Books Like...
'Past Mortem' by Ben Elton is a gripping murder mystery novel that follows Detective Inspector Edward Newson and Detective Sergeant Natasha Wilkie as they investigate a series of brutal murders linked to a school reunion. The plot cleverly intertwines the past with the present, exploring themes of revenge, bullying, and the impact of one's actions in the past on their present life. The book is known for its smart plot, well-crafted characters, and engaging writing style that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
If you liked Past Mortem, here are the top 10 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Dead Famous' by Ben Elton is a murder mystery novel set in a British Big Brother-style reality TV show called House Arrest. The contestants are locked in the house, constantly monitored by cameras, and one of them is murdered during a live broadcast. The book follows the investigation led by Chief Inspector Coleridge as they try to solve the murder mystery with a clever mix of satire, social commentary, and psychological insight. The plot unfolds through multiple genres, including satire, murder mystery, and psychological commentary, keeping the readers engaged and entertained until the surprising ending.
The writing style of 'Dead Famous' is described as fast-paced, entertaining, and witty. Ben Elton's ability to create well-developed characters, craft a gripping plot, and seamlessly blend humor with suspense is praised by readers. The book offers a clever parody of reality television culture, exploring themes of fame, manipulation, and the lengths people go to for their fifteen minutes of fame. Through a mix of flashbacks, video footage, and detective work, Elton builds suspense and keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Chief Inspector Coleridge dumped the thick file of suspect profiles onto his desk and turned his attention once more to the big video screen that had been erected in the corner of the incident room. F... "A Tale Etched In Blood And Hard Black Pencil" by Christopher Brookmyre is a crime novel that intricately weaves together two timelines - one set in the past during the characters' primary school years and the other in the present day involving a murder investigation. The story follows the lives of a group of characters from their childhood to adulthood, exploring the impact of their past on the present crime. The author skillfully delves into the complexities of friendships, the cruelty of childhood, and the connections between the characters, all set in a small Scottish village.
“Aye, well, the worst’s yet tae come. That’s how I need your help. If ye cannae dae it, I understand. It’s no like I’m askin for a loan ay your lawnmower or somethin. All I’d request is ye keep your m...- #3
Save:Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen is a humorous murder mystery set in Florida and the Bahamas. The story follows Andrew Yancy, a demoted police detective turned restaurant inspector, who gets involved in investigating a murder case involving a severed arm found during a fishing trip. The plot is filled with quirky characters, farcical situations, and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers entertained throughout the book. Hiaasen's writing style is described as witty, irreverent, and filled with slapstick humor, making the book a fun and enjoyable read for fans of comedic mysteries.
The kid tugged and twisted, but the barb of the hook was imbedded in bone. Finally the captain came down from the bridge and used bent-nose pliers to free the decomposing limb, which he placed on shav... - #4
Save:'A Man With One of Those Faces' by Caimh McDonnell is the first installment in 'The Dublin Trilogy' series. The plot revolves around a comedic crime mystery set in Dublin, Ireland, featuring quirky characters and a zany storyline. Readers appreciate the humorous writing style and engaging plot that keeps them hooked from the first page to the last. The series is described as a blend of comedy and crime, with dark humor and compelling mystery elements that make it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Paul had never realised before how cold an old person’s hand was. As her frail fingers patted his, as if reassuring herself that he was really there, he couldn’t help but notice. To be honest, he was ... - #5
Save:The Sacred Art of Stealing by Christopher Brookmyre is a crime novel that revolves around DI de Xavier, a police officer involved in an unusual bank robbery. The book is described as a captivating and surprisingly believable story, with an ingeniously complicated plot that keeps the readers rooting for characters who might be considered as 'baddies'. The writing style is wry, darkly funny, and brilliantly evokes the local scenery of Glasgow, where the story is set.
Michelle's deduction that the robbers were in it for the long haul was proving to be arse-numbingly accurate. After all of the initial tension, confusion, fear and excitement, there was now a whole lo... - #6
Save:'The Spellman Files' by Lisa Lutz follows the quirky Spellman family who run a private investigation business. The story is narrated by Isabel Spellman, a witty and sarcastic young PI who struggles with the dynamics of her eccentric family. The plot revolves around family secrets, humorous investigations, and the balance between personal and professional life. The writing style is described as clever, funny, and engaging, with a mix of sarcasm and quirkiness that makes the read delightful and entertaining.
The book offers a unique take on the mystery genre, blending humor and serious situations seamlessly. The characters are well-developed, especially Isabel Spellman, who is portrayed as a relatable and likable protagonist. The novel balances comedy with intriguing plotlines, creating a light and amusing read that keeps the readers engaged. Overall, 'The Spellman Files' presents a fresh and edgy narrative with a focus on family dynamics and the unconventional world of private investigation.
It had started when Rae was thirteen and I ignored it. We all ignored it for a while. She did it after school, on weekends and holidays, when the sun was shining and she felt like a bike ride or a str... - #7
Save:'One for the Money' by Janet Evanovich is the first book in the Stephanie Plum series, introducing readers to the hilarious and endearing protagonist, Stephanie Plum. The story follows Stephanie as she embarks on a new career as a bounty hunter, taking on her first assignment to apprehend Joe Morelli, an ex-fling with a complicated history. The book is known for its entertaining mix of mystery, humor, and fast-paced storytelling, with witty dialogue and quirky characters that keep readers engaged from start to finish.
Evanovich's writing style in 'One for the Money' is described as funny, light-hearted, and fast-paced, making it a perfect choice for readers looking for a fun and easy read. The book is praised for its blend of suspenseful elements with comedic moments, creating a delightful mix of humor and intrigue as Stephanie navigates the world of bounty hunting in Trenton, New Jersey.
Morelli and I were both born and raised in a blue-collar chunk of Trenton called the burg. Houses were attached and narrow. Yards were small. Cars were American. The people were mostly of Italian desc... - #8
Save:'John Dies at the End' by Jason Pargin (David Wong) is a bizarre and unpredictable story that follows two friends, David and John, who become 'infected' after consuming a mysterious drug called soy sauce. This leads them to encounter alternate creatures, shadow people, and horrifying experiences as they try to protect others and survive in a world filled with the unknown. The writing style combines humor, horror elements, and a touch of absurdity, keeping readers engaged through a rollercoaster of events that blur the lines between reality and fiction.
The book is described as a genre-bending experiment that mixes horror, comedy, and satire. Readers are taken on a wild ride filled with graphic scenes, grotesque monsters, and unexpected twists, all while exploring themes of friendship, survival, and the unknown. Despite its disjointed structure and shocking content, 'John Dies at the End' manages to maintain a sense of mystery and urgency that captivates readers till the end.
The place I was sitting was a small city in the Midwest which will remain undisclosed for reasons that will become obvious later. I was at a restaurant called “They China Food!” which was owned by a c... - #9
Save:"Good Omens" is a witty and humorous take on the end of the world, where an angel and a demon work together to prevent the apocalypse from happening. The story involves a mix-up at a maternity hospital that leads to the Antichrist being raised by the wrong family, setting off a chain of events involving witches, witch hunters, prophecies, and the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The writing style is described as clever, funny, and full of gentle humor, blending the unique senses of humor of both Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett seamlessly.
You may be feeling run down and always in the same old daily round. Home and family matters are highlighted and are hanging fire. Avoid unnecessary risks. A friend is important to you. Shelve major de... - #10
Save:The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a humorous science fiction novel by Douglas Adams that follows the adventures of Arthur Dent, a mild-mannered Earthling who is saved from the destruction of Earth by his alien friend Ford Prefect. Together, they embark on a journey through space and time, encountering eccentric characters like Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android. The book is known for its quirky, whimsical writing style, filled with absurdity, satire, and philosophical musings on the meaning of life.
The plot revolves around Arthur and Ford's escapades as they hitchhike across the galaxy, facing bizarre situations and navigating through the absurdities of the universe. Adams' narrative style is conversational and comically bizarre, blending elements of science fiction with absurdist humor to create a unique and entertaining reading experience that challenges traditional storytelling conventions.
At eight o’clock on Thursday morning Arthur didn’t feel very good. He woke up blearily, got up, wandered blearily round his room, opened a window, saw a bulldozer, found his slippers, and stomped off ...
