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Books matching: murder investigation plot

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Novice's Tale - Sister Frevisse by Margaret Frazer, Mary Monica Pulver
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    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...

  2. #2

    Dance Hall of the Dead - Leaphorn & Chee by Tony Hillerman
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    Dance Hall of the Dead, the second book in the Joe Leaphorn Jim Chee series by Tony Hillerman, follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn of the Navajo Tribal Police as he investigates the disappearance of two Native American boys. The plot is complicated by the unique laws and sacred religious rites of the Zuni people, an important archaeological dig, and involvement from federal agencies like the FBI and DEA. Through the eyes of Leaphorn, readers are introduced to the intertwined Navajo and Zuni cultures, their religious practices, and the challenges that arise when trying to solve a murder mystery in this richly detailed southwestern setting.

    The writing style of Dance Hall of the Dead is praised for its intricate plot, interesting characters, and the incorporation of Indian lore from both Zuni and Navajo cultures. The book is described as an entertaining read that offers insights into Native American cultures, particularly the differences between the Navajo and Zuni tribes. The author, Tony Hillerman, is commended for his ability to blend mystery with cultural elements, creating a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of southwestern Native American life.

    SHULAWITSI, the Little Fire God, member of the Council of the Gods and Deputy to the Sun, had taped his track shoes to his feet. He had wound the tape as Coach taught him, tight over the arch of the f...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Leaphorn & Chee )

  3. #3

    Savaged by Mia Sheridan
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    '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...

  4. #4

    Morality Play by Barry Unsworth
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    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...

  5. #5

    Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs - Jane Jameson by Molly Harper
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    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...

  6. #6
    The Long Way Down
    Book 1 in the series:Daniel Faust

    The Long Way Down - Daniel Faust by Craig Schaefer
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    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...

  7. #7

    Catering to Nobody - A Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery by Diane Mott Davidson
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    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...

  8. #8

    The Devil's Feast - The Blake and Avery Mystery Series by M.J. Carter
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    The Devil's Feast is a historical mystery novel set in 19th century London, part of 'The Blake and Avery Mystery Series' by M.J. Carter. The plot revolves around Captain William Avery investigating a poisoning at a London gentleman's club, delving into political intrigues and kitchen rivalries. With a labyrinthine plot, the story is filled with twists, turns, and red herrings typical of a good crime novel. The book weaves in a detailed knowledge of 19th century England, featuring well-drawn characters and a setting that immerses readers into the historical era.

    The writing style of the book is engaging, easy to read, and filled with well-researched historical details. Readers are drawn into the story through vivid descriptions of food, clothing, and settings reminiscent of Charles Dickens' style. The character dynamics between Blake and Avery, resembling a modern-day Holmes and Watson, add depth to the narrative, making the book a compelling and absorbing read.


    (Also, see 16 recommendations for the series The Blake and Avery Mystery Series )

  9. #9

    Murder At The ABA by Isaac Asimov
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    '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....

  10. #10

    Murder at Archly Manor - High Society Lady Detective by Sara Rosett
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    '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.


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