Books matching: investigation of historical murders
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- #1
Save:A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee follows the story of 17-year-old Felicity Morrow, who returns to her elite boarding school after taking a year off for her mental health. Haunted by the death of her best friend Alex, Felicity is drawn into a plot with mysterious teen writer Ellis Haley to investigate the deaths of the infamous Dalloway Five. As Felicity delves deeper into the past, she must confront her own guilt and unravel the truth behind the tragedies that occurred at the school. The book is a beautifully written dark academia novel filled with suspense, vivid descriptions, and intricate character relationships that keep the reader hooked until the very end.
Dalloway School rises from the Catskill foothills like a crown upon an auburn head. Accessible only by gravel road and flanked by a mirror-glass lake to the east, its brick-faced buildings stand with ... - #2
Save:'Jar City' by Arnaldur Indridason is a murder mystery set in Reykjavik, Iceland, following Inspector Erlendur as he investigates the killing of a solitary man found murdered in his apartment. The story delves into the dead man's past, revealing a connection to an unsolved crime from forty years earlier. The plot unfolds with Inspector Erlendur's dedication to following subtle clues, blending past events with current ones, and taking readers through a dark and intriguing investigation. The writing style is noted for its sparseness, attention to detail, and the author's ability to weave together past and present in a compelling manner.
It was the body of a man of about 70. He was lying on the floor on his right side, against the sofa in a small sitting room, wearing a blue shirt and fawn corduroy trousers. He wore slippers on his fe... - #3
Save:After the Silence by Louise O'Neill is a murder mystery novel that unfolds through multiple time frames, revealing secrets and uncovering the truth about a ten-year-old unsolved murder on an island off West Cork. The plot is driven by the making of an investigative documentary, seamlessly moving between past and present events while exploring themes of domestic violence on physical and psychological levels. The writing style captivates readers with a unique structure that includes interviews, past and present character stories, creating a compelling narrative resembling the making of a documentary.
- #4
Save:'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... - #5
Save:Outsider in Amsterdam by Janwillem van de Wetering is a mystery novel set in Amsterdam, following the detectives Adjutant Grijpstra and Sergeant de Gier as they investigate the death of Piet Verboom, the proprietor of the Hindist Society. The book is known for its well-developed main characters, quirky humor, and insights into Dutch culture. The story is a character-driven investigation that delves into the city of Amsterdam, providing an engaging and well-written mystery with interesting and multi-dimensional characters.
He had arrived at his destination, Haarlemmer Houttuinen, number 5, and the high narrow gable house was waiting for him. He studied the gable house and frowned. The house had a body in it, a dead body... - #6
Save:'The Wench is Dead' by Colin Dexter follows Inspector Morse as he investigates a century-old murder case while recovering in the hospital. Despite being an unusual storyline for the series, readers found the plot cleverly positioned, with Morse's investigation into a historical crime adding an intriguing twist to the usual murder mysteries. Dexter's writing style was praised for its cleverness and use of historical elements, making the story both enjoyable and engaging.
Intermittently, on the Tuesday, he felt sick. Frequently, on the Wednesday, he was sick. On the Thursday, he felt sick frequently, but was actually sick only intermittently. With difficulty, early on ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Inspector Morse ) - #7
Save:In "Lord John and the Private Matter," readers are introduced to Major Lord John Grey, a closeted gay aristocratic officer in His Majesty's Army, who finds himself entangled in a murder mystery spy thriller set in 18th century London. The story follows Lord John as he navigates through the parallel worlds of London, from male prostitutes to elegant aristocratic events, while investigating stolen military documents, a brothel, a molly house, syphilis, cross-dressing, and murder. The plot is rich in historical detail and features a convoluted mystery that eventually unravels, showcasing the protagonist's honorable character and struggles with societal expectations.
The writing style of Diana Gabaldon in this novel is described as brisk, detailed, and engaging, with a breakneck pace that immerses readers in the sights and smells of London in June. The book offers a fun and light-hearted read, providing a glimpse into Lord John Grey's life and challenges, including his homosexuality and the need for secrecy in a time where such relationships were taboo. Despite some readers finding the plot slow at times, the book is praised for its vivid setting, good research, and the protagonist's likable nature.
The thing was scarcely shocking in itself; Lord John Grey had seen worse, could see worse now, merely by stepping out of the Beefsteak into the street. The flower girl who’d sold him a bunch of violet... - #8
Save:In 'Breaking Blue' by Timothy Egan, readers are taken on a journey to Spokane, Washington in the 1930s, where an unsolved murder of a law enforcement officer unfolds. The story follows Sheriff Anthony Bamonte's relentless pursuit of the truth, despite facing corruption within the police force and challenges due to the passage of time. Egan weaves a narrative that delves into crime, police corruption, and the quest for justice, providing a historical account of lawlessness during the Great Depression era.
The book is praised for its detailed exploration of the 1935 murder in the inland northwest, shedding light on the troubled times of the depression and the moral complexities surrounding law enforcement. Egan's writing style captivates readers with its engrossing storytelling, highlighting the noble efforts of Sheriff Bamonte in uncovering the truth behind the unsolved crime, showcasing the author's dedication to thorough research and compelling narrative.
WHEN IT CAME TIME for Bill Parsons to die, he crumpled into his wife’s arms and started talking about the things cops seldom share with the women in their lives. She ran her fingers through his hair, ... - #9
Save:'The Unquiet Dead' by Ausma Zehanat Khan revolves around Esa Khattak, head of Canada's Community Policing Section, and his partner Rachel Getty as they investigate the death of Christopher Drayton, which may be linked to Bosnian war crimes. The author skillfully weaves in personal narratives of the police officers while uncovering layers of subterfuge and exploring the horrors of the Bosnian War. The plot delves into themes of human atrocities, the consequences of war, and the complexities of identity, all set against the backdrop of a gripping mystery.
The narrative in 'The Unquiet Dead' is interspersed with historical details from the Bosnian War, providing a compelling history lesson and raising thought-provoking questions about violence, nationalism, and justice. Khan's writing style is praised for its intelligence, engaging storytelling, and the way it intertwines the personal lives of the characters with broader societal issues. offers a unique perspective on crime fiction by focusing on character development, real-life atrocities, and the intricate connections between individuals in a complex and morally ambiguous world.
Esa Khattak turned his head to the right, offering the universal salaam at the conclusion of the evening prayer. He was seated with his legs folded beneath him on a prayer rug woven by his ancestors f... - #10
Save:In 'The Fifth Heart' by Dan Simmons, readers are taken on a journey where Sherlock Holmes and Henry James unexpectedly meet in Paris, contemplating suicide by drowning in the Seine. Holmes enlists James to help solve a mystery involving notable families in Washington, D.C., and a plot to assassinate President Grover Cleveland. The book seamlessly blends the fictional life of Sherlock Holmes with the literary life of Henry James, exploring themes of identity and reality in a historical setting of late 19th-century America and Europe. Despite some readers finding the story meandering at times, the book is praised for its intriguing plot, well-researched historical details, and the unique combination of real and created characters.
In the rainy March of 1893, for reasons that no one understands (primarily because no one besides us is aware of this story), the London-based American author Henry James decided to spend his April 15...
