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Books matching: complex family mysteries

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  1. #1

    The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
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    "The Blind Assassin" by Margaret Atwood is a complex narrative that weaves together multiple storylines and genres. The book follows Iris Chase Griffen as she reflects on her past, including her marriage and the tragic death of her sister, Laura Chase. Atwood skillfully incorporates elements of autobiography, science fiction, and newspaper articles to create a rich and layered narrative. The story unfolds gradually, with the narrator slowly revealing secrets and building suspense as the intertwining stories come together in a thrilling conclusion.

    Ten days after the war ended, my sister Laura drove a car off a bridge. The bridge was being repaired: she went right through the Danger sign. The car fell a hundred feet into the ravine, smashing thr...

  2. #2

    Expiration Date by Duane Swierczynski
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    'Expiration Date' by Duane Swierczynski is a fast-paced, twisty time travel mystery novel that follows the protagonist, Mickey Wade, who discovers pills in his grandfather's medicine cabinet that allow him to travel back in time to 1972. As Mickey navigates between the present and the past, he uncovers family mysteries, including the premature death of his father, and gets entangled in a complex web of events that challenge his understanding of fate and consequences. The narrative blends elements of science fiction and noir, with a frenetic pace that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the next twist in the plot. Swierczynski's writing style is described as hardboiled crime pulp, featuring fully fleshed characters and a setting in a depressed area of NE Philadelphia, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

    I was sitting on my front stoop, drinking a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. At eleven bucks a six-pack, Sierra’s a splurge beer, so I tried to savor every sip. I’d probably be drinking pounder cans of Pabst B...

  3. #3

    The Fairy-Tale Detectives - The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley
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    In "The Fairy-Tale Detectives" by Michael Buckley, two orphaned sisters, Sabrina and Daphne, are reunited with their grandmother, Relda Grimm, who reveals to them that they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm. The girls discover that fairy tales are not just myths but actual events that their ancestors documented. Joining their grandmother in Fairyport Landing, the girls become part of a long line of fairy tale detectives tasked with maintaining peace between humans and Everafters, magical beings from fairy tales. As they navigate this new world, they encounter familiar fairy tale characters and embark on adventures to solve mysteries and rescue their family members.

    The book blends elements of mystery, fantasy, and adventure as the sisters delve into their family history and unravel the secrets of their past. With a mix of humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments, the story introduces readers to a unique world where classic fairy tale characters come to life and the descendants of the Brothers Grimm continue their legacy of protecting both humans and Everafters.


  4. #4

    The Book of Lost and Found by Lucy Foley
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    "The Book of Lost and Found" by Lucy Foley follows Kate as she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her family's past after the deaths of her mother and grandmother. The story shifts between time periods and characters, taking readers on a captivating exploration through Corsica, Paris, and New York. Through poetic language and intricate storytelling, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, resilience, and the complexities of family ties.

    The narrative weaves together a tale of mystery, love, and self-discovery, as Kate navigates through the art world, uncovering secrets and unraveling the hidden connections that shape her identity. With rich character development and vivid descriptions of the scenery, readers are immersed in a story that spans decades and continents, culminating in a poignant exploration of the power of art and the enduring bonds that tie us to our past.

    Already the gardens are thrumming with life. The air is scented with expectation; people are here to do reckless things, stupid things that they might later regret, though the point of it all is in no...

  5. #5

    Reflex by Dick Francis
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    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 ...

  6. #6

    Decider by Dick Francis
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    Architect Lee Morris finds himself unexpectedly drawn into a family feud over the fate of the Stratton Park racecourse, where he inherited shares from his mother. As the power struggle intensifies, Lee must navigate the dangerous dynamics of the Stratton family while trying to protect his children. The book delves into Lee's unique profession, his strategic decision-making, and the suspenseful events that unfold as he becomes entangled in a plot to destroy the racecourse.

    The story combines elements of mystery, family drama, and architectural intrigue, with a focus on Lee's role as a father to his six boys. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, resilience, and the complexities of family relationships, all set against the backdrop of a high-stakes battle for control over the racecourse. Dick Francis weaves together a tale of suspense and personal growth, as Lee Morris confronts both external threats and internal conflicts to secure a better future for his family.

    They looked pretty harmless on my doorstep: two middle-aged civil Englishmen in country-gent tweeds and flat caps, their eyebrows in unison raised enquiringly, their shared expression one of embarrass...

  7. #7

    We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
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    'We Begin at the End' by Chris Whitaker is a gripping novel set in the small town of Cape Haven, delving into the intertwined lives of the residents, especially focusing on the return of Vincent King after 30 years in prison for a crime he may not have committed. The story unfolds through the eyes of characters like Chief Walker, Duchess Radley, and Star Radley, revealing layers of secrets, tragedies, and the enduring bonds of friendship and family. Chris Whitaker's writing style intricately weaves together past and present, creating a narrative that is emotionally charged, full of suspense, and rich in vivid descriptions of the town and its inhabitants.

    Fragmented noise as the roof caved and crashed to the water below. Piece by piece, the foundation lay crude and skeletal, like the home was no more than a house. It had been the Fairlawn place since W...

  8. #8

    Murder at the Dolphin Hotel - Miss Underhay Mystery by Helena Dixon
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    Set in the 1930s, "Murder at the Dolphin Hotel" follows Kitty Underhay, a sensible and brave hotelier turned budding detective, as she navigates a thrilling murder mystery involving a missing jewel and missing people. Alongside ex-army captain Matthew Bryant, Kitty attempts to solve the murder and unravel the mystery of the missing treasure while running the hotel—a charming cozy mystery with engaging characters and an interesting, transporting setting. The story unfolds in a period setting filled with mystery, intrigue, charm, and elegance, set off the English coast, making it a delightful read for fans of historical British mysteries.

    The book introduces readers to Kitty Underhay, raised by her grandmother at the Dolphin Hotel after her mother's mysterious disappearance. As her grandmother leaves for Scotland, Kitty is left to oversee the hotel amidst a dangerous time marked by threatening messages, a recovered dead body, and subsequent murders. With a mix of unique characters, engaging plotlines, and a touch of romance, this cozy mystery series promises a delightful blend of historical charm and intriguing mysteries.


  9. #9

    Ghost Wood Song by Erica Waters
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    'Ghost Wood Song' by Erica Waters is a haunting and atmospheric story that follows Shady Grove, a teenager with a unique gift to connect with ghosts through her father's passed-down ability. The book is a gripping blend of mystery, thriller, and paranormal elements, where Shady must navigate personal conflicts, family struggles, and the dangers of uncovering buried secrets while dealing with her own social life. The writing style is praised for its lyrical and descriptive metaphors that vividly bring to life the setting, characters, and emotions, making it a captivating and immersive read.


  10. #10
    Family of Liars
    Book 2 in the series:We Were Liars

    Family of Liars - We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
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    'Family of Liars' by E. Lockhart is a prequel to the series 'We Were Liars', focusing on the Sinclair family and the secrets that bind them together. Set on a private island outside of Cape Cod, the story follows Carrie, the oldest of three sisters, as she navigates through a summer filled with teenage drama, adventures, and family tragedies. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, grief, addiction, and the consequences of keeping secrets within a dysfunctional family.

    The writing style of 'Family of Liars' is described as engaging, with short chapters that keep the reader in suspense throughout the entire book. The author skillfully weaves a tale of deception and familial bonds, showcasing how the Sinclair family's regal motto of 'never complain, never explain' has shaped their lives and relationships over the years.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series We Were Liars )

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