Books matching: ironic humor
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- #11
Save:When adventurous detectives, Cass, an ever vigilant survivalist, and Max Ernest, a boy driven by logic, discover the Symphony of Smells, a box filled with smelly vials of colorful ingredients, they accidentally stumble upon a mystery surrounding a dead magician's diary and the hunt for immortality. The tale of mystery, magic, and adventure has a narrator who is determined not to give away The Secret, hilariously inserting himself into the narrative when he thinks the reader needs protecting. The story revolves around two surprisingly talented kids, Cass and Max Ernest, who are about to have the adventure of their life, filled with over-the-top secrecy and clues from a missing magician that lead them into dangerous situations.
The book presents a cool concept, a mystery novel for middle-grade readers, where characters' real names and many other details about their lives are protected, and the author himself hides his identity while interacting with the reader. The writing style is reminiscent of Lemony Snicket, with the author toying with the reader by offering teasers and new vocabulary, making it an enjoyable and fun read, especially for younger readers who enjoy magical adventure stories.
She had no idea what a sensorium was – unless it was one of those isolation tanks she’d heard about. You know, the ones in which people are submerged in water until they regress all the way back to be... - #12Pride and Prejudice and ZombiesBook 1 in the series:Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Save:"Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" is a unique twist on Jane Austen's classic novel, blending Regency-era romance with a zombie apocalypse. The book follows the Bennet sisters, trained martial warriors skilled in zombie combat, as they navigate the challenges of society and fend off the undead. The story retains the major characters and events from the original "Pride and Prejudice," with added elements of dark comedy and action. The writing style combines Austen's classic prose with humorous zombie elements, creating a blend of romance, humor, and horror.
The book's plot revolves around the Bennett sisters' dual roles as zombie slayers and potential suitors in a society plagued by the undead. It presents a satirical take on the societal norms of the Regency era while infusing elements of zombie mayhem and martial arts combat. The author seamlessly integrates the zombie subplot into Austen's original narrative, offering readers a fresh and entertaining perspective on a beloved classic.
TILL ELIZABETH ENTERED the drawing-room at Netherfield, and looked in vain for Mr. Wickham among the cluster of redcoats there as of his heart, trusting that it was not more than might be won in the c... - #13
Save:'Swallows and Amazons' by Arthur Ransome is a children's book set in the summer of 1929, where a family of children go sailing in the Lake District, camping on an island while their mother stays on the shore. The book follows their adventures, which involve exploring the island, making friends, dealing with potential problems in a civilized manner, and engaging in real adventures complete with danger, action, and a triumphant resolution. The writing style is described as charming, with vivid nature descriptions, affectionate character development, and occasional humor that ranges from charming to hilarious.
The book is praised for its nostalgic value, reminding readers of a time when children were less supervised and more independent in their explorations. It is noted for being a wholesome and charming read, with a sense of adventure and imagination that captures the essence of childhood. The story is described as engaging, compelling, and timeless, offering a blend of real adventures, imagination, and well-developed characters that resonate with both children and adults.
ROGER, AGED SEVEN, and no longer the youngest of the family, ran in wide zigzags, to and fro, across the steep field that sloped up from the lake to Holly Howe, the farm where they were staying for pa... - #14
Save:The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross is a blend of high-tech espionage, Lovecraftian horrors, and bureaucratic satire. The story follows Bob Howard, a civil servant operative working for a secret British government agency known as The Laundry, dedicated to protecting the world from supernatural threats using mathematics and computer science. The book features a mix of horror, humor, and spy thriller elements, with a dash of wry humor and a dollop of horror, making it a compelling and entertaining read for fans of geeky, tech-heavy narratives.
“THE ATROCITY ARCHIVE” IS A SCIENCE FICTION novel. Its form is that of a horror thriller with lots of laughs, some of them uneasy. Its basic premise is that mathematics can be magic. Its lesser premis... - #15
Save:Detective John Corey, recovering from gunshot wounds, is pulled into a murder investigation involving two biochemists from Plum Island. As Corey delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers secrets about biological weapons, buried pirate treasure, and a thrilling speedboat chase during a hurricane. The book is a fast-paced thriller set on the North Fork of Long Island, filled with dead bodies, murder mystery, treasure hunting, and witty dialogue from the sarcastic main character.
Through my binoculars, I could see this nice forty-something-foot cabin cruiser anchored a few hundred yards offshore. There were two thirtyish couples aboard, having a merry old time, sunbathing, ban... - #16
Save:'Jackaby' by William Ritter is a young adult historical fantasy set in 1890 that follows the adventures of Abigail Rook, a girl who seeks excitement and ends up as the assistant to the eccentric paranormal investigator Jackaby. The story is filled with folklore, mythology, religion, and the supernatural, reminiscent of a Sherlock Holmes-style detective novel. Despite being a fun and light read, the plot is straightforward, making it more suitable for young readers looking for an entertaining mystery with quirky characters and supernatural elements.
It was late January, and New England wore a fresh coat of snow as I stepped along the gangplank to the shore. The city of New Fiddleham glistened in the fading dusk, lamplight playing across the icy b... - #17
Save:'Surface Detail' by Iain M. Banks is a sprawling epic Space Opera set in the Culture universe, involving a complex interstellar conflict over the use of virtual hells, where the preserved consciousnesses of the deceased are tortured. The story follows the character Lededje Y'breq seeking revenge against her former master while exploring themes of ethics, justice, revenge, and political expediency. The book features witty AI Minds, space battles, virtual conflicts, and a mix of grisly, violent action and sly humor.
The plot of 'Surface Detail' revolves around a battle for the afterlife, with various plotlines converging by the end. The writing style is described as clear and easy to follow, with moments of fun and an exciting conclusion. The book presents a positive vision of the future, blending inventive plot elements with a mix of humor and deep moral questions, characteristic of Banks' Culture novels.
She heard one of them say this, only ten or so metres away in the darkness. Even over her fear, the sheer naked terror of being hunted, she felt a shiver of excitement, of something like triumph, when...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Culture ) - #18
Save:In 'Started Early, Took My Dog', the narrative follows ex-detective Jackson Brodie as he delves into a case involving an adopted woman searching for her birth parents, intertwined with the story of Tracy Waterhouse, a retired police detective who impulsively buys a child from an abusive prostitute. The plot weaves together themes of murdered prostitutes, lost and stolen children, police corruption, and the vulnerabilities of women and children, set against the backdrop of West Yorkshire. The writing style is described as multi-layered, with fragmented and disconnected beginnings that eventually pull together to create an intriguing mystery with a satisfying sense of urgency towards the end.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Jackson Brodie ) - #19
Save:Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie is a story about Nell Dysart, a divorcee who finds herself working at a detective agency run by Gabe McKenna. The book follows Nell's journey of self-discovery and empowerment as she navigates through a complex plot involving embezzlement, murder, and unraveling family secrets. The writing style is described as witty, fast-paced, and filled with humor, romance, and intriguing character dynamics.
The man be-hind the clut-te-red desk lo-oked li-ke the de-vil, and Nell Dysart fi-gu-red that was par for her co-ur-se sin-ce she'd be-en go-ing to hell for a ye-ar and a half an-y-way. Me-eting Gab-r... - #20
Save:The Choirboys by Joseph Wambaugh is a darkly humorous and gritty novel that delves into the lives of a group of hard-drinking cops in Los Angeles during the 1970s. The plot revolves around the cops' unconventional stress relief method - choir practice, which involves booze, drugs, and group sex in a local park. Through interconnected stories, the author establishes a cast of memorable yet flawed characters, exploring their partnerships, investigations, and the inevitable downfall that follows their reckless behavior. The book offers a raw and unapologetic look at cop culture, blending humor, tragedy, and shocking revelations about the realities of policing in a tumultuous era.
The man most deserving of credit for keeping the MacArthur Park killing out of the newspapers before it brought discredit to the Los Angeles Police Department was Commander Hector Moss. It was perhaps...
