Books matching: interconnected mysteries
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- #1
Lawrence Block's 'When the Sacred Ginmill Closes' is the sixth installment in the Matthew Scudder series, where the ex-cop turned unlicensed private eye finds himself entangled in a web of mysteries in the seedy underbelly of New York City. The novel delves into Scudder's dark past, his struggles with alcoholism, and his relentless pursuit of justice as he navigates through a holdup at an Irish speakeasy, a blackmail scheme, and a murder case. The narrative unfolds in Block's signature laconic style, with acrobatic twists and turns that keep readers on the edge until the unraveling conclusion.
The book is praised for its gritty and dark atmosphere, realistic dialogue, and intricate plot that showcases Block's prowess in crafting a compelling mystery. Despite being a retrospective look into Scudder's life, 'When the Sacred Ginmill Closes' stands out as one of the best entries in the series, offering a haunting portrayal of a flawed protagonist caught in a web of malevolence and moral dilemmas.
The windows at Morrissey’s were painted black. The blast was loud enough and close enough to rattle them. It chopped off conversation in midsyllable, froze a waiter in midstride, making of him a statu...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Matthew Scudder ) - #2
The Mist in the Mirror by Susan Hill is a gothic ghost story following the journey of Sir James Monmouth, who returns to England to uncover the mysteries surrounding his childhood hero, the explorer Conrad Vane. The story is set in a 19th-century atmospheric backdrop, where Sir James encounters eerie sightings, warnings, and a haunted past that intertwines with his own, leading to a chilling and suspenseful exploration of the unknown. The narrative style is described as gothic horror, with a focus on atmospheric settings, character development, and a slow-building plot that keeps the reader captivated until the end.
For a few seconds, until my eyes grew accustomed to the gloom, I could see nothing. The hallway was cold and had a dank, below-ground smell, mingled with the fumes of smoke and ale, which must have pe... - #3
'The Flight of the Silvers' by Daniel Price is a gripping novel that follows a group of six individuals chosen by mysterious beings to survive the end of their world and transported to a parallel universe. In this new world, each character possesses unique abilities related to time, leading to a series of challenges and conflicts they must navigate together. Price's writing style captivates readers with its world-building, character development, and fast-paced plot filled with twists and turns that keep the audience engaged from the very first chapter.
On a Friday night in dry July, in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego, the Indian-dancers-who-weren’t-quite-Indian twirled across the stage of the ninety-nine-seat playhouse. Five lily-white wom... - #4
When Ludovic Senehal develops a case of spontaneous blindness after watching an extremely rare film from the 1950s, it leads to his old friend Lucie Hennebelle to investigate. Especially after realizing that nearly everyone who comes into contact with the film ends up dead. With the help of Inspector Franck Sharko, who is investigating the film's connection to five murdered men, Lucie begins to unravel the mystery of what is arguably the most disturbing film ever made. As the story unfolds, readers will find themselves questioning the very nature of humanity. Franck Thilliez, the author did an outstanding job with his plot. I have never read anything quite like it. The fact that everyone that seems to come into contact with the film ends up dead does not help her search for answers. Franck Sharko gets called to a gruesome crime scene a mass grave to five murder victims whose eyes and brains are missing. His investigation takes him to Egypt, where he realizes just how connected his case is to the horrific film Lucie Hennebelle is investigating. A striking commentary of the brain's susceptibility to the violent images that bombard us on a daily basis through television and video games, Syndrome E is much more than a simple murder mystery.
This sort of notice was pretty rare on a general-interest Web site. Usually, owners of such things sold them at trade fairs or put them up on eBay. This ad sounded more like someone trying to dump an ... - #5
'Yellowthread Street' by William Marshall is a humorous and quirky police procedural set in Hong Kong before the communist takeover. The story follows the team of inspectors at Yellowthread Street as they navigate through various cases, including a missing American tourist, armed robberies, violent sailors on shore leave, and turf wars among gangs. The writing style is described as spare yet engaging, with a mixture of action, comic lines, and dark humor that keeps the readers hooked. The narrative is detailed, with an eclectic style that captures the unique setting of British Hong Kong.
As Detective Inspector Phil Auden went through the door of the Yellowthread Street Police Station in the district of Hong Bay and the day shift left, night fell, seven Jumbo jets carrying a total of t... - #6
In 'Whip Hand', the second installment in Dick Francis' Sid Halley series, the former champion jockey turned detective is faced with multiple investigations simultaneously. From protecting a horse training for a prestigious race to uncovering a direct mail charity fraud, Halley navigates through the world of English horse racing while dealing with personal struggles and relationships. The book offers a fast-paced, suspenseful story with a great look at the racing world, written by an insider, providing a mix of mystery, psychological insight, and action.
Sid Halley's character is portrayed as a likable protagonist facing challenges both physically and emotionally, adding depth and relatability to the story. The plot unfolds gradually with multiple subplots that come together in a logical and satisfying manner, keeping readers engaged and immersed in the world of horseracing and investigation. The book showcases Francis' ability to weave intricate plots, create interesting characters, and maintain suspense throughout the narrative, making it an enjoyable and compelling read.
How odd, I thought. Recharging the battery, and the manoeuvre needed to accomplish it, had become such second nature that I had done them instinctively, without conscious decision, like brushing my te...
(Also, see 39 recommendations for the series Sid Halley ) - #7
"The Ghost Riders of Ordebec" by Fred Vargas follows Commissaire Adamsberg as he investigates a series of murders in a Norman village with a subplot involving a young man wrongly accused of murder. The plot includes elements of the Middle Ages, old crimes resurfacing, and eccentric characters. The writing style is described as atmospheric, with a touch of the supernatural, quirky characters, and an intricate plot filled with humor and mayhem.
A trail of tiny breadcrumbs led from the kitchen into the bedroom, as far as the spotless sheets where the old woman lay dead, her mouth open. Commissaire Adamsberg looked down at the crumbs in silenc...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Commissaire Adamsberg ) - #8
'The Butterfly House' by Katrine Engberg is a Scandinavian crime novel that delves into a series of despicable murders connected to The Butterfly House. The story follows detectives Jeppe Körner and Anette Werner as they investigate the mysterious deaths linked to the former residential psychiatric treatment center. The plot unfolds with intricate mysteries, engaging characters, and multiple murder motives, all set against the backdrop of Copenhagen's vivid descriptions and the challenges faced by the protagonists in their personal lives. The author skillfully weaves together a high-paced mystery with elements of realism, compassion, and social commentary.
The narrative of 'The Butterfly House' captures the essence of a gripping murder mystery through the lens of well-developed characters, unexpected plot twists, and a thought-provoking exploration of societal norms and the mistreatment of vulnerable individuals. Engberg's writing style immerses readers in a rollercoaster of emotions, from the suspense of solving gruesome murders to the compassion shown towards the mentally ill and new parents navigating challenges. The book not only offers a thrilling whodunit but also sheds light on the impact of neglect and abuse within care facilities, resonating with themes of justice, redemption, and the complexities of human nature.
- #9
Part of the extended Inspector Rebus series, 'Fleshmarket Close' follows Inspector Rebus as he investigates the murder of an illegal immigrant in Edinburgh, while his colleague Siobhan pursues a missing teenager and a convicted rapist. The story unfolds with intertwined mysteries involving human trafficking, illegal immigrants, and the reappearance of old adversaries, set against the backdrop of modern Edinburgh. The novel delves into social issues such as racism, asylum seekers, and exploitation of immigrants, providing a dark and intriguing look into the complexities of life in Scotland.
The plot of 'Fleshmarket Close' is filled with twists and turns, red herrings, and a touch of humor, as Rebus and Siobhan navigate through a web of misdeeds, bureaucracy, and criminal activities. The book offers high-quality characterizations, a strong sense of place in Edinburgh, and keeps the reader engaged until the end with its complex storylines and well-developed characters.
Knoxland was a housing scheme on the western edge of Edinburgh, off Rebus’s patch. He was there because the West End guys were short-handed. He was also there because his own bosses couldn’t think wha...
(Also, see 17 recommendations for the series Inspector Rebus Short Stories/Novellas ) - #10
Alex Pavesi's 'The Eighth Detective' is a unique and clever novel that intertwines seven standalone mystery stories written by a reclusive mathematician, Grant McAllister, with the main narrative of an editor, Julia, seeking to republish these stories. Grant's mathematical theory of detective fiction is at the core of the book, as each story illustrates different permutations of murder mysteries. The book alternates between the readings of the stories and discussions between Julia and Grant, uncovering hidden contradictions and secrets that lead to a surprising revelation at the end.
The two suspects sat on mismatched furniture in the white and almost featureless lounge, waiting for something to happen. Between them an archway led to a slim, windowless staircase: a dim recess that...