Books matching: murder and kidnapping
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- #1
Save:Not your usual Poirot - think boarding school drama meets jewel heist and international intrigue, all tied together by Christie's trademark wit and a brilliant cast of women. Entertaining, if not flawless, and best read with an open mind.
Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie is a mystery novel set at a prestigious girls' school in England, Meadowbank, where a series of murders and a kidnapping unfold. The story involves international intrigue related to a cache of jewels from a Middle Eastern country, adding a unique twist to the plot. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, leading to a surprising climax that keeps readers engaged till the end. Despite Hercule Poirot's late appearance in the story, the young detective Julia Upjohn plays a significant role in unraveling the mysteries alongside a cast of intriguing characters.
The book is praised for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and the seamless blending of elements like murder, kidnapping, and political intrigue within the school setting. Agatha Christie's writing style shines through in her ability to create a compelling mystery that keeps readers guessing until the final reveal. The story unfolds smoothly, with clever red herrings and unexpected plot developments that add depth to the narrative, making it a captivating read for fans of the mystery genre.
In the Palace of Ramat, two young men sat smoking and considering the immediate future. One young man was dark, with a smooth olive face and large melancholy eyes. He was Prince Ali Yusuf, Hereditary... - #2
Save:Bryan Smith takes you on a thrill ride full of murder, violence, gore, car chases, and sexual escapades in '68 Kill'. The story starts with the protagonist, Chip, participating in a burglary with his girlfriend that quickly escalates into a double murder and kidnapping. The narrative evolves into a gory blood-drenched thrill ride, showcasing constant sexual encounters that leave reality at the door. The book is described as a short, fast, and entertaining story, offering a vivid picture of each character despite its brevity.
Chip, the main protagonist, faces relentless obstacles over the span of only 2 days, showcasing his resilience and inner strength amidst chaos. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, leading to surprising developments and presenting the pulpy goodness Bryan Smith is known for. Despite the constant action and violence, the book also delves into themes of personal change and evolution, making it a thrilling road heist novel with characters who undergo significant transformations.
June 2013•256 pages - #3
Save:The Grand Babylon Hotel is an old-fashioned mystery set in Edwardian England, featuring a cast of interesting characters including an American millionaire, his daughter, European minor nobility, eminences, and despicable villains. The plot is described as charming, approachable, and fast-paced, with a surprisingly modern strong and smart female protagonist. The story involves murder, kidnap, and a foreign prince, playing out like a John Buchan novel, making it a gripping and entertaining read.
1902•226 pages - #4
Save:A vivid, satisfying blend of fantasy and mystery with a strong female lead - worth picking up if you love immersive worlds and character-driven stories, but the diary style and slower pace might not be for everyone.
"Terrier" by Tamora Pierce is a high medieval fantasy novel that follows the story of Beka Cooper, a trainee for the Provost's Guard in a rough and crime-ridden neighborhood. The book is written in a journal format, offering a first-person perspective on Beka's journey as she uses her magical talents, special skills, and determination to solve murder mysteries and crimes while navigating through her training and growth into adulthood. Set in the world of Tortall, the story provides a unique view from the bottom, focusing on the lives of thieves and police, and introduces a strong female protagonist with a strong sense of justice and a tenacious attitude.
Beka, also known as Terrier for her relentless pursuit of solving cases, faces challenges such as kidnappings, murders, and uncovering crimes in the poverty-stricken streets of the lower city. With the help of her friends and her ability to communicate with the dead, Beka tackles various cases that test her skills and determination, all while portraying a gritty and imaginative world filled with magic, adventure, and mystery.
In all those lessons for which I was made to memorize chants and prayers I never used, couldn’t our temple priestesses have taught one—just one!—lesson on what to do with a boy who is too smart for hi...2006•599 pages - #5
Save:A page-turning thriller and solid series starter, perfect for crime lovers craving suspense and quick chapters - but less appealing for those wanting depth, polish, or originality.
'Along Came a Spider' by James Patterson is the first novel in the Alex Cross series, introducing readers to the brilliant homicide detective and forensic psychologist, Alex Cross. The plot revolves around Cross investigating the kidnapping of two children from high-profile families by a psychotic school teacher, Gary Soneji. The book is a psychological thriller that delves into the mind of the deranged killer, while also exploring themes of class, authority, and psychology. The writing style is fast-paced and suspenseful, keeping readers guessing and engaged throughout the story.
The narrative unfolds as Cross, along with a female supervisor of the Secret Service, Jezzie Flanagan, is pitted against Soneji in a suspenseful triangle. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, leading to a thrilling and action-packed read. The book showcases Cross's complex character, his flaws, and his humanity, making him a compelling protagonist in the crime thriller genre.
EARLY ON THE MORNING of December 21, 1992, I was the picture of contentment on the sun porch of our house on 5th Street in Washington, D.C. The small, narrow room was cluttered with mildewing winter c...1992•517 pages - #6
Save:A fast, fun start to a beloved urban fantasy series - great for fans of kick-butt heroines and supernatural mystery, but if you’re looking for something groundbreaking, you may find it a bit tropey.
"Moon Called" by Patricia Briggs follows the story of Mercy Thompson, a Volkswagen mechanic who is also a shapeshifter able to transform into a coyote. Living in a small town in Washington state, Mercy navigates her life while trying to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring groups of werewolves and vampires. When a newly turned werewolf seeks her help, Mercy gets entangled in a complex intrigue involving the politics of various supernatural creatures in the area. Despite some clumsy exposition at times, readers are drawn into an alternate world with a captivating mix of characters and engaging storytelling.
Mercy's character is portrayed as a strong, relatable, and likable protagonist who faces challenges and mysteries within a world populated by werewolves, vampires, and faeries. offers a unique blend of paranormal elements, fast-paced action, and intriguing relationships, setting the stage for a series filled with supernatural adventures and unexpected twists.
I didn’t realize he was a werewolf at first. My nose isn’t at its best when surrounded by axle grease and burnt oil—and it’s not like there are a lot of stray werewolves running around. So when someon...2005•308 pages - #7
Save:A suspenseful, easy-to-read thriller packed with drama - perfect for fans of classic mysteries, though it may not blow everyone away.
"A Stranger Is Watching" by Mary Higgins Clark is a suspenseful mystery thriller that follows the story of a man named Steve Peterson whose wife was murdered, and he is left to raise his young son, Neil. As Steve starts to fall in love with a journalist named Sharon Martin, their lives are thrown into chaos when Sharon and Neil are kidnapped by a mysterious stranger. The kidnapper plans to set off a bomb while a convicted murderer, Ronald Thompson, is set to be executed, creating a tense race against time for Steve to save his loved ones. The book is known for its fast-paced plot, engaging storytelling, and vivid descriptions of characters and settings, such as Grand Central Station.
The narrative of "A Stranger Is Watching" is told from multiple character viewpoints, adding depth and intensity to the story. The book delves into themes of grief, justice, and the use of the death penalty, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through a web of suspense, twists, and unexpected revelations. With a gripping plot that unfolds over two days, the book offers a captivating reading experience that explores the complexities of human emotions and motivations amidst a high-stakes kidnapping and murder investigation.
1977•322 pages - #8
Save:Not for the faint of heart! Passion & Venom is a brutal, unfiltered dark romance that’ll captivate fans of wild mafia stories but may turn off anyone looking for subtlety, sweetness, or sensitive themes.
PASSION & VENOM tells the story of Gianna, a strong-willed woman whose life takes a dark turn when her husband is killed on their wedding day, and she is kidnapped by a ruthless captor named Draco Molina. Despite facing extreme violence and threats, Gianna refuses to back down and is determined to outsmart her captors in order to survive. The book is described as a wild and crazy ride, full of suspense, dark romance, and shocking twists that keep readers captivated.
The bells are chiming and the doves I begged Toni for fly past our newlywed heads. Everyone stands on the sidelines, smiling and cheering for us, celebrating our unity. Celebrating us on the Gulf of M...October 2016•188 pages - #9
Save:'Murder Book' by Thomas Perry follows the story of Harry Duncan, a former police officer turned private investigator, who is sent to a small Midwest town to investigate organized crime. As Harry delves deeper into the case, he uncovers an intricate web of crime and corruption, leading to unexpected twists and turns. The writing style is described as action-packed, with a focus on character development and intricate plot details. combines elements of suspense, mystery, and thriller, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.
January 2023•409 pages - #10
Save:A fun, genre-blending ride through historic NYC with feisty characters and plenty of ghostly intrigue - perfect for historical mystery fans who don’t mind a little magic in the mix!
Rose Gallagher, a housemaid on Fifth Avenue, embarks on a daring mission to find her missing employer, Mr. Thomas Wiltshire. Unraveling a world of ghosts, shades, and occult wonders, Rose navigates through a fast-paced paranormal adventure with elements of romance sprinkled in. Set in Gilded Age Manhattan in 1886, the novel follows Rose's journey as she defies societal norms and dives into a mysterious case involving murder, kidnapping, Irish gangs, Pinkerton agents, witches, and more. The story is narrated in the first person from Rose's perspective, offering an intimate look into her character and the atmospheric setting of historic New York.
As I tell you this story, I’ll thank you to remember that I was young and in love. That’s not an excuse, but if you’re looking to understand what happened on that day in January 1886—what really happe...October 2018•399 pages
