Books matching: literary mystery
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Save:'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is a suspenseful novel set in an exclusive university where a Classics study group decides to commit murder, reminiscent of Eleusinian mysteries. The story follows a group of eccentric and privileged college students who get entangled in a web of their own making, leading to chilling events and profound changes in their lives. The writing style is erudite, literary, and intriguing, with a focus on character development and relationships, creating an evocative and convincing setting.
Does such a thing as 'the fatal flaw,' that showy dark crack running down the middle of a life, exist outside literature? I used to think it didn't. Now I think it does. And I think that mine is this:... - #2
Save:'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a medieval murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery where Brother William of Baskerville investigates charges of heresy as monks begin to die one by one. The book delves into the complexities of religious factions, beliefs, and conflicts during a time of political and religious unrest, with a central mystery surrounding rare parchments in the library. Eco's writing style combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and intellectual discourse, exploring themes of doubt, belief, signs, meaning, and ambiguity.
ON AUGUST 16, 1968, I WAS HANDED A BOOK WRITTEN BY A CERTAIN Abbé Vallet, Le Manuscrit de Dom Adson de Melk, traduit en français d’après l’édition de Dom J. Mabillon (Aux Presses de l’Abbaye de la Sou... - #3
Save:'Case Histories' by Kate Atkinson follows the story of private detective Jackson Brodie as he investigates three cold cases that are more intriguing than the infidelity case he is initially hired for. The novel weaves together separate mysteries, each with its own set of characters and events, eventually converging in unexpected ways. Atkinson's writing style is described as unconventional, with alternating points of view and a non-linear timeline that keeps the reader engaged and surprised. The book delves into the complexities of family relationships, unresolved past traumas, and the personal struggles of the protagonist, Jackson Brodie.
How lucky were they? A heat wave in the middle of the school holidays, exactly where it belonged. Every morning the sun was up long before they were, making a mockery of the flimsy summer curtains tha... - #4
Save:'The Crow Trap' in the Vera Stanhope series by Ann Cleeves follows the investigation led by Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope into a series of murders and betrayals intertwined with an environmental survey for a proposed quarry. The narrative delves into the lives of three women conducting the survey, each with their own secrets and troubles, before Vera makes a late but impactful entrance, taking charge with her unconventional and captivating approach to detection. The story is a mix of psychological suspense, intricate character backgrounds, and a murder mystery that keeps the reader engaged until the end.
The plot of 'The Crow Trap' unfolds in Northumberland, England, with a contemporary setting that intertwines environmental issues with the complexities of human nature. Ann Cleeves' writing style expertly weaves together multiple storylines, gradually introducing the characters before Vera Stanhope's entrance shifts the focus to her no-nonsense investigative methods. combines elements of psychological suspense, character-driven narratives, and a unique detective story, offering a blend of intricate storytelling and atmospheric descriptions that keep readers intrigued.
Rachael turned off the metal led road, then stopped with a jerk. There was a new tubular steel gate and she’d almost driven into it. One of the Holme Park tenants trying to impress. A ewe with a tatty... - #5
Save:Set in the Shetland Islands, 'Raven Black' by Ann Cleeves follows Inspector Jimmy Perez as he investigates the murder of a teenage girl, uncovering a complex web of suspects and motives. The story is filled with twists and turns, drawing readers into a world of quiet contemplation and intriguing characters. The atmospheric writing style immerses the reader in the desolate yet captivating setting of the Shetland Islands, adding depth to the mystery.
Twenty past one in the morning on New Year’s Day. Magnus knew the time because of the fat clock, his mother’s clock, which squatted on the shelf over the fire. In the corner the raven in the wicker ca... - #6
Save:'The 71/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton is a complex murder mystery novel set in a country estate where the protagonist, Aiden Bishop, wakes up in a different body each day to solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle. The plot unfolds in a Groundhog Day-like scenario where Aiden must navigate through various perspectives and characters to unravel the mystery. The writing style is described as intricate, original, and engaging, offering a unique blend of genres like murder mystery, time travel, and psychological thriller.
My mind has gone blank. I don’t know who Anna is or why I’m calling her name. I don’t even know how I got here. I’m standing in a forest, shielding my eyes from the spitting rain. My heart’s thumping,... - #7
Save:'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie is a classic mystery novel featuring detective Hercule Poirot. The story unfolds on a train stranded in a snowdrift where a murder occurs, leading Poirot to investigate the passengers and their motives. The plot is intricately woven, with clues and red herrings that keep the reader guessing until the surprising conclusion. The writing style of Christie is described as timeless, with a touch of elegance and charm that adds to the overall enjoyment of the novel.
It was five o’clock on a winter’s morning in Syria. Alongside the platform at Aleppo stood the train grandly designated in railway guides as the Taurus Express. It consisted of a kitchen and dining ca... - #8
Save:The Magus by John Fowles is a complex and mysterious novel set in Greece, following the story of Nicholas Urfe, a self-absorbed Englishman who takes a teaching position on a Greek island. Nicholas finds himself entangled in a series of mind games and deceit orchestrated by the eccentric millionaire Maurice Conchis. The plot twists and turns, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, questioning themes of freedom, power, knowledge, and love. The writing style is described as beautifully written, suspenseful, and engaging, with a mix of psychological mind games and supernatural events that keep the reader intrigued.
I was born in 1927, the only child of middle-class parents, both English, and themselves born in the grotesquely elongated shadow, which they never rose sufficiently above history to leave, of that mo... - #9
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... - #10
Save:'The Daughter of Time' by Josephine Tey follows Inspector Alan Grant, a Scotland Yard detective who is recuperating in the hospital and becomes intrigued by the portrait of Richard III. While bedridden, Grant decides to investigate the historical mystery of the Princes in the Tower, challenging the conventional narrative of Richard III as a villain. With the help of a young American researcher, Grant delves into the past to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the young princes, using modern policing methods to analyze historical events and characters.
The novel cleverly intertwines past and present, blending elements of historical fiction and mystery as Inspector Grant questions the established narrative surrounding Richard III's reign and the fate of the princes. Through meticulous research and analysis, Grant challenges long-held beliefs about Richard III, leading readers on a journey of intrigue, betrayal, and historical revisionism that ultimately sheds light on the complexities of British history and the power of perception.
Grant lay on his high white cot and stared at the ceiling. Stared at it with loathing. He knew by heart every last minute crack on its nice clean surface. He had made maps of the ceiling and gone expl...
