Books matching: murder mystery elements
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble's Braids by Michael McClung is a dark and fast-paced fantasy adventure set in the city of Lucernis, following the skilled thief Amra Thetys as she seeks to avenge the death of her friend Corbin Hardin. The book is filled with intricate plot twists, witty dialogue, and a mix of paranormal elements and unusual characters, creating a rich and complete feeling story that leaves room for interesting sequels. McClung's writing style is clean, crisp, and enjoyable, reminiscent of other fantasy authors like Brian McClellan, while maintaining its unique voice and storytelling approach.
WHEN CORBIN SHOWED up banging on my door at noon one sweltering summer day, I can’t say I was particularly happy to see him. It should come as no surprise that one in my profession tends to sleep duri... - #2
Save:'The Robots of Dawn' by Isaac Asimov is the third installment in the Robot series, following the adventures of Earth detective Elijah Baley as he investigates a murder involving a humanoid robot on the planet Aurora. The book delves into themes of robot vs human exploration of space, societal contrasts between Earth and Spacer planets, and the implications of artificial intelligence. Asimov's writing style is described as a blend of classic science fiction with progressive elements, featuring engaging dialogue, rational conclusions, and masterful transitions of exposition.
The plot revolves around a complex mystery that challenges Baley's investigative skills, aided by robot companions R. Daneel and R. Giskard. The book explores societal issues, the concept of roboticide, and the application of Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics in a futuristic setting. Despite some readers finding elements of the book verbose or contrived, 'The Robots of Dawn' is praised for its engaging storyline, thought-provoking ideas, and the seamless integration of science fiction with detective elements.
One never perspired (unless one wished to, of course) in the City, where temperature and humidity were absolutely controlled and where it was never absolutely necessary for the body to perform in ways...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Robot ) - #3
Save:In an alternate world where English history took a different path, magic is a common profession and Lord Darcy, a character reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, is called to solve intriguing murder mysteries. The book blends alternate history, fantasy, and detective elements, creating a world where Richard the Lion Heart survived and oversaw the development of magic. The plot involves multiple murders, red herrings, spies, sinister plots, and a classic 'locked room' murder mystery, all woven together with an interesting magic system.
Commander Lord Ashley, Special Agent for His Majesty’s Imperial Naval Intelligence Corps, stood in the doorway of a cheap, rented room in a lower middle-class section of town near the Imperial Naval D...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lord Darcy ) - #4
Save:'Midnight, Water City' by Chris McKinney is a sci-fi murder mystery set in an undersea city in the year 2142. The story follows the unnamed ex-cop and private eye protagonist, Mr. Anon, who is 80 years old and embarks on a tough, noir detective journey. The plot is filled with twists and turns, questions raised but not all answered, and an intriguing investigation storyline that keeps readers engaged. delves into a future world filled with unique world-building, unusual experiences, and a refreshing perspective that combines sci-fi, thriller, and suspense elements.
- #5
Save:Nightfall by Stephen Leather follows the story of Jack Nightingale, a struggling private eye who discovers on his thirty-third birthday that his soul was sold to a demon by his real father, a confirmed Satanist. As Jack races against time to escape eternal damnation, he navigates a world of occult mysteries and dark forces, all while dealing with the consequences of his supernatural inheritance. The plot unfolds with brisk pacing, blending elements of hard-boiled crime mystery with touches of the occult, resulting in a propulsive and engaging read that keeps the reader hooked till the end.
The writing style in Nightfall is described as smooth and readable, with a touch of dark humor that lightens the narrative just when needed. Stephen Leather's storytelling weaves together elements of crime, thriller, and horror fiction seamlessly, creating a suspenseful and fun experience for readers who enjoy a mix of supernatural intrigue and fast-paced action.
Jack Nightingale didn’t intend to kill anyone when he woke up on that chilly November morning. He shaved, showered and dressed, made himself coffee and a bacon sandwich, and at no point did he even co... - #6
Save:'The Piano Teacher' by Janice Y.K. Lee is a historical novel set in Hong Kong before, during, and after World War II. It follows the lives of various characters, including Will Truesdale and Claire Pendleton, as they navigate relationships, social dynamics, and survival during the Japanese occupation. The writing style is described as transporting, providing insights into post-war Hong Kong, and intertwining two storylines within one novel.
IT STARTED as an accident. The small Herend rabbit had fallen into Claire’s purse. It had been on the piano and she had been gathering up the sheet music at the end of the lesson when she knocked it o... - #7
Save:'Personal Demon' in the 'Women of the Otherworld' series by Kelley Armstrong is a gripping tale that delves into the world of supernatural beings. The book follows the story of Hope Adams, a chaos demon, who finds herself entangled in a Cabal investigation. As she navigates through the complexities of her demon half and her relationships with characters like Karl and the Cabal, secrets unravel, alliances are tested, and unexpected twists keep the readers on the edge of their seats. The dual narration by Hope and Lucas adds depth to the storytelling, showcasing a new perspective and exploring intricate plot developments.
The writing style of 'Personal Demon' is praised for its ability to blend action, suspense, and romantic subplots seamlessly. Readers appreciate the grey areas portrayed in the characters' personalities, particularly in Karl and Hope, adding layers of complexity to the story. The book is commended for its intriguing plot twists, dynamic character interactions, and the exploration of supernatural elements intertwined with human emotions, making it a compelling addition to the Women of the Otherworld series.
I called Benicio the next morning. When he learned I had something to report, he asked me to meet Troy for breakfast and fill him in. In other words, he hadn’t expected results so soon and didn’t want...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Women of the Otherworld ) - #8
Save:Timothy Hallinan's 'Crashed' introduces us to Junior Bender, a career criminal who gets caught in a game of double-cross and triple-cross while trying to steal a painting. The book is a funny and witty crime caper set in the Los Angeles underworld, with a motley crew of characters reminiscent of Carl Hiaasen and Raymond Chandler. Junior Bender is portrayed as a smart and humorous protagonist who navigates through complex situations, including protecting a former sitcom star from being kidnapped or murdered, all while dealing with his own personal struggles.
The plot of 'Crashed' follows Junior Bender as he is forced to work for a local crime boss to troubleshoot the production of a pornographic film. Despite the comedic elements, the book delves into serious themes such as addiction and complex human relationships. Junior Bender's character is portrayed as a multi-faceted individual, balancing his roles as a burglar, detective, father, and scholar, adding depth to the storyline and engaging the reader in a suspenseful and thrilling narrative.
But the expressionists don’t do anything for me, don’t even make my palms itch. And Klee especially doesn’t do anything for me. My education, spotty as it was, pretty much set my Art Clock to the fift... - #9
Save:Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem is a detective noir novel that follows the story of Lionel Essrog, an orphan from Brooklyn who suffers from Tourette's syndrome. The narrative is driven by Lionel's tics, both verbal and non-verbal, which add dark humor to the story. When Lionel's boss, Frank Minna, is murdered, Lionel sets out to solve the mystery, leading to a character study of Lionel and his group of misfit friends. The book is a mix of mystery, character exploration, and a unique portrayal of Brooklyn's streets.
The writing style of Motherless Brooklyn is praised for its use of language and the portrayal of Lionel's Tourette's syndrome. The book captures the essence of a classic hard-boiled detective story but with a unique twist, as the narrator's Tourette's adds a fresh perspective to the genre. The characters, particularly Lionel Essrog, are engaging, and the humor, pathos, and mystery elements blend together seamlessly, making it an intriguing and enjoyable read.
“Maufishful,” said Gilbert Coney in response to my outburst, not even turning his head. I could barely make out the words—“My mouth is full”—both truthful and a joke, lame. Accustomed to my verbal tic... - #10
Save:Nurse Imogen is faced with young people's little problems physical and mental every working day. Until the day one of her charges is found dead and branded a thief. Working with students, friends and her own talents, she follows the circuitous and confusing path to the solution to a time sensitive problem and solves a mystery. This is a wonderful and absorbing book not to be missed. The murder mystery element was OK too from the nicely understated nod to Christie's opening work, with the undergrad. corpse found in a supposedly locked library, to the further mayhem, the uncovery of the perp, of course, and the Novel Device on which everything turned, in this case related with suitable pedantic verve, to the history of the calendar. Who knew.
