Books matching: quirky or eccentric characters
65 result(s)
- #1
Save:'A Dangerous Kind of Lady' in the 'Longhope Abbey' series by Mia Vincy tells the story of Arabella Larke and Guy Larke, who were betrothed by their parents when they were young. However, as they grow older, Guy refuses to honor the betrothal, leading to Arabella's father arranging her engagement to Lord Sculthorpe. Arabella, a strong and determined woman, enlists Guy's help in a fake betrothal to escape the unwanted engagement. The book explores themes of family dynamics, pride, stubbornness, and the journey towards a happy ending for the characters.
The writing style of Mia Vincy in this book is praised for its eloquence and evocative romantic moments. The plot unfolds with a mix of romantic, funny, sexy, serious, and dramatic moments, keeping the readers engaged. The characters, despite their flaws and frustrating traits, are interesting and relatable, making the story poignant and emotionally complicated.
Which was unfortunate, as “become a spy” topped her list of things to do if her father disinherited her. For the most part, she surely qualified for the job—she excelled at knowing things she ought no...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Longhope Abbey ) - #2
Save:The Shortest Way to Hades by Sarah Caudwell is a witty murder mystery featuring the amateur sleuth Professor Hilary Tamar. The plot revolves around a family trust arrangement that needs to be changed to avoid hefty taxes upon the matriarch's death. However, when a young member of the family dies in suspicious circumstances, Professor Tamar must investigate to prevent further tragedies. The writing style is described as verbose and stilted at times, with passages of legal language that may distance the reader from the characters and action. Despite this, the book is praised for its dry British humor, literary references, and charming prose style.
Awaiting me in my pigeon-hole at the porter’s lodge of St. George’s College, the message perplexed me more than a little. If my former pupil Timothy Shepherd, now in practice as a barrister in Lincoln...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hilary Tamar ) - #3
Save:'Doll-baby' by Laura Lane McNeal is a coming of age novel set in New Orleans in the late 60s, following the story of Ibby who is left at her grandmother's house after her father's death. The book is filled with eccentric characters, family secrets, and the challenges Ibby faces as she grows up, all set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights era. The story unfolds through the relationships Ibby forms with her grandmother, Fannie, and the maids, Dollbaby and Queenie, as well as the mysteries they unravel together.
The writing style of Laura Lane McNeal in 'Doll-baby' is praised for its ability to evoke the atmosphere and culture of New Orleans, as well as for its authentic portrayal of both black and white characters. The novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, personal struggles, and the societal changes happening during that tumultuous time period, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
There are times you wish you could change things, take things back, pretend they never existed. This was one of those times, Ibby Bell was thinking as she stared bug-eyed out the car window. Amid the ... - #4
Save:'Callahan's Lady' by Spider Robinson is a humorous and pun-filled science fiction novel that takes readers on a delightful romp through the world of Lady Sally McGee's House of incredible repute. The book is a collection of episodic short stories that revolve around a young refugee finding sanctuary at Lady Sally's and encountering various eccentric characters, including a scary hood named Tony Donuts. The writing style is cheerful, enthusiastic, and set in the 80s science fiction era, with a healthy respect for sex and BDSM, all while maintaining a humorous and punny tone throughout.
The book manages to advocate for tolerance of sensual art and romanticize age-old stereotypes without venturing into offensive language, making it a fun-filled romp that blends humanism, sacred cow tipping, and groan-worthy puns. Robinson's first-person narrative brings the characters to life, creating an enjoyable and unique reading experience for fans of the Callahan's series and newcomers alike.
It’s a good idea to stake out a spot near an alley, if you can manage it without a fight. Occasionally you get a john who’s in a big hurry, or who enjoys the thought of making out in almost-public. Ei...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Callahan's ) - #5
Save:Set in Paris, 'Have Mercy on Us All' by Fred Vargas follows Chief Inspector Adamsberg as he investigates a series of murders that are made to resemble deaths caused by the Bubonic Plague. The plot revolves around a conspiracy by a family using the plague as a cover to take revenge, leading to a well-paced and entertaining story with historical references. The book is described as a French noirish type of novel, with mysterious messages referring to the Black Death and doors being daubed with symbols once used to ward off the plague, creating a suspenseful and intriguing narrative.
The book features an odd mix of characters, including the rumpled yet brilliant detective Adamsberg, who is compared to a blend of Sherlock Holmes and Columbo. The writing style is noted for its intricate plotting, colorful characters, and the author's talent in weaving history, psychology, and an unorthodox approach to create a captivating and engaging storyline.
JOSS’S SETTLED VIEW was that folk walk faster in Paris than they do in Le Guilvenec, the fishing village where he’d grown up. They would steam down Avenue du Maine every day at three knots. This Monda...
(Also, see 99 recommendations for the series Commissaire Adamsberg ) - #6
Save:'Insane City' by Dave Barry is a wild and hilarious novel set in Miami, filled with absurd and ludicrous events that will keep readers entertained from start to finish. The plot revolves around a bachelor party gone awry, showcasing quirky characters, crazy twists, and nonstop laughs. The writing style is described as perfectly paced humor, warm characters, and a lot of heart, making it a pleasure to read for any humor lover.
Seth frowned. It was also unlike Marty to cater. Marty was, by nature, a cateree. Feeling a twinge of suspicion, Seth put a hand on Marty’s shoulder, leaned in eye to eye. “Marty,” he said, “swear to ... - #7
Save:'Kissing in Manhattan' by David Schickler is a collection of interconnected short stories that revolve around the residents of the Preemption apartment building in New York City. The book delves into themes of love, lust, desire, and mysticism, presenting a twisted and magical portrayal of the city. The writing style is described as imaginative, original, and edgy, with stories that expertly interweave characters and plots, creating a thick and intriguing narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The book follows the protagonist, Douglas, the only male teacher at an exclusive girls' school in Manhattan, as he navigates through unusual situations that challenge traditional societal norms. The stories explore complex male characters and eccentric female characters, each with their own quirks and flaws that make them intriguing and relatable. Through unconventional storytelling and unique character dynamics, 'Kissing in Manhattan' offers a fresh and captivating reading experience.
- #8
Save:The Stately Home Murder by Catherine Aird is the third installment in the Inspector Sloan series, set in a stately home where a public tour uncovers a body in the armory. Inspector Sloan navigates through a web of suspects related to the earl, trying to solve the murder mystery. The book is praised for its classic murder mystery setting, witty dialogue, and the interplay between characters like Inspector Sloan and Lady Alice.
It was also open—as all the guidebooks said—Bank Hols (Good Friday excepted). Henry Augustus Rudolfo Cremond Cremond, thirteenth Earl Ornum of Ornum in the County of Calleshire, drew the line at openi...
(Also, see 34 recommendations for the series Inspector Sloan ) - #9
Save:In "Tourist Season" by Carl Hiaasen, a ragtag terrorist group, led by a well-known journalist, sets out to empty Florida of tourists and immigrants from the north, resulting in a riotous and rollicking tale of murder, mayhem, and bumbling politico-environmental activists in South Florida. The story delves into the absurdity of the situation with a mix of black comedy and satire, highlighting the ever-current problem of the influx of people to South Florida. The plot moves briskly through a series of murders perpetrated by the radical group using carnivorous reptiles as weapons in their attempt to free Florida from greed and environmental destruction.
The narrative unfolds with a caper involving an amateur terrorist organization that aims to end the tourist industry ruining Florida, leading to bizarre crimes and unexpected twists. The characters, including a lunatic Cuban, a former football star, and a wealthy Seminole Indian, collectively form a formidable foe against the backdrop of Florida's lush wilderness, creating a story filled with dark humor, quirky plot pieces, and engaging developments that keep readers entertained and intrigued.
The Shriners thought so much of Theodore Bellamy that they had paid his plane fare all the way from Evanston, Illinois, to Miami Beach, where a big Shriner convention was being staged. Bellamy and his... - #10
Save:In the tiny, poverty-stricken town of Milagro, New Mexico, the residents face the threat of losing their land to the Devine Corporation. The protagonist, Joe Mondragon, illegally irrigates his bean field, sparking a rebellion against the powerful forces that have oppressed them for generations. The narrative is filled with humor, poignant moments, and a sense of community coming together to fight for their rights in the face of overwhelming odds.
John Nichols' writing style in "The Milagro Beanfield War" is described as humorous, compassionate, and vivid. The book offers a portrayal of everyday life in a Hispanic community, with characters that are unforgettable and a plot that mixes humor with a deeper message of standing up against injustice and fighting for one's beliefs.
Amarante Córdova had had thirteen children. That is, he and his wife, Elizabeth—known as Betita—had had thirteen children, who either still were or had been Nadia, Jorge, Pólito, María Ana, Berta, Rob...
