Books matching: flawed detective
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Fatal Fixer-Upper' follows Avery Baker, a textile designer from New York who inherits her great aunt's Victorian house in Maine, leading her to dive into a mystery surrounding her aunt's suspicious death. As Avery works on renovating the old house with the help of handyman Derek Ellis, she uncovers secrets, mysterious disappearances, and hidden antiques, all while navigating through budding romances and new friendships in the small town of Waterfield. The plot intertwines elements of cozy mystery, romance, and house renovation, offering a mix of suspense, humor, and surprises that keep readers engaged. The writing style is described as comforting, casual, and detailed, with well-developed characters and a strong sense of place that brings the Maine setting to life.
- #2
Save:Night Train by Martin Amis is a dark and compelling novel that delves into the mystery of a woman's suicide and the subsequent police investigation led by Detective Mike Hoolihan. The story is divided into three parts, with a focus on psychological autopsy, suicide, and the night train. The narrative is intense, with detailed descriptions of wounds and violence, pushing readers to explore the deepest pits of human character through the protagonist's perspective.
I am a police. That may sound like an unusual statement—or an unusual construction. But it's a parlance we have. Among ourselves, we would never say I am a policeman or I am a policewoman or I am a po... - #3
Save:"Monstrum" by Donald James follows Inspector Constantin Vadim as he leads a murder investigation in Moscow to unravel a series of crimes committed by a serial killer known as Monstrum. The book is set in a fictional future of 2015, written in the 1990s, providing a unique blend of detective mystery and thriller elements. The plot is described as reasonable, with an interesting location, and features a central character who is easy to relate to, despite his flaws and challenges.
The narrative style of "Monstrum" keeps readers engaged, with some comparing it to the works of other notable authors like Martin Cruz Smith. The story unfolds with a mix of suspense, engaging writing, and unpredictable plot twists that make it a page-turner, leaving readers immersed in the dark and chilling atmosphere created by Donald James.
- #4
Save:'Birthdays for the Dead' by Stuart MacBride is a dark psychological thriller following Detective Constable Ash Henderson as he investigates a serial killer known as 'The Birthday Boy' who targets young girls just before their thirteenth birthday. The narrative is filled with violence, dark themes, and intricate character dynamics. The writing style is described as fast-paced, with elements of humor interspersed throughout the dark and gritty storyline.
She drags a shuddering breath through her nose, wet with snot. The smell of dirt and bitter-onion sweat, dust, and something pissy – like when that mouse got trapped behind the cooker. A little furry ... - #5
Save:"Under Cover of Daylight" in the Thorn series by James W. Hall is a gripping mystery novel set in South Florida, featuring the enigmatic protagonist Thorn. The story unfolds with a cold-blooded murder committed to avenge a crime from the past, leading Thorn into a web of mystery and revenge. The writing style of the author, James W. Hall, is described as powerful, professional, and beautiful, capturing the unique environment and culture of the Florida Keys with lyrical descriptions. The plot is filled with twists and turns, engaging characters, and intense action, making it a riveting read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
THORN WATCHED HER STANDING at the shore, up to her ankles in Lake Surprise. The moon had laid down a wide silver path across the water, and a light breeze was blurring patches of the glassy surface. F... - #6
Save:"Rainbirds" by Clarissa Goenawan follows Ren Ishida as he is called to a small town to attend to his sister's murder. The story unfolds as Ren delves into his sister's life, taking over her job as a teacher and unraveling the mysteries surrounding her death. The writing style is described as spare yet atmospheric, with a focus on character development and familial relationships rather than a traditional mystery thriller plot.
I was on the phone with my sister. She sat at her desk by the window in her rented room in Akakawa. The sun shone through the curtain, casting brown highlights on her long dark hair. She asked me ques... - #7
Save:'The Bethlehem Murders' by Matt Rees is a gripping murder mystery set in the tumultuous world of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The story follows Omar Yussef, a teacher in a school in a refugee camp, who gets entangled in political situations when his Christian friend is wrongfully accused of being a collaborator. Rees skillfully weaves together a complex narrative that delves into the societal and political crises of the region, providing readers with a compelling insight into the struggles faced by the Palestinian community. Through Omar Yussef's character, Rees addresses themes of violence, injustice, and the complexities of the Israeli occupation, offering a nuanced portrayal of life in the West Bank.
Rees' writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions, well-developed characterizations, and a keen understanding of the Middle East. not only serves as a thrilling crime fiction but also sheds light on the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, challenging readers to confront the harsh truths of the region. With a plot that is both engaging and thought-provoking, 'The Bethlehem Murders' stands out as a unique blend of mystery and social commentary, highlighting the author's deep knowledge of the subject matter.
- #8
Save:'Those Empty Eyes' by Charlie Donlea is a suspenseful novel that follows the story of Alex, a young woman who is determined to uncover the truth behind her family's tragic murder. As Alex delves into the investigation, she faces challenges such as media frenzy, legal battles, and the search for justice. The narrative unfolds through multiple characters' points of view, providing a layered and intriguing storyline that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
The plot of 'Those Empty Eyes' also includes themes of social injustices, false accusations, and the impact of media scrutiny on individuals' lives. The author, Charlie Donlea, weaves a complex WhoDunIt tale that explores the intricacies of the crime, the legal system, and the aftermath of a heinous act, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation that challenges the reader's assumptions about the characters and their motivations.
- #9
Save:Miami Blues by Charles Willeford is a classic cop thriller featuring the no-nonsense detective Hoke Moseley investigating a psychopath named Junior Frenger who arrives in Miami and starts a crime spree. The book delves into the interactions between Junior, Hoke, and a naive young prostitute named Susan as they get entangled in a web of violence, robberies, and revenge. The writing style is described as fast-moving, sparse, and filled with dark humor, capturing the essence of '80s Miami vividly and convincingly.
- #10
Save:'The Dogs of Riga' is the second book in the Kurt Wallander series by Henning Mankell. Set in Sweden and Latvia during 1991, the novel follows Inspector Wallander as he investigates the mysterious deaths of two men found in a life raft washed up on the Swedish coast. The story takes Wallander to Riga, Latvia, amidst the turmoil of the post-Soviet era, where he delves into a complex web of political corruption, international intrigue, and dangerous conspiracies. Mankell's writing style is described as engaging, with a focus on creating a dark and atmospheric setting that reflects the bleak political landscape of the time.
The novel is praised for its intricate plot that weaves together multiple mysteries, fast-paced storytelling, and vivid descriptions of the geographical locations. Through Wallander's character, Mankell effectively contrasts the cultural differences between Sweden and Latvia, offering readers a glimpse into the historical and political tensions of the era. The book is commended for its character development, particularly in portraying Wallander's vulnerabilities, dedication to solving crimes, and his interactions with complex female characters that add depth to the narrative.
The man in the wheelhouse of the fishing boat cursed. He’d heard the forecast, but hoped they might make the Swedish coast before the storm hit. If he hadn’t been held up at Hiddensee the night before...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Kurt Wallander )
