Books matching: contemporary detective story
47 result(s)
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- #1
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 ... - #2
Save:Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon is a murder mystery set in Venice, where Commissario Guido Brunetti investigates the poisoning of a famous conductor during an opera performance. The book is praised for its well-developed characters, detailed descriptions of Venice, and a satisfying mystery plot that keeps readers engaged till the end.
The third gong, announcing that the opera was about to continue, sounded discreetly through the lobbies and bars of Teatro La Fenice. In response, the audience stabbed out cigarettes, finished drinks ... - #3
Save:In 'The Devotion of Suspect X', a math genius named Ishagami helps a woman, Yasuko, hide the murder of her ex-husband out of infatuation for her. The lead detective, Kusanagi, seeks help from his friend, physicist Yukawa, leading to an intellectual battle between two geniuses trying to construct the perfect crime and solve it using logic. The plot involves a murder, cover-ups, and unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged. The characters are well-developed, and the story provides an interesting glimpse into Japanese culture.
The book presents a murder mystery where the perpetrator is known from the beginning, focusing on how the police and their consultant unravel the crime. The plot is engaging, with intellectual skirmishes between the characters adding depth to the story. The writing style is described as quick-paced and readable, making it a fun and stimulating read for those interested in mysteries and cover-ups.
At 7:35 A.M. Ishigami left his apartment as he did every weekday morning. Just before stepping out onto the street, he glanced at the mostly full bicycle lot, noting the absence of the green bicycle. ... - #4
Save:'The Word Is Murder' by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly crafted murder mystery that follows the investigation of the murder of a woman, Diana Cowper, who is found dead in her home just hours after arranging her own funeral. The story centers around a unique partnership between a disgraced ex-detective, Daniel Hawthorne, and author Anthony Horowitz, who is roped in to write a true crime book about the case. Horowitz skillfully blends fact and fiction, inserting himself as a character in the narrative, leading to a compelling mix of real events and imaginative storytelling. As the duo delves into the case, they uncover a web of motives, suspects, and twists that keep the reader guessing until the surprising solution is revealed.
The book weaves together multiple storylines, including a double murder case involving Diana Cowper and her son, adding layers of complexity to the central mystery. Horowitz's writing style incorporates elements of metafiction, humor, and intricate plotting to create a captivating narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. With a rich cast of characters, red herrings, and gradual elimination of suspects, 'The Word Is Murder' offers a riveting exploration of crime-solving, character dynamics, and the interplay between the author's own life and the fictional world he creates.
Just after eleven o’clock on a bright spring morning, the sort of day when the sunshine is almost white and promises a warmth that it doesn’t quite deliver, Diana Cowper crossed the Fulham Road and we... - #5
Save:Points and Lines by Seicho Matsumoto is a classic murder mystery novel set in postwar Japan. The story revolves around a minor bureaucratic official who commits suicide with his lover on a beach, presenting a convenient situation for a department rife with scandal. An earnest Tokyo detective takes on the case to unravel the mystery. The narrative is described as being different from typical reads, with a language that is pared down yet beautiful. The mystery is intricate, based on train timetables, and gradually reveals facts as the detectives uncover the truth amidst the backdrop of Japan's postwar social context.
- #6
Save:'The Arrest of Arsene Lupin' by Maurice Leblanc is a mystery series following the adventures of a French gentleman thief named Arsene Lupin. The book is a collection of short stories involving Lupin's heists, cons, and mind games, often pitting him against Sherlock Holmes or a similar detective character. The writing style is described as witty, charming, and engaging, with a mix of suspense and humor that keeps readers entertained throughout the stories.
The plot of 'The Arrest of Arsene Lupin' revolves around Lupin's clever schemes and elaborate thefts, showcasing his intelligence and daring nature as he outwits his adversaries. The stories are filled with twists and surprises, making them engaging and enjoyable for fans of mystery and crime fiction. The character of Arsene Lupin is portrayed as a flamboyant and secretive protagonist, adding depth and intrigue to the narratives.
- #7
Save:Deception by Randy Alcorn is a mystery novel featuring Detective Ollie Chandler as the main character. Ollie is portrayed as a cynical and dark-humored homicide detective who is thrust into a complicated murder case, leading him to question his beliefs about life, God, and the existence of evil. The book delves into philosophical and theological themes, challenging readers to ponder questions about Christianity, suffering, and the afterlife. Through Ollie's investigative journey, the author weaves a narrative filled with twists, turns, and thought-provoking dialogues that keep the reader engaged and entertained.
The writing style of Deception is characterized by witty humor, deep introspection, and gripping storytelling. Randy Alcorn's mastery of dialogue shines through in this book, as he skillfully crafts conversations that evoke laughter, tears, and self-reflection. The novel not only presents a compelling mystery to solve but also delves into the internal struggles of the protagonist, offering a nuanced exploration of themes such as good versus evil, pain and loss, and the nature of faith in the face of adversity.
As I hung up, I sensed a presence in the dark room and reached toward the nightstand for my Smith and Wesson 340 revolver. I saw the whites of two eyes three feet away. My hand clenched the revolver. ...
(Also, see 8 recommendations for the series Ollie Chandler ) - #8
Save:Set in 1915, 'The Beekeeper's Apprentice' follows the chance meeting between a retired Sherlock Holmes and a young, intelligent orphan named Mary Russell. The two develop a unique friendship that evolves into a partnership in detective work, solving mysteries together while facing dangers that put their lives at risk. The book combines elements of Bildungsroman and suspense, exploring the idea of Holmes taking on an apprentice and what a female Holmes would be like, with well-drawn characters and a captivating writing style filled with clever deductions and intriguing cases.
The first thing I want the reader to know is that I had nothing to do with this book you have in your hand. Yes, I write mystery novels, but even a novelist’s fevered imagination has its limits, and m... - #9
Save:'400 Days' by Chetan Bhagat is a gripping detective story that follows the investigation led by Keshav Rajpurohit and his best friend Saurabh into the mysterious kidnapping of a twelve-year-old girl named Siya. The plot unfolds in Gurugram, blending contemporary elements with traditional aspects, as the characters navigate through suspense, romance, and family dynamics. Chetan Bhagat's writing style in this book is described as engaging, fast-paced, and relatable, capturing the essence of the characters and the storyline effortlessly.
- #10
Save:'A Murder of Crows' in the 'Nell Ward Mystery' series by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett is a contemporary crime story with a unique setting and unconventional detective aspect. The plot revolves around Dr. Nell Ward, a strong and independent ecologist who becomes entangled in a murder mystery where she is a prime suspect. The story delves into Nell's complex background, her relationships with various characters, and her determination to prove her innocence while using her ecological expertise to solve the crime. The writing style is engaging, with intricate plot twists, compelling characters, and detailed insights into the role of ecologists in researching and preserving endangered species.
