Books matching: convoluted murder mystery
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- #1
In "A Study in Charlotte," the modern-day descendants of Holmes and Watson, Charlotte Holmes and James Watson, meet at a New England boarding school and find themselves framed for murder. The story blends a Holmesian mystery with young adult romance, offering a fresh twist where Charlotte is portrayed as a troubled drug user and Jamie as a rugby player. The plot progresses with a mix of Sherlock Holmes references and a dark, contemporary narrative, exploring themes of drug addiction, mystery-solving, and teenage relationships.
THE FIRST TIME I MET HER WAS AT THE TAIL END OF ONE OF those endless weekday nights you could only have at a school like Sherringford. It was midnight, or just after, maybe, and I’d spent the last few... - #2
Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler is the second book in the Philip Marlowe series, featuring the hardboiled detective Philip Marlowe. The plot revolves around Marlowe's task of tracking down Moose Malloy, a man who has recently killed a black nightclub owner. The story is described as intricate, with red herrings scattered throughout, leading to a cat and mouse game. The writing style is praised for its noir elements, sparse yet descriptive language, and the portrayal of a classic detective story set in 1940s Los Angeles.
IT WAS ONE OF THE MIXED BLOCKS over on Central Avenue, the blocks that are not yet all Negro. I had just come out of a three-chair barber shop where an agency thought a relief barber named Dimitrios A...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Philip Marlowe ) - #3
'The Wife and the Widow' by author Christian White is a gripping murder mystery that unfolds on Belport Island, a picturesque summer holiday destination off the Victorian coast. The story follows two women, Kate and Abby, whose lives intertwine as they uncover dark secrets about their husbands. Kate's husband, John, goes missing after claiming to attend a conference in London, while Abby discovers unsettling truths about her husband, Ray, who runs a business maintaining holiday houses on the island. As the narrative alternates between the perspectives of these two women, the plot twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The author skillfully weaves a complex storyline, gradually revealing shocking revelations that will leave readers reeling.
The writing style of 'The Wife and the Widow' is characterized by its compelling storytelling, clever misdirection, and unexpected plot twists. Alternating between the viewpoints of Kate and Abby, the author creates a sense of suspense and mystery that captivates readers from the very beginning. As the story unfolds, the intricate web of secrets and lies surrounding the two women's husbands is slowly unraveled, leading to a climactic revelation that ties all the elements of the narrative together in a satisfying conclusion.
Kate Keddie stood in the airport bathroom, practising her smile in the mirror. She hated her mouth. It was several teeth too big for her head, so grinning usually made her look maniacal and deranged. ... - #4
'One, Two, Buckle My Shoe' by Agatha Christie is a Hercule Poirot novel that revolves around the mysterious death of a dentist, Dr. Morley, shortly after Hercule Poirot's visit. The plot involves a complex web of suspects, red herrings, and political intrigue, blending elements of espionage, international finance, and shadowy politics. The book is known for its well-crafted mystery and unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged as Poirot untangles the truth behind the dentist's death.
The narrative style of Agatha Christie in 'One, Two, Buckle My Shoe' is described as clever, intricate, and filled with surprises. The story is set in the 1930s and features themes of morality, political agendas, and unexpected character developments. From the suspenseful opening scene at the dentist's office to the final revelation, Christie's storytelling keeps readers on edge, showcasing her ability to create a compelling mystery with a unique blend of characters and plot twists.
Mr. Morley was not in the best of tempers at breakfast. He complained of the bacon, wondered why the coffee had to have the appearance of liquid mud, and remarked that breakfast cereals were each one ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hercule Poirot ) - #5
"The Falls" by Ian Rankin is a gripping mystery novel featuring Inspector Rebus and his team investigating the disappearance of a young woman with clues leading to a complex puzzle involving internet games and historical crimes. The book intertwines multiple plot lines, intricate characters, and the rich history of Edinburgh, providing a modern edge with elements like computer technology and online role-playing games.
The young man looked up. His eyes were bloodshot, dark-rimmed. A lean, angular face, bristles on the unshaved chin. His name was David Costello. Not Dave or Davy: David, he’d made that clear. Names, l...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Inspector Rebus ) - #6
"Detective" by Arthur Hailey is a multi-layered detective story that delves into the world of police work, where detailed investigations and patience are key. The main character, Sergeant Ainsley, is portrayed as an ex-priest turned homicide detective who brings a unique approach to solving murders by drawing clues from his ecclesiastical background. is described as gripping from start to finish, with a well-developed plot that leaves room for further stories. However, some readers found the writing style to be dated and the pacing to be slow due to the author's comprehensive detailing of characters and motivations.
Almost imperceptibly, Thorne nodded. Good, 'cause I'd like to keep talking too. But there's something we need to get out of the way you know how regulations are. So I have to tell you this, Maggie, fo... - #7
'Inspector Imanishi Investigates' by Seicho Matsumoto is a Japanese crime fiction novel set in the 1960s that follows Inspector Imanishi as he investigates a murder with seemingly no motive, along with two other murders that involve unique methods of killing. The plot is intricately woven, providing a slow-paced, realistic investigation process that unfolds over months, filled with detours, red herrings, and misleading clues. The story captures the atmosphere of early 60s Japan beautifully, highlighting the importance of group over individual in Japanese culture.
The narrative delves into the psyche of characters, especially Inspector Imanishi, without resorting to cliches or over-the-top dramatics. offers a refreshing read with its twist-filled plot, unique killing techniques, and the absence of explicit violence or crude language for the sake of drama. The story culminates in a satisfying revelation of the murderer, keeping readers engaged till the end.
The first train on the Keihin-TohokuLine was scheduled to leave Kamata Station at 4:08 A.M. The engineer,the brakeman, and the conductor left the night duty room shortlyafter 3:00 A.M. to go to the ra... - #8
'The Long Fall' in the Leonid McGill series by Walter Mosley introduces us to the reformed crook, Leonid McGill, an African American private investigator working in New York. McGill is a former boxer, former criminal, and hopeless romantic living in a marriage where his wife is consistently unfaithful. The plot revolves around McGill being hired to discover the identity of four young men, leading him into a complex web of mystery and danger. The writing style is reminiscent of classic noir crime novels, with a focus on McGill's moral dilemmas and the murky demi world he navigates.
- #9
In "The Murder on the Links," Hercule Poirot is summoned to France by a man fearing for his life, only to arrive too late as the man is already murdered. The story unfolds with intricate twists and turns as Poirot uses his psychological studies and deduction skills to unravel the mystery, aided by his friend Captain Hastings. The plot is filled with unexpected developments, misdirection, and a complex web of family connections and false identities, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
The book showcases Agatha Christie's developing writing style, with well-drawn characters and a blend of suspense, action, and cleverly laid-out plot twists. Despite some minor flaws like publishing errors in certain editions, the narrative maintains an upbeat tone, fast-paced yet reflective, making it an entertaining read that sets the stage for Christie's trademark formula and style in mystery storytelling.
I believe that a well-known anecdote exists to the effect that a young writer, determined to make the commencement of his story forcible and original enough to catch and rivet the attention of the mos...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hercule Poirot ) - #10
Nothing More Than Murder by Jim Thompson is a noir novel set in the 1950s USA, revolving around the despicable protagonist Joe Wilmot, who is involved in murder and insurance fraud in the context of a small town movie theater. The book delves into the intricate details of the movie business, competition, and the seedy dealings behind the scenes. The plot is a complex web of deceit and manipulation, with a slow-moving narrative that unfolds like a cat and mouse game, keeping the reader engaged with unexpected twists and turns. Thompson's writing style immerses the reader in a world of greed, lust, and conniving characters, painting a dark and gritty atmosphere that sets the stage for a suspenseful and unpredictable story.
I told her I was placing the ad for a friend, "Mrs. J.J. Williamson, room four-nineteen, Crystal Arms Hotel," and she wrote it down on a printed slip of paper and stabbed it over a spike with a lot of...