Books matching: historical literary mystery
83 result(s)
- #1Droodby:
'Drood' by Dan Simmons is a captivating historical literary mystery that delves into the friendship and rivalry between Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. The story is narrated through the eyes of Wilkie Collins, who recounts the final years of Dickens' life after a near-fatal train accident and his obsession with a mysterious figure named Drood. The novel weaves a tale of intrigue, darkness, and madness, exploring the complexities of Dickens and Collins' relationship and the haunting inspiration behind Dickens' unfinished work, 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood.'
I was out of town on the day of my friend’s disaster at Staplehurst, so it was a full three days after the accident that I received a message from my younger brother, Charles, who had married Dickens’... - #2
On the verge of a stilted life as an aristocrat's wife, Poppy Hammond does the only sensible thing she flees the chapel in her wedding gown. Assisted by the handsome curate who calls himself Sebastian Cantrip, she spirits away to her estranged father's quiet country village, pursued by the family she left in uproar. But when the dust of her broken engagement settles and Sebastian disappears under mysterious circumstances, Poppy discovers there is more to her hero than it seems. With only her feisty lady's maid for company, Poppy secures employment and travels incognita east across the seas, chasing a hunch and the whisper of clues. Danger abounds beneath the canopies of the silken city, and Poppy finds herself in the perilous sights of those who will stop at nothing to recover a fabled ancient treasure. Torn between allegiance to her kindly employer and a dashing, shadowy figure, Poppy will risk it all as she attempts to unravel a much larger plan one that stretches to the very heart of the British government, and one that could endanger everything, and everyone, that she holds dear.
I paused with my leg out the window, satin wedding gown hitched up above my knees. A layer of tulle floated over my face, obscuring my view. I shoved it aside to find a tall, bespectacled young man st... - #3
'The Stars Are Fire' by Anita Shreve is a novel set in post-World War II coastal Maine, where Grace, a young woman in an unsatisfying marriage, finds herself facing unexpected challenges when a devastating fire destroys her home and community. The story follows Grace's journey of survival, resilience, and self-discovery as she navigates through loss, hardship, and the complexities of her relationships amidst the aftermath of the fire. Anita Shreve's writing style is described as precise, emotive, and engaging, capturing the stark emotions and quiet pacing that characterize the protagonist's transformative experiences.
A spring of no spring. Grace pins Gene’s khakis to a line that stretches diagonally over the yellow linoleum of the kitchen. Only heat from the stove will dry the cotton. She holds off on the towels, ... - #4
'Sweet Tooth' by Ian McEwan follows the story of Serena Frome, a young Cambridge graduate recruited into MI5 in 1972. Assigned to Operation Sweet Tooth, Serena infiltrates the literary world to support writers who align with the government's politics. As she becomes entangled with a promising writer named Tom Haley, Serena must navigate deceit, espionage, and her own relationships while questioning the trust she places in others.
The narrative of 'Sweet Tooth' weaves together themes of espionage, literary deceit, and the impact of sociopolitical influences in 1970s Britain. Through the lens of Serena's character, the book delves into the complexities of relationships, the role of artists in society, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction.
My name is Serena Frome (rhymes with plume) and almost forty years ago I was sent on a secret mission for the British security service. I didn’t return safely. Within eighteen months of joining I was ... - #5
'Wildfire at Midnight' by Mary Stewart is a romantic suspense novel set in the 1950s on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The story follows fashion model Gianetta Drury who travels to Skye for a relaxing break but finds herself entangled in a murder mystery involving her fellow hotel guests. The book is praised for its atmospheric setting, engaging lead characters, and suspenseful plot that keeps readers on edge until the end.
The novel is described as a classic Mary Stewart thriller with elements of adventure, danger, and a hint of romance. As Gianetta navigates through the murder investigation while dealing with personal conflicts, the story unfolds in a closed hotel setting reminiscent of Agatha Christie's mysteries. Despite being written in 1956, the book has aged gracefully, offering readers a captivating blend of mystery, crime, and romance in a well-developed and chilling narrative.
In the first place, I suppose, it was my parents’ fault for giving me a silly name like Gianetta. It is a pretty enough name in itself, but it conjures up pictures of delectable and slightly overblown... - #6
The Roving Party by Rohan Wilson is a gripping tale set in 1800s convict era Tasmania, following a party commissioned by the Governor to hunt and kill Aborigines. Led by John Batman, the party consists of a mix of convicts and indigenous members, including the central character Black Bill. The novel delves into the brutal foundations of European settlement in Australia, highlighting the stark contrast between the Tasmanian aboriginals and the European occupiers. Wilson's writing style expertly portrays the social conditions of all characters, showcasing the complexities of their motivations and actions amidst the harsh Tasmanian landscape.
The book offers a haunting and evocative retelling of the clearing of Van Diemen's Land for white settlers, shedding light on a dark period of Australian history often overlooked. Through vivid language and complex characterizations, Wilson skillfully navigates the intricate relationships within the roving party, capturing the tension between the different members as they navigate the treacherous terrain of Tasmania during the Black Wars.
THEY WHISTLED FOR BLACK BILL THROUGH the foredawn and called his old clan name behind it, a name he had no good use for. He sat upright on the bed and looked about. The fire in the hearth was dead and... - #7
'John Henry Days' by Colson Whitehead is a novel that weaves together different threads of American history, spanning from the 1870s to the present day. The central story revolves around J., an African American journalist who covers PR junkets in pursuit of freebies. J. is tasked with covering the release of a stamp commemorating John Henry in West Virginia, the birthplace of the legend. The book delves into various characters' stories, including Pamela, the daughter of a John Henry memorabilia collector, Alphonse Miggs, a stamp collector, and John Henry himself. Through these narratives, the book explores themes of struggle, fate, power, and the constant need to prove oneself.
I AM A steam shovel operator or “runner” and have heard steel drivers sing “John Henry” all my life and there are probably lots of verses I never heard as it used to be that every new steel driving “n... - #8
'Second Glance' by Jodi Picoult is a story that intertwines elements of a ghost story, a love story, and a historical exploration of the eugenics movement in a small town in Vermont. The plot follows characters haunted by ghosts of the past and present, as well as the repercussions of the disturbing history of eugenics. The writing style is praised for seamlessly blending real historical facts with fictional storytelling, creating a captivating narrative that delves into complex themes.
He fell asleep at the wheel and drove his car off a bridge into a lake—that was the second time—and was found on the shore by rescuers. When his half-sunken Honda was recovered, the doors were all loc... - #9
In the book 'Snow' by John Banville, Inspector St. John Strafford is called to investigate the murder of a Catholic priest in the library of Ballyglass House in 1950s rural County Wexford. The story unfolds with Strafford, an outsider in many ways, navigating through a closed and secretive community, exploring themes of post-War poverty, the class and religious divide, and the scandals of the Catholic church. The writing style is described as spare and bleak, mirroring the weather and setting, creating a blend of a classic whodunnit and a piece of literary fiction that delves into deep societal issues.
Detective Inspector Strafford was accustomed to cold houses. He had spent his earliest years in a great gaunt mansion much like this one, then he had been sent away to school to a place that was even ... - #10
"The Untouchable" by John Banville is a novel that delves into the life of Victor Maskell, a complex character who is an art historian, British gentleman, and Russian spy. The story follows Maskell's journey from his time at Cambridge, where he becomes involved with Communists, to his years working in British intelligence during World War 2, and ultimately his unmasking as a Soviet agent. Through a stream of consciousness narrative, the book explores themes of loyalty, identity, moral ambiguity, and the enigma of the Cambridge spies, all while providing a deep introspection into the character of Victor Maskell.
John Banville's writing style in "The Untouchable" has been praised for its luminous and effortless prose that captures the essence of the story and characters. The novel has been lauded for its suspenseful plot, well-drawn characters, and the skillful balance between plot action and introspection. Readers have found the book to be a rich and engrossing read, with a masterful portrayal of the complexities of espionage, relationships, and the nature of human psyche.
First day of the new life. Very strange. Feeling almost skittish all day. Exhausted now yet feverish also, like a child at the end of a party. Like a child, yes: as if I had suffered a grotesque form ...