Books matching: contemporary crime fiction
100 result(s)
England, early morning June 30th 1860, Road Hill House located five miles from Trowbirdge Wiltshire, Saville Kent aged three years ten months was found missing from his bed. Later that same morning he was found by servants in a most disturbing way stuffed down a make shift toilet the boys throat had been cut. Murder on the streets of London was one thing but a child to be taken from a bedroom in a remote area of a middle-class family home while they all slept was quite another. Summerscale's style is straightforward and direct. But that simplicity masks a staggeringly complex interweaving of themes and narratives. She rarely puts a foot wrong. She may perhaps sometimes spend too long on the correspondence received by the regional press and the middle third of the book does sag a little under the weight of historical detail. But overall she judges brilliantly the points at which she can dip out from the central narrative, and the duration of those digressions.
In the early hours of Friday, 29 June 1860 Samuel and Mary Kent were asleep on the first floor of their detached three-storey Georgian house above the village of Road, five miles from Trowbridge. They...- #2
Save:'The Herring Seller's Apprentice' follows the story of Ethelred Tressider, a mystery writer, and his agent Elsie as they investigate the apparent death of Ethelred's ex-wife Geraldine. The plot is filled with clever twists and dark humor, showcasing the overlapping of fiction into reality as Ethelred finds himself entangled in a real-life murder case. The narrative is told from the perspectives of both Ethelred and Elsie, providing insights into their characters and dynamics as they navigate through the mystery. The writing style is described as droll, witty, and filled with dry humor, making it an entertaining and engaging read for fans of crime fiction with a twist.
I wrote my first novel at the age of six. It was seven and a half pages long and concerned a penguin, who happened to have the same name as me, and a lady hedgehog, who happened to have the same name ... - #3
Save:Roger Sheringham, a smug and flawed amateur detective, is tasked with investigating the mysterious death of Mrs. Vane in a small English town. Alongside his cousin Anthony, Sheringham navigates through a web of suspects and red herrings to uncover the truth behind the murders. The plot twists and turns like a sea serpent, keeping readers engaged with lively banter, well-defined characters, and a balance of humor and mystery. The narrative, set in the 1920s, features a classic whodunit style with an amateur sleuth pitted against a professional detective, leading to a surprising and satisfying resolution.
Despite its dated writing style and thinly sketched characters, 'Roger Sheringham and the Vane Mystery' offers an enjoyable read for fans of classic crime stories. The book showcases a cleverly crafted plot with intricate details, unexpected twists, and engaging dialogue between the characters. The bantering undertone adds to the entertainment value, making it a worthwhile read for those who appreciate Golden Age mysteries.
(Also, see 24 recommendations for the series Roger Sheringham Cases ) 'The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death' by Charlie Huston follows the story of Web, a down-and-out protagonist who takes up a job cleaning up after dead bodies in Los Angeles. As Web navigates through a turf war between rival cleaners and gets entangled with questionable characters, the book presents a blend of dark humor, fast-paced dialogue, and a protagonist who is flawed yet sympathetic. The writing style is described as witty, emotional, and engaging, with a focus on exploring the underbelly of Los Angeles through a unique lens.
I'm not sure where one should expect to find the bereaved daughter of a wealthy Malibu suicide in need of a trauma cleaner long after midnight, but safe to say a trucker motel down the 405 industrial ...- #5
Save:'Indigo Slam' by Robert Crais follows the story of Los Angeles private investigator Elvis Cole as he is hired by three children to find their missing father who is involved in counterfeiting and is on the run from the Russian Mafia. The plot involves a mix of Russian gangsters, Vietnamese revolutionaries, and various law enforcement agencies as Elvis navigates through a dangerous web of deception to locate the missing father. The writing style is described as witty and fast-paced, with a blend of humor, suspense, and intricate twists that keep the reader engaged throughout the story.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Elvis Cole & Joe Pike ) - #6
Save:"The Good Daughter" by Karin Slaughter is a gripping tale of two sisters, Charlie and Sam, who witness the murder of their mother in a tragic incident that leaves them physically and mentally scarred. Set in rural Georgia, the story unfolds 28 years later during a school shooting, bringing to light the family's past trauma and the secrets that have haunted them. The novel delves deep into the themes of family relationships, grief, recovery, and the impact of past tragedies on present lives, all while exploring complex characters and a compelling plot.
Charlie Quinn walked through the darkened halls of Pikeville middle school with a gnawing sense of trepidation. This wasn’t an early morning walk of shame. This was a walk of deeply held regret. Fitti... - #7
Save:The Terra-Cotta Dog, the second novel in the Inspector Montalbano series by Andrea Camilleri, follows Inspector Montalbano as he becomes entangled in a convoluted investigation involving a high-ranking Mafia figure, illegal arms deals, and a 50-year-old murder mystery. As Montalbano navigates through a web of deceit and intrigue, he uncovers ancient bodies in a cave, triggering a series of events that lead to a deeper exploration of Sicilian history and politics. The story is filled with humor, intricate plot twists, and vivid descriptions of Sicilian landscapes, cuisine, and culture, making it a delightful and engaging mystery novel.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Montalbano ) - #8
Save:'Shadow Man' by Cody McFadyen follows FBI detective Smoky Barrett as she navigates the aftermath of a traumatic experience that left her scarred and her family dead. When a new serial killer emerges, Smoky is drawn back into the world of hunting down criminals, facing personal and professional challenges along the way. The book is described as a psychological thriller that delves deep into the criminal mind, FBI procedures, and the emotional turmoil of the characters involved.
I HAVE ONE of the dreams. There are only three; two are beautiful, one is violent, but all of them leave me shivering and alone. The one I have tonight is about my husband. It goes something like this... - #9
Save:'The Last Detective' by Peter Lovesey follows the investigation led by Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond in Bath, England, as he tackles the murder case of a former actress found dead in a reservoir. The plot is intricate, filled with twists, red herrings, and unexpected revelations, keeping readers engaged until the very end. The writing style combines elements of traditional police procedurals with modern crime detection methods, showcasing Diamond's skepticism towards technology and his reliance on old-school investigative techniques.
- #10
Save:Neal Carey, a private detective, is tasked with finding and bringing home Allison Chase, the rebellious teenage daughter of a prominent senator who has gone underground in London. The story unfolds in a violent netherworld of the London punk scene, filled with sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Neal's journey to locate Allison involves suspense, double dealing, and action, painting a gritty and immersive picture of the setting. The plot is fast-paced, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, all while exploring themes of morality, civility, and human nature across different levels of society.
Winslow's writing style is described as unique, vivid, and clever, with well-structured storylines and a great cast of characters. The author effectively captures the essence of the London punk scene, making the reader feel fully immersed in the environment. The book delves into Neal's background, his unconventional upbringing, and his complex relationship with his mentor, providing depth to the protagonist's character and adding layers to the narrative.
Neal carey was eleven years old and broke. That wasn’t a big deal for most eleven-year-olds, but Neal was basically self-supporting, as his father had never put in an appearance and his mother had an ...
