Books matching: light hearted crime fiction
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- #1
Save:Georgette Heyer's 'Death in the Stocks' is a murder mystery set in a village where Arnold Vereker is found dead, locked in the stocks. The plot revolves around suspicion falling on his immediate family, the eccentric Vereker siblings, Kenneth and Antonia. The story is filled with plot twists, red herrings, and witty dialogues, all leading to the resolution of the murder by Inspector Hannasyde and his encounters with the madly eccentric Vereker family.
The book features quirky characters, humorous conversations, and a classic murder mystery vibe with a touch of romance. As the investigation unfolds, secrets, motives, and lies are unraveled, keeping the reader engaged till the very end. Georgette Heyer's writing style shines through with witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and a plot that keeps the reader guessing till the final pages.
It was past midnight, and the people who lived in the cottages that clustered round the triangular green had long since gone to bed and to sleep. No lamp shone in any window, but a full moon sailed in... - #2
Save:The Stranger, the first book in The Labyrinths of Echo series, follows Max as he enters a magical new dimension and befriends a strange Magician named Sir Juffin Hulley, leading to a series of mysterious adventures involving dark magic. The book is a blend of fantasy, horror, philosophy, and dark comedy, with each chapter presenting a new mystery filled with intriguing magical elements and well-crafted storytelling.
Max Frei, the author, introduces readers to a parallel world where magic is a daily practice, and the protagonist, Sir Max, becomes a member of the Department of Absolute Order, solving extravagant and unreal cases that take him on a journey through a strange and unhinged universe. The writing style is described as whimsical, lighthearted, and full of unexpected twists and turns, making the book engaging and entertaining for readers who enjoy fantasy detective fiction.
We were given a warm welcome at the Glutton Bunba, the best pub in Echo. We sat down at our favorite table between the bar (they say it’s the longest in the whole city) and the courtyard window. I sat... - #3
Save:The Shortest Way to Hades by Sarah Caudwell is a witty murder mystery featuring the amateur sleuth Professor Hilary Tamar. The plot revolves around a family trust arrangement that needs to be changed to avoid hefty taxes upon the matriarch's death. However, when a young member of the family dies in suspicious circumstances, Professor Tamar must investigate to prevent further tragedies. The writing style is described as verbose and stilted at times, with passages of legal language that may distance the reader from the characters and action. Despite this, the book is praised for its dry British humor, literary references, and charming prose style.
Awaiting me in my pigeon-hole at the porter’s lodge of St. George’s College, the message perplexed me more than a little. If my former pupil Timothy Shepherd, now in practice as a barrister in Lincoln...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hilary Tamar ) - #4
Save:The Switch by Elmore Leonard follows the story of Louis Gara and Ordell Robbie, who plan a kidnapping that goes awry. The plot involves a crooked land developer's wife, Mickey Dawson, being held for ransom. The book is noted for its witty dialogue, well-rounded characters, and unexpected twists. Readers will appreciate the intricate development of nefarious characters and the engaging storyline filled with surprises and humor.
Frank, holding the door open, said, “Get in the car, okay?” He wasn’t going to say anything else. He handed her his golf trophy to hold, walked around and tipped the club parking boy a dollar. Mickey ... - #5
Save:'The Red House Mystery' by A.A. Milne is a classic golden age country house locked room novel written in 1922. The story revolves around a murder that takes place in a family mansion when a prodigal brother returns home. The plot includes various tropes common in English mysteries of the time, such as a manor house setting, house party guests, slow-witted police, secret passages, and upper-class behavior. The amateur detective, Antony Gillingham, along with his friend Bill Beverley, sets out to solve the murder mystery, reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Watson, in a relaxed and charming manner.
The book is described as a delightful and frothy read with unexpected twists and turns, a witty dialogue, and a lack of gore and violence despite the murder. The writing style is praised for being charming, engaging, and evoking the early 1920s English country manor life. Despite some predictable elements, the book offers a fun and entertaining experience for readers who enjoy the golden age of detective fiction.
In the drowsy heat of the summer afternoon the Red House was taking itssiesta. There was a lazy murmur of bees in the flower-borders, a gentlecooing of pigeons in the tops of the elms. From distant la... - #6
Save:In 'The Poisoned Chocolates Case' by Anthony Berkeley, a group of amateur detectives, known as the Crime Circle, gathers to solve a murder mystery involving a box of poisoned chocolates that resulted in a man's death. Each member presents their theory on the crime over consecutive nights, leading to a series of divergent conclusions and a metafictional exploration of detective novel crafting. The book offers a delightful blend of humor, intricate deductions, and clever characterizations typical of Golden Age mysteries, set in a British upper-class society of the 1920s.
Berkeley's writing style cleverly dissects the conventions of traditional detective fiction, offering multiple solutions to the same crime through the perspectives of different characters. The narrative unfolds in a light-hearted and engaging manner, showcasing the author's expertise in creating a complex yet accessible mystery plot that keeps readers entertained and guessing until the final reveal.
Through the haze of cigarette-smoke eager voices reached his ears from all directions, prattling joyfully upon this and that connected with murder, poisons and sudden death. For this was his own, his ... - #7
Save:In "The Burning Issue of the Day," readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the early 1900s with the irreverent Armstrong and intellectual Lady Hardcastle as they navigate mysteries involving investigative reporting, women's rights, new motor cars, and stolen gold. The duo, along with a new amateur detective and a lady journalist, work together to solve crimes, bringing intrigue, humor, and banter into the mix. The story unfolds with Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong tackling murder mysteries, breaking societal conventions, and engaging in witty conversations while exploring the suffragist movement in Bristol, England.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series A Lady Hardcastle Mystery ) - #8
Save:'The Quiche of Death' in the Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Beaton is a cozy mystery set in a sleepy English village. The plot revolves around Agatha Raisin, a flawed older woman who solves murders in the picturesque countryside. The writing style is described as light-hearted, funny, and entertaining, with relatively short novels that are easy to finish.
- #9
Save:The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter follows Maggie Chase, a mystery author, and Ethan Wyatt, a bestselling thriller writer. They gather at a secluded English estate for a Christmas house party, but when their host mysteriously disappears, they must work together to solve the whodunnit. The book combines elements of cozy mystery with a festive romance, providing a light-hearted and engaging read for the holidays.
The writing style is engaging and accessible, with short chapters that make it easy to read. The characters are well-developed, and their dynamic is filled with witty banter and growth. Although some readers may find the twists predictable, the strong character development and charming holiday setting keep the story enjoyable. Overall, it's a delightful mix of romance and mystery, perfect for fans of both genres.
- #10
Save:In "The Automatic Detective" by A. Lee Martinez, readers are taken on a thrilling ride through Empire City where we follow Mack Megaton, a sentient robot who transitions from being a taxicab driver to a private eye. The book combines elements of classic detective noir with modern science fiction, creating a unique blend of humor, action, and mystery. As Mack delves into the disappearance of his neighbors, he uncovers a massive conspiracy that puts the entire city at risk, all while navigating his own journey of self-discovery and striving for acceptance in a society that views robots as second-class citizens.
But Technotopia was the official party line, along with the motto "Building Tomorrow's Town. Today." I guess it all depended on what you thought the future should look like. If you were looking for a ...
