Books matching: contemporary london
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- #1
Save:A dark, addictive police procedural that reinvents Ripper lore for modern times - with suspense, smart twists, and a memorably troubled protagonist. Great for fans of gritty, twist-packed mysteries.
In 'Now You See Me' by S.J. Bolton, Detective Constable Lacey Flint finds herself entangled in a murder investigation resembling the crimes of Jack the Ripper. As she delves deeper into the case, she must confront her own dark secrets while racing against time to prevent further deaths. The story is a gripping police procedural with a chilling and mysterious plot, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on edge. The writing style switches between past and present, creating an intriguing narrative that unravels the connections between historical murders and present-day killings.
Somehow managing to stand upright, arms outstretched, fingers grasping the rim of the passenger door, a dead woman was spewing blood over the car’s paintwork, each spatter overlaying the last as the p...June 2011•501 pages - #2
Save:A clever, layered exploration of Jewish identity, male friendship, and belonging - brilliantly written, sometimes challenging, occasionally funny, often melancholic. Not for everyone, but a rewarding read if you’re up for slow-burn literary fiction with bite.
The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson delves into the complexities of Jewish identity in modern-day England through the lens of three main characters: Julian Treslove, Sam Finkler, and Libor Sevcik. The narrative explores themes of self-discovery, loss, and friendship as Treslove grapples with his own identity crisis and fascination with Jewish culture. The writing style combines humor, introspection, and social commentary to paint a nuanced portrait of the characters' relationships and struggles with their Jewish heritage.
At around about this time - give or take half an hour - in a restaurant close by - give or take a quarter of a mile - Treslove's sons were settling the bill for dinner. They were in the company of the...September 2010•384 pages - #3
Save:A challenging but rewarding read for fans of literary introspection and emotional authenticity. Approach with patience and you’ll find moments of brilliance, but it’s definitely not for everyone.
'Serious Sweet' by A.L. Kennedy is a novel that delves into the lives of two troubled Londoners, Jon and Meg, over the course of a day. The book intricately weaves together the inner workings of their psyches, portraying them as inherently good people with flaws and past traumas. The narrative follows Jon, a civil servant leaking government secrets, and Meg, a bankrupt accountant working for a charity, as they navigate through loneliness, struggles, and the possibility of finding solace in each other. The writing style includes detailed character development, stream of consciousness passages, and vignettes of London life, painting a vivid picture of the characters' inner turmoils and daily challenges.
It was very young, the avian equivalent of a fattish toddler, or chip-fed adolescent maybe, and was fighting inside the curve of his left hand while Jon tried what he could with his right to make it h...October 2016•519 pages - #4
Save:A heartfelt, laugh-out-loud gay romcom with sharp wit, adorable disaster characters, and genuine emotional moments. Not perfect for everyone, but if you want your romance funny, queer, and full of charm, it's a must-read!
'Boyfriend Material' by Alexis Hall follows the story of Luc O'Donnell, a minor celebrity trying to improve his reputation to save his job. Luc agrees to fake date Oliver Blackwood, who also needs a fake boyfriend, leading to a predictable yet fast-paced plot filled with tension and hilarious interactions between a cast of quirky characters. The book explores themes of self-worth, family bonds, and personal growth, all wrapped up in a charming rom-com narrative with witty banter and emotional depth.
I’ve never seen the point of fancy dress parties. You have two choices: either you make a massive effort and wind up looking like a dick, or you make no effort and wind up looking like a dick. And my...July 2020•432 pages - #5
Save:Clever, funny, and distinctly British - Midnight Riot is a quirky urban fantasy that’s more police romp than Hogwarts retread. Not perfect, but a must-try for anyone wanting something different in the genre.
"Midnight Riot" in the series "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch follows the story of Peter Grant, a police constable in London, who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice wizard after encountering a ghost at a crime scene. Grant's new role leads him to work on solving supernatural crimes with Chief Inspector Nightingale, blending magic and modern police work in a parallel London where magic is real but hidden from most people. offers a mix of contemporary London life, magical elements, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and unique urban fantasy setting.
IT STARTED at one thirty on a cold Tuesday morning in January when Martin Turner, street performer and, in his own words, apprentice gigolo, tripped over a body in front of the West Portico of St. Pau...February 2011•292 pages - #6
Save:A stunning, character-driven romance that’s heartfelt, sexy, and unafraid to break the rules - For Real is for readers ready to feel, think, and fall in love alongside two unforgettable (and very relatable) heroes.
Toby, a baby dom, and Laurie meet one night at a kink club and have an encounter that neither of them can forget. In fact, both feel ruined by the experience. They both have demons to overcome to their HEA but, oh, is it written so masterfully. Just gorgeous. There is so much feeling, and surprisingly not a ton of angst. Toby is a 'lost' 19-year-old man, who knows one thing for sure, that he's a Dom. Laurie is the emotionally bruised and slightly detached older man, who takes a leap of faith, and kneels for Toby, not quite ever believing what happens between them is for real. The story follows the pair as they embark on a startling and life-affirming BDSM relationship, ultimately dealing in pride, inquisitiveness, fear, and trust.
“Look, I’ve come straight from work, and I’ve had a really long day, and I simply haven’t had time to slip into a spiky collar or a mesh shirt or whatever else you deem necessary to get into your have... - #7
Save:A smart, funny, and spine-tingling paranormal mystery - perfect for fans of supernatural thrillers and anyone who loves a good ghost story in a modern London setting.
Rory Deveaux, a teenager from Louisiana, moves to London to attend a boarding school where she becomes entangled in a modern-day Jack the Ripper copycat murder mystery. Rory's unique ability to see ghosts leads her to be the only witness to the crimes, putting her in grave danger as she tries to unravel the truth behind the murders. The book is a blend of suspense, paranormal events, and government conspiracies, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as witty, engaging, and full of humorous one-liners that add depth to the characters and the storyline.
IF YOU LIVE AROUND NEW ORLEANS AND THEY THINK a hurricane might be coming, all hell breaks loose. Not among the residents, really, but on the news. The news wants us to worry desperately about hurrica...September 2011•390 pages - #8
Save:A witty, entertaining homage to classic detective stories with a modern twist; great for mystery lovers who enjoy a bit of clever self-referential fun.
In "The Sentence is Death" by Anthony Horowitz, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through a murder investigation where author Anthony Horowitz finds himself entangled in solving the mysterious death of a celebrity divorce lawyer, Richard Pryce. Partnered with the enigmatic ex-detective Daniel Hawthorne, Horowitz navigates through a web of suspects, red herrings, and unexpected twists, all while showcasing a unique blend of reality and fiction within the narrative.
Horowitz's writing style cleverly weaves humor, metafiction, and classic mystery elements together, creating an engaging and entertaining storyline that keeps readers hooked until the very end. The dynamic between Horowitz and Hawthorne adds a layer of complexity and depth to the narrative, reminiscent of iconic detective duos like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, making "The Sentence is Death" a must-read for mystery enthusiasts.
Usually, I enjoy visiting film sets. I love the excitement of seeing so many professional people working together – at a cost of tens of thousands of pounds – to create a vision that will have begun p... - #9
Save:A gentle, ultimately uplifting read about thriving through change - perfect for fans of thoughtful, midlife reinvention stories, but skip it if you want non-stop action or dramatic revenge.
"Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman" by Elizabeth Buchan follows the story of Rose, a book review editor in London, who is shocked when her husband leaves her for a younger woman who also happens to be Rose's assistant. As Rose navigates through the emotional aftermath of losing both her husband and her job, she begins to rebuild her life with the support of her friends, children, and a rediscovered old flame. touches on themes of betrayal, loss, reinvention, and the complexities of relationships, all set against a backdrop of British vernacular and humor.
Despite the title suggesting a tale of revenge, the book focuses more on Rose's journey towards self-discovery and resilience in the face of unexpected upheavals. The story delves into the emotional turmoil Rose experiences, her relationships with her family and friends, and her gradual realization that life still offers possibilities even after significant setbacks.
“Here,” said Minty, my deputy, with one of her breathy laughs, “the review has just come in. It’s hilariously vindictive.” She pushed toward me a book entitled A Thousand Olive Trees by Hal Thorne wit...2002•367 pages - #10
Save:A gritty, psychologically complex thriller that raises the stakes for Strike and Robin - perfect for readers who like their mysteries dark, dense, and character-driven. Series fans will be hooked; newcomers should start with book one.
Private detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant partner Robin find themselves embroiled in a case of a serial killer who sends a dismembered leg to Robin at the office. The killer may be someone from Strike's complicated past, although the police remain unconvinced. As Robin's on again, off again wedding grows closer, so does the killer. Thoroughly entertaining and engaging Strike and Robin are characters who grow and reveal more of their back stories with each outing. Can't wait for the next one. The main characters are interesting their details are given slowly I like them, I want to know more about them.
He had not managed to scrub off all her blood. A dark line like a parenthesis lay under the middle fingernail of his left hand. He set to digging it out, although he quite liked seeing it there: a mem...October 2015•557 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Cormoran Strike )
