Books matching: intricate plotting
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- #1
Save:'The Luminaries' by Eleanor Catton is a lengthy and densely plotted book set during the gold rush in New Zealand in 1865 and 1866. The story revolves around a death and a swindle, involving a fortune in gold found in the cabin of Crosbie Wells. The plot is intricate, involving theft, fraud, perjury, mysticism, and a large cast of characters, narrated from the point of view of twelve men. The novel unfolds through a complex tale of White colonists, Maori superstitions, and intricate character interactions, all tied together by an astrological chart.
The twelve men congregated in the smoking room of the Crown Hotel gave the impression of a party accidentally met. From the variety of their comportment and dress—frock coats, tailcoats, Norfolk jacke... - #2
Save:Putting on the Ritz by Joe Keenan is a comedic novel that follows the escapades of Philip Cavanaugh and his friend Gilbert Selwyn as they navigate the entertainment industry in New York City. The plot involves love, betrayal, and intricate schemes as the characters get entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation. The writing style is fast-paced, filled with humor, and features zany characters that come alive in insane scenarios.
- #3
Save:'The Game of Kings' by Dorothy Dunnett is a historical fiction novel set in the 16th century, primarily focusing on the adventures of the complex and enigmatic protagonist, Francis Crawford of Lymond. The book introduces readers to a world filled with war, betrayal, romance, and adventure, set against the backdrop of a meticulously researched historical setting. Through intricate plot threads and rich wordplay, the author paints a vivid picture of a Renaissance world where characters navigate through real stakes, dangers, and intricate political intrigues.
The narrative style of 'The Game of Kings' is described as dense, packed with classical and time-specific references, vernacular, and 16th-century wordplay. The story unfolds with elements of mystery and crime, as readers follow Lymond's journey to clear his tarnished reputation while encountering a diverse cast of characters and engaging in witty and erudite dialogues. Despite the initial challenges in getting into the book, readers find themselves immersed in a world filled with action, intrigue, and well-developed characters that keep them engaged throughout the story.
First of ye chekker sail be macioune maidAnd sync efter of ye proper movingOf every man in ordour to his kingAnd as the chekker schawis us yis forneRicht so it mayc the kinrik and the crowne,The wand ... - #4
Save:'When the Bough Breaks' by Jonathan Kellerman is the first book in the Alex Delaware series, introducing readers to Dr. Alex Delaware, a retired child psychologist who gets involved in a complex case with Detective Milo Sturgis. The storyline revolves around a double murder where the only witness is a young girl named Melody Quinn. As Alex delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a disturbing conspiracy involving child abuse and corruption in the glittering world of California. The writing style is described as engaging, with a good balance of plot complexity and character development, making it a gripping mystery.
A cool Pacific current had swept its way across the coastline for two days running, propelling the pollution to Pasadena. My house is nestled in the foothills just north of Bel Air, situated atop an o... - #5
Save:'London Bridges' by Jane Stevenson is a comedy mystery novel set in London, revolving around the intersections of various characters including lawyers, academics, and individuals involved in historical conservation. The plot involves skulduggery, manipulation, and rival efforts to control valuable land and property belonging to the monks of Mount Athos. The story unfolds through multiple plot lines, involving quirky characters, a crime, and a series of events that lead to a farcical and almost farcical resolution.
The book is a blend of erudite writing, humor, and a sense of place, with vivid descriptions of London and the surrounding areas. The narrative weaves together multiple subplots, including a treasure hunt, a murder mystery, and the forging of communities among a diverse upper-middle-class cast of professionals. The writing style is witty, entertaining, and engaging, offering a glimpse into contemporary London life while exploring themes of friendship, history, and human relationships in a light-hearted yet intriguing manner.
- #6
Save:The Coffee Trader by David Liss is a historical novel set in 17th-century Amsterdam, revolving around the world of coffee trading and the Dutch Commodities Exchange. The story follows Miguel Lienzo, a Portuguese Jew in debt, who teams up with a Dutchwoman named Geertruid to devise a risky scheme involving coffee trading. The narrative delves into themes of deceit, manipulation, financial intrigue, and complex relationships, all set against the backdrop of a bustling Amsterdam mercantile scene.
Liss employs a dual protagonist narrative style, providing insights into the characters' motivations and struggles. The book offers a rich historical backdrop, detailing the cultural and religious dynamics of Jewish society in Amsterdam during the 1600s. Through intricate plot twists and detailed descriptions, the novel explores themes of ambition, treachery, and the pursuit of wealth amidst a backdrop of historical events and financial schemes.
It rippled thickly in the bowl, dark and hot and uninviting. Miguel Lienzo picked it up and pulled it so close he almost dipped his nose into the tarry liquid. Holding the vessel still for an instant,... - #7
Save: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 ) - #8
Save:The Lake House by Kate Morton is a captivating mystery novel that weaves together the stories of Detective Sadie Sparrow and elderly crime writer Alice Edevane. The plot revolves around a 60-year-old unsolved missing persons case that tore apart the Edevane family. With intricate storytelling, alternating perspectives, and a mix of past and present timelines, the novel delves into family secrets, suspense, and the art of plotting the perfect crime. Set in Cornwall, the book explores themes of love, loss, family relationships, and the unraveling of mysteries, creating a compelling and suspenseful narrative.
Clouds covered the moon, a stroke of luck she didn’t deserve, and she made her way through the thick, black night as quickly as she could. She’d come earlier to dig the hole, but only now, under veil ... - #9
Save:"Golden Urchin" by Madeleine Brent follows the story of Mitji, a girl who is kidnapped and raised by an Aboriginal tribe. As she grows up, she believes she is a freak of nature left by the totem gods. After many years, she leaves the village, saves a man's life in the desert, and finds a new home, learning to live as a white woman. The plot takes readers on a journey from Australia to Switzerland to England and finally to Africa, where a shipwreck and a race for survival along the Skeleton Coast climax the adventure. The story is filled with excitement, romance, comedy, and tragedy, making it a captivating read that keeps readers engaged from the very first paragraph.
The writing style of Madeleine Brent in "Golden Urchin" is praised for its strong character development, intricate plots, and satisfactory conclusions. offers a unique perspective on the transformation of the main character, Meg, from her tribal past to a more conventional lifestyle, showcasing her growth and resilience. The exotic locations and problems faced by the characters provide an intriguing backdrop, with each of Brent's novels following a similar pattern of a young woman raised in an unusual setting who ultimately finds herself in England, using her unconventional background to solve challenges and find love.
- #10
Save:'How the Light Gets In' by Louise Penny is a gripping mystery novel in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series. The book follows Gamache as he delves into two intriguing mysteries, one involving high-level corruption and conspiracy within the Surete, and the other centered around the murder of an elderly woman who was part of a famous Canadian quintuplet. The plot weaves between these two mysteries, providing a fast-paced and compelling read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Penny's writing style is thoughtful and intelligent, with well-developed characters and intricate plotlines that come together seamlessly.
Audrey Villeneuve knew what she imagined could not possibly be happening. She was a grown woman and could tell the difference between real and imagined. But each morning as she drove through the Ville...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Chief Inspector Armand Gamache )
