Books matching: character driven plot
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Set in a girls college during the forties, 'Miss Pym Disposes' by Josephine Tey is a witty and well-written mystery that opens a window to a fascinating time and place. The plot is character-driven, with Miss Pym, an amateur student of psychology, applying her knowledge to find the culprit behind a murder at a women's college. The story unfolds slowly, focusing on character profiles with a murder in the background, rather than being a traditional murder mystery. Miss Pym's involvement in the school's affairs leads to a moral dilemma, leaving readers questioning her decisions until the very last page.
'Miss Pym Disposes' is a unique mystery novel that combines psychological study with a character-driven plot. The book delves into the consequences of murder on people's lives, offering a detailed examination of various female students in the forties. The story unfolds at a leisurely pace, emphasizing character development and interactions, leading to a surprising and satisfying ending that resonates with both Miss Pym and the readers.
Through the quiet corridors came the din of it, making hideous the peace of the morning. From each of the yawning windows of the little quadrangle the noise poured out on to the still, sunlit garden w... - #2
Save:Emery Robin's debut novel 'The Stars Undying' is a sci-fi retelling of the story of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Mark Anthony, set in a vast universe filled with intricate history and complicated politics. The narrative weaves together a mixture of politics, romance, and space opera elements, creating a beautiful and complex world where characters like Gracia Cleopatra and Ceirran Julius Caesar navigate unreliable narration and moral ambiguity. The writing style is described as vivid and lush, with snappish and witty dialogues that linger in readers' minds long after finishing the novel.
- #3
Save:'Enough Rope' by Lawrence Block is a collection of short stories spanning from 1960 to 2002, showcasing the author's versatility within the crime fiction genre. The book features a variety of styles, from gritty noir to dry wit, and offers insightful social commentary through crime narratives. Readers can expect concise, well-plotted stories that are perfect for quick reads or leisurely enjoyment, with surprising twists and memorable characters that keep them engaged throughout.
The burglar, a slender and clean-cut chap just past thirty, was rifling a drawer in the bedside table when Archer Trebizond slipped into the bedroom. Trebizond’s approach was as catfooted as if he him... - #4
Save:In Robert Harris' "Pompeii," the story unfolds in AD 79 as Marcus Attilius, an aquarius overseeing the Aqua Augusta aqueduct, is sent to Pompeii to investigate a water supply issue. As he delves into the problem, he uncovers political intrigue, portentous signs of an imminent disaster, and the looming eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Despite the predictable outcome, the novel is described as a definite page-turner, blending science, engineering, and historical elements seamlessly into the plot.
The book offers a vivid portrayal of life in ancient Rome, specifically in Pompeii, before the catastrophic eruption. Readers are transported back in time, experiencing the daily struggles, conflicts, and societal dynamics of the era through the eyes of the protagonist, Attilius. The narrative skillfully weaves together tales of corruption, survival, and love amidst the impending natural disaster, creating an engrossing and suspenseful story that captures the essence of Pompeii's final days.
A strong correlation has been found between the magnitude of eruptions and the length of the preceding interval of repose. Almost all very large, historic eruptions have come from volcanoes that have ... - #5
Save:'Funland' by Richard Laymon is a horror novel set in a small coastal town with an amusement park called Funland. The story revolves around a group of local teens who take it upon themselves to deal with the homeless population surrounding the town's attraction. However, their vigilante actions escalate, leading to a series of bloody and thrilling events. explores themes of vigilantism, the dark side of both the teens and the homeless, and the sinister secrets lurking within the amusement park. Richard Laymon's writing style in 'Funland' is characterized by detailed descriptions, complex character development, and a blend of horror and suspense that keeps readers engaged till the end.
He came out of the shadows beside the closed arcade and shambled toward Tanya. He looked like something that had crawled out of a grave in a zombie film—face gray under the moonlight, eyes like holes,... - #6
Save:"Skeleton Key" by Jane Haddam is a captivating mystery novel that follows sleuth Gregor Demarkian as he consults on a case involving the murder of a young heiress in Litchfield County, Conn. The story is fast-paced and filled with intriguing characters, including the dynamic duo of Gregor Demarkian and Bennis Hannaford. The writing style combines elements of classic mystery with modern commentary on societal realities, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.
(Also, see 16 recommendations for the series Gregor Demarkian ) - #7
Save:'A Pale Light in the Black' by K.B. Wagers is a space opera set in a post-collapse universe where humanity has joined together to thrive and push boundaries. The story follows Maxine, a character running from family problems who joins the underdog space service. The book explores themes of found family, inter-service competition, and mysterious discoveries in space. The plot is a mix of action, mystery, and character development, focusing on the Coast Guard-like NeoG organization and their adventures dealing with smugglers and rivalries.
The writing style in 'A Pale Light in the Black' is praised for its warm and cozy feel, focusing on character relationships and the development of a caring and competent team in space. The book is described as a comforting read, similar to 'The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet' by Becky Chambers, with a good balance between plot and character-driven narrative. The diverse cast of characters, well-described action scenes, and taut mystery are highlighted, creating a fully-formed world with political intrigue and deep emotional connections.
- #8
Save:'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... - #9
Save:'The Burning God' by R.F. Kuang is the final book in 'The Poppy War' trilogy, following the journey of Fang Runin, a character who makes terrible choices and faces betrayal while dealing with death and mayhem. The story is set in a world filled with shamanism and war, lightly disguised as China, where Rin wields the power of the Phoenix and embarks on a mission to unite the land and root out corruption. The narrative delves into themes of power, sacrifice, and the consequences of war, showcasing a dark and intense storyline that keeps readers engaged until the dramatic conclusion.
The air always felt different on the morning of an ambush, as if an electric charge, the crackling residue of a thunderstorm, thrummed through her and every soldier around her. Rin had never felt ener...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Poppy War ) - #10
Save:Blue Ridge by T.R. Pearson is a cleverly written book that intertwines the lives of two cousins, Ray and Paul, as they navigate through pain and disappointment. The story follows Ray joining the sheriff's department in Hogarth, VA, investigating a murder while Paul, an actuary in NYC, is called to identify the body of his estranged son. The book is described as a genre mystery with stock characters, providing ironic relief and violent thugs, but beneath the surface, Pearson delves into themes of justice, loss, and chaos in the contemporary South.
