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Books matching: mysterious book

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia A. McKillip
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    Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia A. McKillip is a lyrical fantasy novel that follows Nepenthe, an orphan raised in a royal library, who discovers a mysterious book written in thorny letters that reveals the intertwined stories of a long-ago king and his mage. As Nepenthe deciphers the unique alphabet, she becomes entangled in palace intrigue and must confront her own origins. The book weaves together themes of love, magic, and destiny, creating a dreamy and enchanting world filled with rich imagery and complex characters.

    The writing style of Alphabet of Thorn is described as lyrical and poetic, with evocative language that immerses the reader in a realm of magic and fantasy. The plot unfolds through layers of storytelling, blending elements of mystery, romance, and coming-of-age themes. The novel explores the power of language, the importance of names, and the intricate connections between characters as they navigate a world where books hold secrets and libraries are at the heart of both knowledge and danger.

    On Dreamer’s Plain, the gathering of delegations from the Twelve Crowns of Raine for the coronation of the Queen of Raine looked like an invading army. So the young transcriptor thought, gazing out a ...

  2. #2

    Balthasar's Odyssey by Amin Maalouf
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    In 'Balthasar's Odyssey' by Amin Maalouf, the story follows Balthasar Embriaco, a Genoese Levantine merchant, on a quest to uncover the secret of the hundredth name of God. The narrative takes Balthasar and his companions on a journey across the civilized world, from Constantinople to London, in search of a rare and coveted book that is believed to hold vital information about the future of the world. Along the way, Balthasar encounters mystical figures, falls in love, and grapples with themes of religion, relationships, and the impending apocalyptic 'Year of the Beast' in 1666.

    The book combines elements of magic, mystery, love, and danger, creating an engaging tale that captivates readers with its intricate plot and vivid descriptions of 17th-century travel. Through Balthasar's journal-like narrative, the author weaves a story that delves into philosophical themes while exploring the protagonist's obsession with finding the elusive hundredth name, leading to unexpected twists and revelations that keep readers hooked until the end.

    The people round me can talk of nothing else. The coming year, the signs, the portents … Sometimes I say to myself, Let it come! Let it finally empty out its pouch of prodigies and disasters! Then I c...

  3. #3

    The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
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    '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,...

  4. #4

    The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
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    The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a renowned artist who is found with her dead husband, tied to a chair and shot multiple times in the face. Alicia never speaks again and is sent to a mental institution. Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist, takes a job at the facility to treat Alicia and unravel her secrets. The book is filled with twists and turns, red herrings, and a surprising conclusion, making it a gripping and engaging read.

    The novel is centered around the relationship between Alicia, the silent patient, and Theo, the psychotherapist determined to make her speak. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's case, the story unfolds through entries from Alicia's diary and Theo's own perspective. The plot weaves together themes of mental illness, trauma, and suspense, keeping the readers guessing until the unexpected twist at the end. The Silent Patient explores complex characters and intricate storytelling, making it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.

    They had been married for seven years. They were both artists—Alicia was a painter, and Gabriel was a well-known fashion photographer. He had a distinctive style, shooting semi-starved, semi-naked wom...

  5. #5

    And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
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    Ten people who don't know each other are invited by a Mr. Owen to spend their holidays on an island where there is nothing but a big mansion. After dinner a recording say them that in fact they are there to pay fot crimes they did in the past. The accusations are well founded and unable to leave the house, the guests are being killed off one by one in mysterious murder. The heartlessness of one particular character was the biggest surprise, and the figurine removal added to the tension. Each character struggles with their sordid past, while outwardly justifying themselves and denying guilt. The ten attempt to socialize and dine with one another, despite the fact that they know one of their number intends to murder them all.

    He went over in his mind all that had appeared in the papers about Soldier Island. There had been its original purchase by an American millionaire who was crazy about yachting—and an account of the lu...

  6. #6
    In the Woods
    Book 1 in the series:Dublin Murder Squad

    In the Woods - Dublin Murder Squad by Tana French
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    In the book 'In the Woods' by Tana French, Detective Rob Ryan and his partner Cassie Maddox are on the hunt for a child killer in the same woods where Ryan's own childhood trauma occurred. The story unfolds with a slow yet intriguing start, weaving a double mystery that keeps readers engaged. The narrative delves into the past and present, exploring themes of psychological tension, guilt, and the complexities of police procedural work. The book is set in Dublin and features atmospheric storytelling that blends elements of romance, violence, and suspense.

    The central character, Rob Ryan, grapples with his dark history while investigating the murder of a young girl, drawing parallels to his own childhood tragedy of losing two friends in the same woods. The writing style is praised for its beautiful prose, compelling characters, and intricate plot development that keeps readers riveted. Despite mixed feelings about the ending, readers appreciate the depth of the story and the psychological depth of the characters, making it a compelling read in the Dublin Murder Squad series.

    What I warn you to remember is that I am a detective. Our relationship with truth is fundamental but cracked, refracting confusingly like fragmented glass. It is the core of our careers, the endgame o...

  7. #7

    Murder on the Orient Express - Hercule Poirot by Agatha Christie
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    '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. #8
    Magpie Murders
    Book 1 in the series:Susan Ryeland

    Magpie Murders - Susan Ryeland by Anthony Horowitz
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    'Magpie Murders' by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly crafted mystery novel that presents a story within a story. It follows Susan Ryeland, an editor, as she delves into the mysteries surrounding a manuscript by a popular author, Alan Conway, which goes missing after his suspicious death. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the traditional British whodunit style of Conway's manuscript and the real-life mystery Susan finds herself entangled in, creating a metafictional delight for mystery fans. expertly pays homage to classic detective novels while offering a fresh and inventive take on the genre.

    The writing style of 'Magpie Murders' is described as intelligent, classic, and reminiscent of Agatha Christie's works, with intricate plots, well-developed characters, and clever narrative devices. The book's structure, with two interconnected mysteries and a metafictional approach, keeps readers engaged and guessing until the satisfying conclusion. Horowitz's ability to blend different writing styles, explore themes of crime fiction, and deliver unexpected twists and turns throughout the narrative showcases his talent as a mystery writer.

    A bottle of wine. A family-sized packet of Nacho Cheese Flavoured Tortilla Chips and a jar of hot salsa dip. A packet of cigarettes on the side (I know, I know). The rain hammering against the windows...

  9. #9

    The Thursday Murder Club - Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
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    'The Thursday Murder Club' by Richard Osman is a cozy mystery novel set in a luxury retirement village where a group of senior citizens, known as the Thursday Murder Club, come together to solve cold cases. When a real murder occurs within their retirement community, the group finds themselves entangled in a present-day murder investigation. The book is praised for its witty writing style, well-developed characters, and engaging plot that combines humor, mystery, and a touch of realism about aging and friendship.

    The story follows the quirky members of the Thursday Murder Club, including Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim, as they navigate the complexities of solving a murder while dealing with their own personal struggles and relationships. The novel cleverly weaves together multiple plotlines, red herrings, and unexpected twists, keeping readers guessing until the very end. With a mix of humor, pathos, and clever storytelling, 'The Thursday Murder Club' offers a delightful and entertaining read that celebrates the power of friendship and the thrill of solving mysteries in a unique setting.

    I knew who she was, of course; everybody here knows Elizabeth. She has one of the three-bed flats in Larkin Court. It’s the one on the corner, with the decking? Also, I was once on a quiz team with St...

  10. #10

    The Guest List by Lucy Foley
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    'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley is a suspenseful thriller set on a remote Irish island where a wedding turns deadly. The plot unfolds through multiple character perspectives, revealing secrets, lies, and motives for murder. The writing style is described as engaging, with a fluid timeline, clever plotting, and a gripping atmosphere reminiscent of Big Little Lies.

    In an instant, everything is in darkness. The band stop their playing. Inside the marquee the wedding guests squeal and clutch at one another. The light from the candles on the tables only adds to the...

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