of the dark alleyway is alre...April 2021•344 pages - #10
Save:A witty, feel-good M/M Regency romance with great leads and sweet chemistry. The mystery isn't groundbreaking, but the heart of the story - Jack and Oliver's relationship - is a total delight. Perfect for historical romance fans ready to root for love against the odds.
Set in Regency England, 'The Soldier's Scoundrel' follows the story of Oliver Rivington, a second son dedicated to an orderly life, and Jack Turner, a Holmesian-like rogue who does discreet investigations to solve problems for women. The book explores their compelling attraction, the complexities of their relationship as gay men in a society that criminalizes their love, and their involvement in a mystery plot that doesn't distract from the romance.
Jack absently skimmed his finger along the surface of his desk, tracing a swirl through the sand he had used to blot his notes. Another case was solved and done with, another gentleman too drunk on hi...September 2016•352 pages
