Books matching: brilliant detective
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- #1
Save:Carter Dickson introduces Sir Henry Merrivale, a fat, lazy, garrulous, and brilliant sleuth with a flair for elaborate staging, in "The Plague Court Murders." The plot revolves around a con man murdered in a locked stone house, with a group of believers in the occult waiting for the spirit of a loved one to appear. As Detective Inspector Masters of Scotland Yard investigates the baffling case, the eccentric and brilliant Sir Merrivale steps in to catch the clever murderer with a penchant for elaborate staging. The story unfolds as a puzzling locked room mystery with an ingenious solution, a thread of history adding to the feeling of menace, and a surprise ending.
- #2
Save:Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton tells the tragic tale of Ethan Frome, a farmer living in Starkfield, Massachusetts, who struggles with his unproductive farm and his difficult wife, Zeena. When Zeena's cousin, Mattie, comes to live with them, Ethan becomes obsessed with her, leading to a heartbreaking story of unconsummated love and the struggle between passion and duty.
The novella is set in a bleak New England environment, with evocative descriptions of the winter landscapes adding to the melancholy tone of the story. Through Wharton's powerful characterizations and descriptive prowess, the narrative explores themes of poverty, unfulfilled desires, and the consequences of forbidden love, culminating in a tragic and haunting denouement.
THE VILLAGE lay under two feet of snow, with drifts at the windy corners. In a sky of iron the points of the Dipper hung like icicles and Orion flashed his cold fires. The moon had set, but the night ... - #3
Save:The Kanamit were not very pretty, it's true. They looked something like pigs and something like people, and that is not an attractive combination. Seeing them for the first time shocked you; that was ...Experience one of television's greatest science-fiction series, The Twilight Zone - fully dramatized for audio! Featuring a full cast, music and sound effects and today's biggest celebrities in modern radio dramatizations.
Alien emissaries show man
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Save:In 'The Devil and the Dark Water' by Stuart Turton, set in the 17th century, the story follows Samuel Pipps, a renowned detective, and his loyal bodyguard Arent Hayes, as they embark on a perilous journey to Amsterdam. Strange occurrences plague their ship, including mysterious symbols, deaths, and whispers of unholy miracles. As the plot unfolds, secrets from the past resurface, creating a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Turton weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and the supernatural, delivering a complex and gripping tale filled with twists and surprises.
The narrative is rich in historical details, portraying life aboard a merchant vessel and the superstitions of the 17th century with vivid imagery. The characters, ranging from strong-willed women to clever detectives, add depth to the story, while the intricate plot keeps readers engaged till the end. Turton's writing style blends elements of locked room mystery, Sherlock Holmes homage, and swashbuckling sea adventure, creating a unique and immersive reading experience that transports readers to a world of intrigue and suspense.
Another whistled by his ear; a third striking his knee, causing him to stumble, bringing jeers from the pitiless mob, who were already searching the ground for more missiles to throw. Hundreds of them... - #5
Save:Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a gothic mystery novel that revolves around the second Mrs. de Winter, who marries the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter and moves to his grand estate, Manderley. The shadow of Maxim's late wife, Rebecca, looms large over the household, with the housekeeper Mrs. Danvers and other characters adding to the mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere. The story is filled with plot twists, dark secrets, and a haunting sense of doom that keeps readers engaged until the shocking ending.
Last night I dreamed I went to Manderley again. It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive, and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me. There was a padlock and ... - #6
Save:'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
Save:The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie is a classic mystery novel featuring Hercule Poirot as he comes out of retirement to solve a murder in a country village. The story is narrated through the lens of an outsider to Poirot's world, providing a unique perspective on the investigation. With well-drawn characters, a clever plot, and a surprising twist ending, Christie weaves a tale that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
It was just a few minutes after nine when I reached home once more. I opened the front door with my latchkey, and purposely delayed a few moments in the hall, hanging up my hat and the light overcoat ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hercule Poirot ) - #8
Save:Herman Melville's novella 'Benito Cereno' is a tale that delves into the complexities of human nature and perception, set against the backdrop of a slave ship in distress. The narrative follows Captain Amasa Delano as he encounters the peculiar behavior of Captain Benito Cereno and the enslaved Africans aboard the San Dominick. Through Delano's eyes, the story unfolds, revealing themes of trust, deception, and the questioning of societal attitudes towards slavery. Melville's writing style, characterized by detailed descriptions and historical commentary, transports readers to a time when the issue of slavery was a contentious topic.
In the year 1799, Captain Amasa Delano, of Duxbury, in Massachusetts, commanding a large sealer and general trader, lay at anchor, with a valuable cargo, in the harbour of St. Maria—a small, desert, u... - #9
Save:'Last Act' by Christopher Pike is a mystery novel set in a small town high school, revolving around a young female protagonist named Melanie. The story is a whodunit mystery devoid of supernatural or science fiction elements, with a plot that keeps readers engaged with its twist-filled mystery, semi-suspenseful scenes, and compassionate characters. The writing style is described as less poetic compared to some of Pike's other works but still flows smoothly, with a pacing that, while not airtight, remains engrossing throughout the book.
- #10
Save:'Lamb to the Slaughter' by Roald Dahl is a dark and twisted short story that has left a lasting impact on many readers. The story revolves around a murder committed by a housewife, showcasing Dahl's ability to blend dark humor and clever twists. The plot is described as macabre, with a surprising and memorable ending that keeps readers engaged.
The room was warm and clean, the curtains drawn, the two table lamps alight – hers and the one by the empty chair opposite. On the sideboard behind her, two tall glasses, soda water, whisky. Fresh ice...
