Books matching: eccentric detective
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- #1
Save:In 'Some Buried Caesar' by Rex Stout, Nero Wolfe and Archie find themselves stranded in a field with a large bull while on their way to exhibit orchids. The book follows their involvement in a bitter rural feud, a mystery around the death of a champion bull, and two human murders. The writing style combines fun with suspense, featuring witty exchanges between Archie and Wolfe, and the introduction of the recurring character, Lily Rowan, who adds a delightful spark to the narrative.
That sunny September day was full of surprises. The first one came when, after my swift realization that the sedan was still right side up and the windshield and windows intact, I switched off the ign...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Nero Wolfe ) - #2
Save:"Tied Up in Tinsel" by Ngaio Marsh revolves around a Christmas party hosted by Mr. Hilary Bill Tasman at Halberds Manor, where guests include eccentric characters and a staff of convicted murderers. The protagonist, Troy Alleyn, wife of DI Roderick Alleyn of Scotland Yard, is at the manor to paint a portrait while her husband is away. The plot unfolds with a disappearance after a Christmas pageant, leading to suspicion among the staff and guests, and eventually, Superintendent Roderick Alleyn gets involved to solve the mystery. The writing style of the book combines elements of a traditional country house murder mystery with quirky characters and a cleverly executed plot that keeps the reader engaged throughout the story.
‘Thank you. When I so describe his activities I do not indulge in facezia. He went into partnership in a rag-and-bone way with my Uncle Bert Smith, who was already equipped with a horse and cart and t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Roderick Alleyn ) - #3
Save:'Silent in the Grave' by Deanna Raybourn is a Victorian mystery novel that follows Lady Julia Grey as she navigates the unexpected death of her husband, Sir Edward Grey. When a mysterious private investigator, Nicholas Brisbane, suggests foul play in Edward's death, Julia embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her husband's murder. Set in late Victorian London, the book weaves together secrets, mystery, and unconventional characters, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the surprising end. Raybourn's writing style is described as engaging, with witty and amusing elements that draw readers into the lives of the characters and the atmospheric setting of Victorian London.
I stared at him, not quite taking in the fact that he had just collapsed at my feet. He lay, curled like a question mark, his evening suit ink-black against the white marble of the floor. He was writh... - #4
Save:"Fer-de-Lance" by Rex Stout introduces readers to the eccentric detective Nero Wolfe and his smart sidekick Archie Goodwin in their first mystery together. Set in 1930s New York, the plot revolves around Wolfe being asked to find a missing Italian immigrant, which leads to the investigation of the murder of a college president on a golf course. The story is narrated through Archie's witty and wise-cracking perspective, highlighting the dynamic between the two characters as they solve the case with a touch of humor and clever deduction. The writing style captures the essence of the time period and sets the stage for a series of engaging mysteries with unique characters and intriguing plotlines.
There was no reason why I shouldn’t have been sent for the beer that day, for the last ends of the Fairmont National Bank case had been gathered in the week before and there was nothing for me to do b... - #5
Save:'Death on Gokumon Island' is a murder mystery novel featuring Detective Kosuke Kindaichi, an eccentric and scruffy private eye, investigating a series of gruesome murders on a strange fishing island populated by descendants of pirates and criminals. The plot unfolds after World War II, where Kindaichi arrives on Gokumon Island to protect the lives of three half-sisters of a deceased important family member. The narrative involves intricate plotting, vivid descriptions of Japanese households, and a razor-sharp detective untangling a complex web of murders with clarity and war memories layered over the activity.
The book is a mixed bag, starting with deaths that come late but then escalate rapidly, leading to a good ending with satisfying revelations. The setting on the insular island adds to the suspense, as the suspicious islanders make Kindaichi's investigation more difficult. The writing style, although different from previous volumes, keeps readers engaged with its detailed background information, suspenseful build-up, and likable protagonist.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Detective Kosuke Kindaichi ) - #6
Save:'Black Orchids' by Rex Stout is a collection of two novellas that revolve around the theme of black orchids and the mysteries surrounding them. In the first story, Wolfe becomes involved in a murder case at a flower show where black orchids are on display, leading to a surprising conclusion. The second novella, 'Cordially Invited to Meet Death,' sees Wolfe investigating a murder that initially appears as a reputation-ruining scheme, showcasing the dynamic between Wolfe and Archie as they unravel the mystery.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Nero Wolfe ) - #7
Save:'Jackaby' by William Ritter is a young adult historical fantasy set in 1890 that follows the adventures of Abigail Rook, a girl who seeks excitement and ends up as the assistant to the eccentric paranormal investigator Jackaby. The story is filled with folklore, mythology, religion, and the supernatural, reminiscent of a Sherlock Holmes-style detective novel. Despite being a fun and light read, the plot is straightforward, making it more suitable for young readers looking for an entertaining mystery with quirky characters and supernatural elements.
It was late January, and New England wore a fresh coat of snow as I stepped along the gangplank to the shore. The city of New Fiddleham glistened in the fading dusk, lamplight playing across the icy b... - #8
Save:The White Priory Murders by Carter Dickson is a locked room mystery set in a British estate where a popular film star, Marcia Tate, is found brutally murdered in a pavilion dating back to the 1600s. The story unfolds with a snowbound setting and a cast of eccentric characters, including the renowned amateur detective Sir Henry Merrivale, who is tasked with solving the impossible whodunnit. As the investigation progresses, the reader is led through a web of motives, alibis, and red herrings, keeping the tension high until the surprising and satisfying resolution. The writing style captures the essence of a classic mystery with inventive touches, complex relationships, and a steady pace that builds a fine atmosphere of menace.
(Also, see 18 recommendations for the series Sir Henry Merrivale ) - #9
Save:A recluse sculptor engages Agent Pendergast to investigate the theft of his rare wine collection, leading to the discovery of a more sinister crime in a coastal town intertwined with historical events in Salem and the occult. Pendergast, along with Constance Greene, delves into local politics and age-old family grievances, unraveling a mystery that involves a shipwreck, a skeleton found walled up since 1884, and connections to the Salem Witches. The book is described as having nice pacing, with a whirlwind ending that some readers found a bit rushed, leaving them hanging for the next installment in the series.
The investigation in the book takes Pendergast and Constance to Exmouth, Massachusetts, where a seemingly trivial theft of prized wines escalates into a murder mystery with ties to ancient clandestine organizations and the Salem witch trials. As they dig deeper, they uncover dark secrets and a suspenseful climax that hints at the resurgence of one of Pendergast's most formidable enemies, setting the stage for a possible confrontation in future installments of the series.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Agent Pendergast ) - #10
Save:In 'Too Many Cooks', Nero Wolfe and Archie attend a gathering of the world's finest chefs at a spa in West Virginia. When a murder occurs, Wolfe is reluctantly pulled into the investigation, navigating through a pool of suspects and racial tensions. The book delves into the complexities of the mystery, the character dynamics between Wolfe and Archie, and the setting of the culinary event.
WALKING up and down the platform alongside the train in the Pennsylvania Station, having wiped the sweat from my brow, I lit a cigarette with the feeling that after it had calmed my nerves a little I ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Nero Wolfe )
