Books matching: murder investigation plot
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- #1
Save:A well-crafted medieval mystery that's perfect for history buffs and cozy crime fans - just be ready for a stroll rather than a sprint.
The Novice's Tale by Margaret Frazer is a historical mystery set in 1431 England, during a period of relative peace. The story follows Sister Frevisse of St. Frideswide priory, who is faced with disruptions to her contemplative life when Lady Ermentrude arrives in a fury, leading to a mysterious death and accusations against a novice. The book delves into the lives of nuns, peasants, and nobles, showcasing the complex justice system and class relationships of 15th century England, all while building a complex plot with perfectly plausible red herrings.
MID-SEPTEMBER IN THE year of Our Lord’s grace 1431 had perfect weather, warm and dry. There was a drowse of autumn to the air, and in the fields beyond St. Frideswide’s priory walls the harvest went i...1992•245 pages - #2
Save:A laugh-out-loud, quirky romp through Southern vampire life - perfect for fans of witty, lighthearted paranormal reads who don’t mind a few familiar tropes. Not groundbreaking, but undeniably fun!
In "Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs" by Molly Harper, readers are introduced to Jane Jameson, a librarian who, after a series of unfortunate events including getting fired, getting drunk, and being mistakenly shot by a hunter, finds herself turned into a vampire. The book is a humorous urban fantasy with elements of romance and paranormal, following Jane as she navigates her new undead life in a small Southern town, dealing with humorous situations and interactions with a mix of supernatural beings.
The writing style of the book is described as witty, snappy, and filled with humor. The protagonist, Jane, is portrayed as intelligent, funny, and relatable, bringing a fresh perspective to the paranormal romance genre with her sarcastic wit and comedic outlook on her afterlife adventures.
The irritated look from Gary, the barrel-chested bartender at Shenanigans, told me that, one, I’d said that out loud, and, two, he just didn’t care. But at that point, I was the only person sitting at...March 2009•385 pages - #3
Save:A tasty, light mystery with lots of recipes and small-town drama - fun for food-loving mystery fans, but not for everyone’s palate.
Goldy Bear, a divorced mother and caterer in Aspen Valley, Colorado, finds herself entangled in murder mysteries while running her catering business. When a mourner is poisoned during a funeral buffet she is catering, Goldy's business is shut down, leading her to investigate and clear her name. The book introduces a cast of characters including Goldy's ex-husband, her supportive new husband who works in law enforcement, and her best friend who was also married to her ex-husband. The plot is filled with humor, mother-son relationships, and the challenges of dealing with an abusive ex-spouse, all while incorporating mouth-watering recipes seamlessly into the narrative.
Catering a wake was not my idea of fun. First of all, there was the short notice. A person died. Three days later there was a funeral. In this case the body had been discovered on a Monday, autopsy Tu...1990•316 pages - #4
Save:A brooding, atmospheric medieval mystery that doubles as a thought-provoking exploration of art, power, and truth - a short novel that lingers with you. Great for lovers of historical fiction and literary mysteries!
Set in 14th century England, 'Morality Play' by Barry Unsworth follows a young monk, Nicholas Barber, who joins a theatre troupe and gets involved in investigating a murder in a small town. The troupe decides to enact the murder as a play to attract an audience, leading to a deeper investigation that uncovers surprising truths about the crime and the people involved. The novel is praised for its rich historical detail, exploration of moral dilemmas, and the clever intertwining of the improvised play with the real-life drama.
Brendan and I saw the moment of it. I saw them gather round and crouch over him in the bitter cold, then start back to give the soul passage. It was as if they played his death for me and this was a s...1995•224 pages - #5
Save:A unique blend of sweet romance and suspenseful survival drama with an unforgettable hero, but some readers may find the final act and mystery reveal a bit over the top. Worth a try if you love emotional, character-driven stories with a touch of wild.
'Savaged' by Mia Sheridan is a unique romance novel that follows the story of a man who grew up alone in the wilderness and is now a suspect in a crime. The book combines elements of romance, suspense, and mystery as a wilderness expert tracks him down and gets pulled into the mystery while falling for him. The writing style is described as intense and interesting, with a plot that almost seems like a movie. The hero, who is portrayed as a feral child raised in the woods with only a wolf pup for companionship, adds depth and angst to the story.
The book is praised for its dark themes and unique storyline, with readers appreciating the unconventional nature of the hero and the suspenseful plot. The romance between the main characters is highlighted as touching and phenomenal, with a Tarzan-like feel that adds to the book's charm. The wilderness setting, the survivalist elements, and the darker background issues contribute to making 'Savaged' a captivating read that stands out among other romance novels.
The question waved through Jak’s mind, deep and slow, like he was hearing it from under a deep pool of water. Will you die today? The echo of the words the man had yelled seconds ago made a trickle of...May 2019•486 pages - #6
Save:Dark, addictive, and compelling - urban fantasy at its grimiest, with a snarky antihero and enough supernatural twists to keep you hooked. Perfect for fans of noir with a magical edge!
The Long Way Down by Craig Schaefer is a dark and gritty urban fantasy set in Las Vegas, following the story of magician and private investigator Daniel Faust as he delves into a case involving murder, soul theft, and an ancient box with supernatural powers. The book is described as a thrilling page-turner with intricate plot twists, vivid world-building, and a cast of complex characters, including Faust's occult friends and the succubus love interest, Caitlin. The writing style is praised for its noir setting, original magic system involving playing cards, and the balance between dark themes and light humor.
We sat in a booth in the back of Tiki Pete’s, a seedy diner four blocks east of the Vegas Strip. I doubted the place would survive a health inspection, but the grimy windows and the backwater street k...April 2014•373 pages - #7
Save:A charming, easy-read historical mystery perfect for fans of 1920s settings and classic British house party whodunits. Not the grittiest or most original, but thoroughly fun and ideal for anyone seeking a light, entertaining escape.
'Murder at Archly Manor' by Sara Rosett is a historical cozy mystery set in 1920s London. The story follows Olive Belgrave, a determined and spunky lady detective, who is hired by her high-society family to investigate the background of her cousin's mysterious fiancé. However, the investigation takes a dark turn when a murder occurs at a house party at Archly Manor, making Olive delve deeper into the secrets and motives of the guests. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, as Olive navigates through the British class system, sparkling conversations, and a web of suspects, ultimately leading to the unmasking of the murderer. Sara Rosett's writing style captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties, with well-developed characters, detailed settings, and a quick-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.
October 2018•255 pages - #8
Save:A beautifully written, slow-burning literary mystery set in wartime Spain - perfect for lovers of atmospheric, thought-provoking historical fiction, but maybe not for those craving quick thrills or straightforward detective work.
"The Horseman's Song" by Ben Pastor is set against the historical background of the Spanish Civil War and follows the experiences of Martin Bora, a German officer clandestinely supporting the fascist cause. Bora finds himself entangled in the complex political landscape of Spain as he investigates the murder of an iconic literary figure, Federico Garcia Lorca. The novel delves into Bora's journey of discovery, his philosophical musings on love, soldiering, and identity, all while vividly capturing the parched Spanish countryside and the impact of the environment on the characters.
Ben Pastor's writing style in "The Horseman's Song" is described as compelling, sophisticated, and engrossing. The author seamlessly weaves together elements of historical fiction, mystery, and literary exploration, focusing on Bora's education in philosophy, his struggles with identity, and his reactions to the tumultuous events of the Spanish Civil War. The presence of Garcia Lorca's poetry adds depth to the narrative, elevating the story beyond a typical WWII-era detective novel.
February 2019•384 pages
(Also, see 9 recommendations for the series Captain Martin Bora ) - #9
Save:A captivating setting with immersive historical detail and intriguing characters, even if the mystery is a bit muddled - well worth a try if you want something different from the usual historical whodunit.
The Red Hill by David Penny is a historical mystery set in 1482 in Moorish Spain, following the protagonist Thomas Berrington, a surgeon with a complex background who serves the sultan. The plot revolves around Berrington being tasked to investigate a murder within the sultan's harem, leading him to navigate through political intricacies and personal challenges with the help of his unique companions. Despite the engaging setting and well-developed characters, some readers found the mystery aspect lacking in convincing motives and resolutions.
May 2014•400 pages - #10
Save:A quirky, clever, and very 'inside-baseball' mystery that’s more about the laughs and the bookish atmosphere than the murder. Perfect for Asimov devotees, book convention buffs, or anyone who loves breaking the fourth wall in fiction.
'Murder At The ABA' by Isaac Asimov is a murder mystery novel set at a bookseller's convention in 1975. The story follows author Darius Just as he investigates the death of his former protege, Giles Devore, believed to be a murder rather than an accident. Asimov himself is a character in the book, providing comic relief and taking potshots at the protagonist, adding a surreal element to the narrative. The plot unfolds over four days of the convention, with Just retracing Devore's final hours to uncover a motive and identify the murderer. The writing style is described as humorous, light-hearted, and engaging, with footnotes adding to the fun and entertainment of the story.
In the particular case in which I was involved, however, we can limit the direct causes to a specific, limited series of events, all of which had to have happened for violent death to have its chance....June 1976•256 pages
