Books matching: british mystery
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- #1
Save:"The Case of the Dotty Dowager" by Cathy Ace follows the WISE Enquiries Agency, comprised of four women from Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and England, who work together to solve cases. The plot involves a mystery surrounding the disappearance of a body in a Duke's home, with the women detectives using their unique skills and backgrounds to uncover the truth. The writing style is described as full of promise, with a fun plot that introduces readers to interesting historical facts like Waterloo teeth. However, some readers found the delivery method lacking immersion as the story was mostly told rather than shown.
- #2
Save:Flavia de Luce, an eleven-year-old aspiring chemist and amateur detective, discovers a dead body in her family's garden, leading her to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder. Set in 1950s England, the book follows Flavia's witty and precocious narration as she navigates through the intricate plot filled with unique characters and a charming setting. The writing style is described as quirky, fun, and filled with delightful language that captures the essence of the time period.
IT WAS AS BLACK IN THE CLOSET AS OLD BLOOD. THEY had shoved me in and locked the door. I breathed heavily through my nose, fighting desperately to remain calm. I tried counting to ten on every intake ... - #3
Save:Archaeologist Ruth Galloway is drawn into a police investigation of a missing child when bones are found in the Norfolk salt marsh, leading her to work alongside Detective Chief Inspector Nelson. As they delve into the case, older mysteries resurface, complicating their lives and testing their trust in each other. The atmospheric setting of the salt marshes, the intertwined pasts of the characters, and the evolving dynamics between Ruth and Nelson create a gripping and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.
Waking is like rising from the dead. The slow climb out of sleep, shapes appearing out of blackness, the alarm clock ringing like the last trump. Ruth flings out an arm and sends the alarm crashing to... - #4
Save:Grey Mask is a mystery novel set in the early 1930s, where a young man named Charles Moray returns to London after being jilted by his fiancée, Margaret Langton. Upon his return, he discovers a criminal gang operating from his family home and overhears a plot to harm a young woman. Reluctant to involve the police and implicate Margaret, Charles seeks the help of Miss Silver, an unassuming middle-aged woman known for solving private troubles. The story unfolds with a series of chance encounters, secrets, and alliances as they race against time to uncover the identity of the master criminal known as Grey Mask.
The narrative of Grey Mask intertwines elements of romance, danger, and mystery, portraying a vivid picture of the roaring twenties with realistic characters and intricate plot twists. The writing style reflects the era it is set in, capturing the essence of British mysteries with a focus on secrets, conspiracies, and unexpected alliances. Despite being the first novel in a series featuring Miss Silver, the story primarily revolves around the conspiracy orchestrated by Grey Mask, showcasing the atmospheric and enjoyable nature of the narrative.
His voice was so drily polite that Charles Moray could not fail to be aware that in the eyes of his solicitor four years absence, and a consequent neglect of all the business arising out of his father... - #5
Save:The Crime at Black Dudley by Margery Allingham introduces the character Albert Campion in a supporting role as a seemingly foolish guest at a remote country house party. The plot unfolds with a mysterious murder, a hostage situation involving an international crime syndicate, and social entanglements reminiscent of Bertie Wooster's adventures. The story reflects concerns of the late 1920s Britain surrounding criminal gangs and criminal masterminds, set in an English manor where young upper-class Londoners are in attendance for a weekend party. Despite some dated elements, the book offers an interesting introduction to Campion's world.
The grey-green stretches were hayed once a year, perhaps, but otherwise uncropped save by the herd of heavy-shouldered black cattle who wandered about them, their huge forms immense and grotesque in t... - #6
Save:"A Share in Death" by Deborah Crombie is the first installment in the Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James mystery series. The story follows Superintendent Duncan Kincaid as he takes a vacation at Followdale House in the north of England, only to find himself entangled in a murder investigation. Despite the local constabulary's resistance, Kincaid navigates the case with the help of his partner, Gemma James, creating a mix of cozy mystery and police procedural elements. Readers found the plot well developed, with an intricate mystery reminiscent of classic whodunits like those by Agatha Christie.
is praised for its engaging characters, particularly the crime-fighting duo of Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. Readers appreciate the character development throughout the series and enjoy the dynamic between the two protagonists. Crombie's writing style is described as capably written, character-driven, and reminiscent of the classic mystery genre, offering a fresh take on familiar tropes. Overall, the book is seen as a solid start to a long-running series, combining elements of cozy mysteries with more complex police procedural aspects.
Duncan Kincaid’s holiday began well. As he turned the car into the lane, a shaft of sun broke through the clouds and lit a patch of rolling Yorkshire moor as if someone had thrown the switch on a cele... - #7
Save:Close Quarters by Michael Gilbert is a classic British mystery novel set in and around Melchester cathedral close. The story revolves around the murder of Canon Whyte, which took place a year before the book opens, and the mysterious events that follow, including anonymous letters and graffiti. Inspector Hazlerigg from Scotland Yard is called in to investigate, facing a multitude of suspects and complex relationships within the close. The book is praised for its detailed analysis, well-paced storytelling, and the humor infused in the narrative.
- #8
Save:In "Wicked Autumn" by G.M. Malliet, readers are introduced to Max Tudor, a former MI5 agent turned vicar in a quiet English village. When a prominent and disliked parishioner, Wanda, is found dead during a village fair, Max suspects foul play and assists the police in uncovering the truth behind her death. The book combines elements of a cozy mystery with a touch of depth, as Max navigates through village gossip and observations to solve the murder, reminiscent of classic British mysteries like those of Agatha Christie.
The writing style in "Wicked Autumn" is described as reminiscent of traditional British cozy mysteries, with well-drawn characters and a clever plot that keeps readers engaged. Despite some criticism of being slow-paced or having unnecessary descriptions, the book is praised for its likable characters, intriguing mystery, and the protagonist's unique background as an ex-MI5 agent turned vicar, adding an interesting twist to the classic village mystery setting.
Wanda Batton-Smythe, head of the Women’s Institute of Nether Monkslip, liked to say she was not one to mince words. She might add that she was always one to call a spade a spade, and that what more pe... - #9
Save:'Maisie Dobbs' by Jacqueline Winspear is a historical mystery novel set in post-World War I England. The story follows Maisie Dobbs, a remarkable woman who transitions from being a maid to a nurse during the war and eventually becomes an investigator. delves into serious issues such as the impact of the war on individuals, both physically and mentally, and explores themes of exploitation of war veterans. The narrative weaves together Maisie's background, her experiences during the war, and her investigative skills in solving mysteries, creating a rich tapestry of character development and historical context.
The writing style of 'Maisie Dobbs' is praised for its attention to detail, character development, and historical accuracy. Readers appreciate the author's ability to bring the 1920s England setting to life and to create a protagonist who is both intelligent and empathetic. is described as a blend of mystery, historical fiction, and character-driven storytelling, offering a captivating read that immerses readers in Maisie's world and the challenges she faces.
Even if she hadn’t been the last person to walk through the turnstile at Warren Street tube station, Jack Barker would have noticed the tall, slender woman in the navy blue, thigh-length jacket with a... - #10
Save:'Magpie Murders' by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly crafted mystery novel that presents a story within a story. It follows Susan Ryeland, an editor, as she delves into the mysteries surrounding a manuscript by a popular author, Alan Conway, which goes missing after his suspicious death. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the traditional British whodunit style of Conway's manuscript and the real-life mystery Susan finds herself entangled in, creating a metafictional delight for mystery fans. expertly pays homage to classic detective novels while offering a fresh and inventive take on the genre.
The writing style of 'Magpie Murders' is described as intelligent, classic, and reminiscent of Agatha Christie's works, with intricate plots, well-developed characters, and clever narrative devices. The book's structure, with two interconnected mysteries and a metafictional approach, keeps readers engaged and guessing until the satisfying conclusion. Horowitz's ability to blend different writing styles, explore themes of crime fiction, and deliver unexpected twists and turns throughout the narrative showcases his talent as a mystery writer.
A bottle of wine. A family-sized packet of Nacho Cheese Flavoured Tortilla Chips and a jar of hot salsa dip. A packet of cigarettes on the side (I know, I know). The rain hammering against the windows...
