Books matching: crime and morality
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The story of 'The Light in the Ruins' by Chris Bohjalian switches between Florence, Italy during WWII in 1943 and post-war 1955. It follows the Rosatis, a wealthy Italian family, whose home is overrun by Germans during the war, and a decade later, a killer starts murdering the remnants of the family. The book combines historical fiction with a murder mystery as a police officer named Serafina investigates the killings and discovers her past is linked to the Rosatis. The narrative alternates between different time periods, revealing the family's experiences during the war and the murder investigations in 1955.
The book delves into themes of love, despair, revenge, and moral ambiguity, capturing the aftermath of WWII on the Rosati family in Tuscany. Through alternating voices and timelines, the story unfolds as the characters navigate the complexities of war, survival, and the consequences of their actions. The novel explores the impact of WWII on the characters' lives, intertwining historical events with a gripping murder mystery.
A WOMAN IS sitting before an art nouveau vanity, brushing her hair in the mirror. It is, at least according to the police report, somewhere between midnight and three in the morning, on the first Tues... - #2
Save:Corrigan Bain, known as 'The Fixer,' possesses the unique ability to see a few seconds into the future, allowing him to prevent accidents and save lives. However, his routine is disrupted when his ex-girlfriend, FBI agent Maggie Trent, involves him in a mysterious murder investigation. As the story unfolds, Corrigan faces a series of challenges, including a grisly turn of events, time travel elements, and a mix of speculative fiction, sci-fi, horror, and a murder mystery. The book is described as fast-paced, with charismatic characters, a blend of past and present timelines, and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- #3
Save:In a far future space-faring society where nanotechnology is ubiquitous, the novel "Stone" by Adam Roberts follows a murderer who is released from a seemingly escape-proof jail to carry out a contract to kill an entire planetary population. The story unfolds through a mix of world-building, inner dialogue of the protagonist, and a narrative told in flashback. The main character, Ae, navigates a world where crime is rare due to advanced technology but finds themselves entangled in a complex web of deceit and mystery.
The doctor has suggested that by writing letters to various objects and natural phenomena I may be able to come to terms with some of this badness, this illness, this upset (upset?downset,rather). I o... - #4
Save:George Moran, a man who served in the military and is now running a small motel, returns to the Dominican Republic to revisit his past and search for a girl who intrigued him during his time there. Along the way, he gets involved in a passionate affair with the wife of a former Dominican general, leading to intrigue, threats of violence, and murder. The plot is described as muddled with various Leonard creations hanging around in South Florida and getting caught up in crazy schemes. The narrative is clear and crisp, featuring crime fiction with an ordinary guy navigating through a mess.
MORAN’S FIRST IMPRESSIONof Nolen Tyner: He looked like a high risk, the kind of guy who falls asleep smoking in bed. No luggage except for a six-pack of beer on the counter and the Miami Herald folded... - #5
Save:Blue and Gold follows Saloninus, an alchemist known for his charisma and deceit, as he navigates a life of crime and deception while attempting to fulfill the demands of his patron, Prince Procas. The novella delves into Saloninus' pursuit of creating the elixir of eternal life and transforming base metal into gold, all while dealing with the consequences of his actions, including the accidental poisoning of his wife. The story unfolds with an unreliable narrator, blending elements of alchemy with themes of deception, ambition, and the complexities of human nature.
The narrative of Blue and Gold is presented in a series of scenes that shift between past and present, gradually revealing more about Saloninus' character and motivations. The writing style captures the essence of academia and alchemy, using the science of alchemy as a metaphor for various aspects of life such as time, money, social status, and personal growth. Through its fast-paced and dramatic storytelling, the novella explores themes of trust, morality, and the blurred lines between truth and deception in a world where nothing is as it seems.
“Ah.” The barman nodded and turned away. Alchemists, murderers and other cheapskates, the back of his neck seemed to be saying. I picked up my beer and looked at it. Worse things had happened, but not... - #6
Save:Metropolis by Philip Kerr is the final installment in the Bernie Gunther series, taking readers back to the beginning of Gunther's career as a Berlin homicide detective in late 1920s Germany. The book delves into the dark and chaotic atmosphere of Weimar Berlin, exploring themes of vice, political turmoil, and social unrest. Kerr's writing style is described as meticulously researched, well-written, and immersive, with vivid descriptions that bring the setting and characters to life.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bernard Gunther ) - #7
Save:'The Bad Ones' by Stylo Fantome is a dark and twisted love story that follows the lives of Dulcie, a loner and art geek from a trailer park, and Constantine, the popular college quarterback and son of the local Mayor. Their attraction is undeniable, and as their darkness collides, they embark on a thrilling journey of violence, passion, and self-discovery. The author's storytelling is original, provoking deep emotions in the readers, and creating characters that are both alluring and terrifying in their deviant behavior.
“Ms. Travers, I know we're not even half done with this year, but I think it's crucial we develop a plan for next year. You'll be a senior, and frankly, I'm worried,” Ms. Poulter, the guidance counsel... - #8
Save:'Sanctuary' by William Faulkner is a dark and controversial novel set in the Southern society of post-Civil War America. The story follows the character Temple Drake, a young college girl from a prominent Mississippi family, who becomes a victim of rape and is later kidnapped to a brothel in Memphis. The plot unfolds with gritty themes of crime, guilt, deception, and the disintegrating psyche of the characters involved. Faulkner's signature writing style, a mix of brutal realism and transcendent lyricism, immerses readers in a narrative that explores the dark underbelly of small-town Mississippi, blending elements of horror and sensuality.
From beyond the screen of bushes which surrounded the spring, Popeye watched the man drinking. A faint path led from the road to the spring. Popeye watched the man—a tall, thin man, hatless, in worn g... - #9
Save:In a world where murder victims inexplicably come back to life, a new job of a Dispatcher emerges - someone who kills people before they die so they can return to life. The novella follows a police detective and a Dispatcher as they investigate the disappearance of a fellow Dispatcher, delving into the morality and consequences of this unique phenomenon. John Scalzi blends fantasy with reality in a believable way, creating a fast-paced and intriguing story that leaves readers wanting more.
“Tell me that’s not the person I think it is,” Chao said, to Sheila Reeves. Reeves, a hospital administrator, had accompanied me into the scrub room. Chao was scrubbing up and after the initial glance... - #10
Save:Commander Sam Vimes is reluctantly on vacation in the countryside with his family when he becomes entangled in a murder mystery involving goblins, slavery, and drug pushing. The book explores themes of crime, social hierarchy, racial prejudice, and human rights through Vimes' investigation and his interactions with various characters. The writing style is a mix of wit, humor, satire, and social commentary, with a focus on the character of Vimes and his moral compass as he navigates the complexities of the case.
THE GOBLIN EXPERIENCE of the world is the cult or perhaps religion of Unggue. In short, it is a remarkably complex resurrection-based religion founded on the sanctity of bodily secretions. Its central...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld )
