Books matching: historical mystery
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- #1
In the book 'Dissolution' by C.J. Sansom, readers are taken back to 16th century England during the reign of King Henry VIII and the dissolution of the monasteries. The story follows Matthew Shardlake, a hunchback lawyer and Commissioner for Thomas Cromwell, as he investigates a murder at a monastery in Scarnsea. As Shardlake delves into the murder mystery, he also navigates the turbulent political and religious landscape of the time, where loyalties are divided between the king and the reformers of the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
AS I PASSED DOWN Ludgate Hill, I noticed a stall brimming with apples and pears and, feeling hungry, dismounted to buy some. As I stood feeding an apple to Chancery, I noticed down a side street a cro... - #2
Set in late 19th century New York City, 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr follows a team of individuals, including the alienist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, crime reporter John Moore, and a few detectives, as they track down a serial killer targeting young boys and possibly young girls. The novel intertwines historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt with fictional characters to create a gripping psychological thriller. Through detailed historical research, the author recreates the atmosphere of the period, delving into the birth of American profiling and modern forensic science.
The book is a complex blend of mystery, thriller, and historical fiction, providing a rich historical portrait of New York City while also delivering a suspenseful detective story utilizing early psychological profiling techniques. The narrative is filled with chilling details and vivid descriptions that bring the city to life, immersing readers in the gritty yet intriguing world of criminal investigation in the late 1800s.
The words as I write them make as little sense as did the sight of his coffin descending into a patch of sandy soil near Sagamore Hill, the place he loved more than any other on earth. As I stood ther... - #3
'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a medieval murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery where Brother William of Baskerville investigates charges of heresy as monks begin to die one by one. The book delves into the complexities of religious factions, beliefs, and conflicts during a time of political and religious unrest, with a central mystery surrounding rare parchments in the library. Eco's writing style combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and intellectual discourse, exploring themes of doubt, belief, signs, meaning, and ambiguity.
ON AUGUST 16, 1968, I WAS HANDED A BOOK WRITTEN BY A CERTAIN Abbé Vallet, Le Manuscrit de Dom Adson de Melk, traduit en français d’après l’édition de Dom J. Mabillon (Aux Presses de l’Abbaye de la Sou... - #4
Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters is the first book in the 'Amelia Peabody' series, introducing readers to the adventurous and independent protagonist, Amelia Peabody, a Victorian gentlewoman who inherits a fortune and decides to travel the world, indulging her passion for Egyptology. Along the way, she meets Evelyn Barton Forbes and the Emerson brothers, leading to a series of mysteries and adventures in Egypt. The book is described as a cozy mystery with elements of light romance, humor, and a touch of the supernatural, set in the late 19th century.
The plot of 'Crocodile on the Sandbank' revolves around Amelia Peabody's journey to Egypt, her encounters with a reanimated mummy, and the development of her relationships with Evelyn and the Emerson brothers. The writing style is praised for its witty narration, engaging characters, and vivid descriptions of the Egyptian settings, creating a fun and light-hearted read that offers a mix of mystery, humor, and historical elements.
(I am informed, by the self-appointed Critic who reads over my shoulder as I write, that I have already committed an error. If those seemingly simple English words do indeed imply that which I am told... - #5
'A Morbid Taste for Bones' in the series 'Chronicles of Brother Cadfael' follows the protagonist Brother Cadfael, a medieval monk and amateur sleuth, as he accompanies a group of monks on a journey to a Welsh village to retrieve the relics of a saint. The local community opposes the relocation of the saint's bones, and when a murder occurs, suspicion falls on the monks. Brother Cadfael takes it upon himself to investigate the murder and unravel the deception surrounding the crime, all while bringing justice to the Welsh village they have invaded.
The plot of the book combines historical fiction with mystery, featuring well-developed characters and intricate descriptions of the medieval setting. The narrative follows Brother Cadfael's intelligent and deft hand in solving the murder mystery, incorporating themes of justice, deception, and the clash between different cultures and beliefs.
ON THE FINE, BRIGHT MORNING IN EARLY MAY when the whole sensational affair of the Gwytherin relics may properly be considered to have begun, Brother Cadfael had been up long before Prime, pricking out... - #6
'Maisie Dobbs' by Jacqueline Winspear is a historical mystery novel set in post-World War I England. The story follows Maisie Dobbs, a remarkable woman who transitions from being a maid to a nurse during the war and eventually becomes an investigator. delves into serious issues such as the impact of the war on individuals, both physically and mentally, and explores themes of exploitation of war veterans. The narrative weaves together Maisie's background, her experiences during the war, and her investigative skills in solving mysteries, creating a rich tapestry of character development and historical context.
The writing style of 'Maisie Dobbs' is praised for its attention to detail, character development, and historical accuracy. Readers appreciate the author's ability to bring the 1920s England setting to life and to create a protagonist who is both intelligent and empathetic. is described as a blend of mystery, historical fiction, and character-driven storytelling, offering a captivating read that immerses readers in Maisie's world and the challenges she faces.
Even if she hadn’t been the last person to walk through the turnstile at Warren Street tube station, Jack Barker would have noticed the tall, slender woman in the navy blue, thigh-length jacket with a... - #7
"Mistress of the Art of Death" follows Adelia Aguilar, a doctor of Death in the 12th century, who is called to investigate the murders of children in Cambridge, England. Despite the challenges of being a female doctor in a male-dominated society, Adelia uses her forensic skills to solve the crimes, alongside a diverse group of characters. The story is a blend of historical fiction and mystery, with intricate plot twists and a setting that immerses the reader in medieval England.
The writing style of "Mistress of the Art of Death" is described as excellent, with detailed descriptions that bring the 1100s setting to life. features a strong and compelling heroine, Adelia, who is smart, witty, and bold, yet faces societal challenges due to her gender. The narrative weaves together elements of suspense, historical accuracy, and character development, creating an engaging and intriguing mystery that keeps readers hooked until the end.
They’re a pleasant interruption in the traffic of carts whose drivers and oxen are surly with fatigue from plowing and sowing. These people are well fed, noisy, exultant with the grace their journey h... - #8
'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... - #9
Set in Regency England, 'What Angels Fear' follows Sebastian St. Cyr, a nobleman framed for a brutal murder. With the help of his friends, Sebastian unravels a web of lies to uncover the real killer who is determined to silence him. The book delves into the fear of the French Revolution spreading to England, political intrigue, and the complexities of different social classes, all while delivering a gripping murder mystery.
It was such a foul, creeping thing, the yellow fog of London. Even without the fog it would have been dark at this hour. Dark, and January- cold. But the murky vapor made it worse, wrapping around her... - #10
A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas is a gender-bent retelling of the Sherlock Holmes story, featuring Charlotte Holmes as the brilliant detective. Set in Victorian London, the book follows Charlotte as she navigates society's expectations, solves mysteries, and forms unexpected alliances. The plot intertwines multiple murders, female friendships, and the challenges faced by women in the 19th century, all while paying homage to the original Sherlock Holmes stories with a fresh perspective and creative character development.
It never failed to astonish Livia that, after having known Charlotte all her life, sometimes she was still surprised by her sister’s appearance. Especially at moments like these—well, there had never ...