Books matching: ritualistic murder
47 result(s)
- #1
Save:Ellery Queen becomes intrigued with a gruesome murder in a small West Virginia town where a reclusive member of the community is found nailed to a crossroad sign. Despite initial setbacks, Ellery eventually unravels a series of similar crimes closer to home, leading him to uncover the identity of the perpetrator. The book is described as a deeply thought out, wildly convoluted, but logical mystery with roots of the murder tracing back into the deep, dark past of some characters. The story is set in the 1930s and features the erudition of Ellery and the Professor, providing an atmosphere that gives the narrative its greatest appeal.
The geography, Ellery Queen saw at once, was important. He saw many other things in that first glance, too, and felt only confusion at the contradictory nature of the evidence. Nothing matched. It was...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ellery Queen Detective ) - #2
Save:The book follows Sandy, a journalist turned novelist, as he investigates the death of a music promoter connected to a legendary band called the Nazgul. The story delves into Sandy's past, the resurrection of the rock band, and the mysterious motives of a man named Edan Morse. The narrative is set in the early eighties, blending elements of the sixties counterculture with a mix of supernatural mystery and dark fantasy. The book captures the essence of the 60s and 70s music scene, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the era.
It was not one of Sandy Blair’s all-time great days. His agent had picked up the lunch tab, to be sure, but that only partially made up for the way he’d gotten on Sandy’s case about the novel deadline... - #3
Save:At First Light by Barbara Nickless is a mystery thriller that follows Dr. Evan Wilding, a British scholar and semiotician, who is called in to consult with the Chicago PD by his friend Detective Addie Bisset on a case involving a ritualistic killing with Viking runes and epic poems. The plot is filled with intricate details of Viking history and Old English stories, creating a suspenseful tale that keeps the reader engaged. The characters, especially Dr. Wilding and Detective Bisset, are well-crafted and realistic, adding depth to the storyline.
The writing style in 'At First Light' is reminiscent of all the best British mysteries, with cleverly phrased comments and a brisk pace that keeps the reader guessing till the end. The book combines action with descriptions of the characters' thought processes as they decipher cryptic messages and unravel the mystery behind the killer's motives. Despite some flaws in editing and continuity errors, the book is praised for its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and the unique inclusion of a character with dwarfism and a hawk as a pet.
- #4
Save:The Witch Hunter by Max Seeck follows Detective Sergeant Jessica Niemi as she investigates a series of murders that seem to be inspired by a famous author's books on witch hunting. The story unfolds with a murder that leads the police to believe it's a ritualistic killing, prompting Jessica to delve into the author's body of work for clues. As more bodies are discovered, the investigative team races against time to stop the killer from enacting scenes from the bestselling trilogy. The book blends elements of police procedural and horror fiction, with a focus on the police investigation of the grisly murders in Helsinki, while attempting to create a terrifying atmosphere that adds a twist to the typical Nordic noir offerings.
THE WIND HAS picked up, and the corners of the massive glass-and-skimmed-concrete house wail restlessly. The tap-tap carrying from the roof has gradually intensified; the faint pops call to mind the s... - #5
Save:Blue Light Yokohama by Nicolas Obregon is a crime thriller set in Japan, following Inspector Iwata as he investigates a series of murders with links to a religious cult. The plot involves corruption within the Tokyo Police, a mysterious cult, and a complex investigation that leads the main characters through a web of interconnected events. The writing style is described as immersive, with detailed descriptions of Tokyo and the characters' inner lives, creating a dense and dreamlike atmosphere that adds depth to the narrative.
IWATA WOKE FROM A FALLING dream again. Drenched in sweat, struggling for breath, he went to the window. The Tokyo cityscape stretched out below him, cities within cities, angles incalculable. Thirty-f... - #6
Save:"Master of Lies" by Graham Masterton is a horror novel that delves into the dark world of serial killings in San Francisco. The story revolves around Larry Foggia, an Italian American detective, who is reluctantly assigned to solve the bizarre and gruesome murders happening in the city. As Foggia delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a sinister plot involving rituals aimed at resurrecting the fallen angel Beli Ya'al. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with graphic descriptions of torture and murder, as well as elements of supernatural connections that add an intriguing twist to the storyline.
The book is characterized by Masterton's signature style of gore and graphic content, catering to readers who enjoy a compelling and intense horror narrative. The plot unfolds with a sadistic opening chapter that sets the tone for a suspenseful and chilling tale of murder, conspiracy, and the supernatural. Despite some criticisms about the pacing and character development, "Master of Lies" captivates readers with its relentless action and intricate plot twists, keeping them engaged until the shocking conclusion.
- #7
Save:'Tropic of Night' by Michael Gruber follows the protagonist Jane Doe, a former anthropologist who goes into hiding under a new identity in Miami. As a series of ritualistic murders terrify the city, Cuban American police detective Jimmy Paz gets involved in the investigation, leading to a cataclysmic battle between good and unimaginable evil. The plot weaves through Africa, Siberia, and Miami, blending elements of African sorcery, voodooism, and supernatural powers, creating an enthralling and gripping tale of mystery and horror. The narrative alternates between first-person accounts, historical diaries, and traditional third-person storytelling, providing a deep and broad exploration of voodoo, mysticism, and anthropological expeditions.
Looking at the sleeping child, I watch myself looking at the sleeping child, placing the dyad in a cultural context, classifying the feelings I am feeling even as I feel them. This is partly the resul... - #8
Save:'The Chestnut Man' by Søren Sveistrup is a dark and intense Nordic noir thriller that follows Police Inspector Naia Thulin and investigator Mark Hess as they delve into a series of gruesome murders where women are targeted by a deranged serial killer, each crime scene marked by a chestnut man figure. The plot is intricate and keeps readers guessing, with a gripping narrative that unfolds through short, fast-paced chapters. As Thulin and Hess navigate through red herrings and false leads, they uncover shocking revelations and face a relentless pursuit to catch the elusive killer.
The book showcases the author's talent in building complex characters and intricate plots, reminiscent of his work on 'The Killing' series. With a macabre and disturbing storyline, 'The Chestnut Man' weaves together multiple storylines, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and unexpected twists that culminate in a pulse-pounding and nerve-wracking conclusion, making it a must-read for fans of dark and intense thrillers.
Red and yellow leaves drift down through the sunlight on to the wet asphalt, which cuts through the woods like a dark and glassy river. As the white squad car tears past, they’re spun briefly in the a... - #9
Save:The Maidens follows Mariana, a group therapist, as she investigates a series of ritualistic murders of young women students at Cambridge University who are followers of a Greek literature professor, Edward Fosca. Mariana, still grieving the loss of her husband, becomes convinced that Fosca is the prime suspect and delves into uncovering the truth behind the murders. The plot is filled with allusions to Greek mythology, themes of love and abuse, and a psychological whodunnit thriller that keeps readers engaged with twists and red herrings.
Mariana was still in love with him—that was the problem. Even though she knew she’d never see Sebastian again—even though he was gone for good—she was still in love and didn’t know what to do with all... - #10
Save:'The Cold Calling' is a complex murder mystery that intertwines the lives of several characters against the backdrop of the Welsh borderlands. The plot revolves around a series of ritualistic murders committed by a serial killer known as The Green Man, who sacrifices victims at ancient British Stone Age sites. The narrative follows Bobby Maiden, a police detective with unique insights into the case, who is drawn into the investigation after surviving a near-death experience. Alongside him are characters such as Sydney Cindy Mars Lewis, a transsexual shaman, and Grayle Underhill, an American journalist searching for her missing sister. The story combines elements of contemporary realism with the supernatural, creating a rich tapestry of suspense and intrigue.
The writing style reflects Phil Rickman's ability to blend humor, character development, and the eerie atmosphere of the setting. His characters are vividly defined and memorable, each contributing to the unfolding mystery. The dialogue is engaging and authentic, enhancing the reader's connection to the characters. While some readers find the plot a bit complicated, the deep exploration of themes such as existential angst, spirituality, and the human psyche keeps the narrative compelling. The book’s structure allows for multiple storylines to converge, culminating in a gripping climax that keeps readers engaged until the end.
