Books matching: crime fiction
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- #1
Save:A fitting, atmospheric farewell to Bernie Gunther - excellent for fans of historical noir, though it at times shows the rough edges of an unfinished draft.
Metropolis by Philip Kerr is the final installment in the Bernie Gunther series, taking readers back to the beginning of Gunther's career as a Berlin homicide detective in late 1920s Germany. The book delves into the dark and chaotic atmosphere of Weimar Berlin, exploring themes of vice, political turmoil, and social unrest. Kerr's writing style is described as meticulously researched, well-written, and immersive, with vivid descriptions that bring the setting and characters to life.
- #2
Save:A twisty, challenging, and very vintage puzzle mystery - delightful for classic whodunit lovers, but a tougher sell for those looking for realism or brisk character-driven drama.
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...1932•344 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ellery Queen Detective ) - #3
Save:'The Village of Eight Graves' by Seishi Yokomizo is a detective novel featuring Tatsuya Terada, who discovers his dark family history and a potential inheritance in a remote mountain village with a sinister past. As a series of poisonings and murders unfold, suspicion falls on Tatsuya, leading to the involvement of the brilliant yet unassuming detective Kosuke Kindaichi. The story is set in a small village with a dark history, intertwining personal backstories of the villagers to create a compelling and atmospheric plot filled with twists, secret passages, mysterious caves, gruesome murders, and a treasure hunt, reminiscent of classic Japanese detective novels.
Right now I am sitting in my study, atop a hill in a western suburb of Kobe, looking out at a picturesque view of the island of Awaji. Quietly drawing on a cigarette, once again living a peaceful life...1949•335 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Detective Kosuke Kindaichi ) - #4
Save:A Will To Kill is a delightfully atmospheric, India-set homage to the Golden Age mystery - perfect for fans of classic whodunits who enjoy rich settings, even if it's not quite flawless. Give it a try if you’re looking to escape to the misty hills with a twisty murder mystery!
A Will To Kill by R.V. Raman is a murder mystery novel featuring the detective Athreya who is called upon to investigate a series of murders in a misty valley in southern India. The plot revolves around a rich man, Bhaskar Fernandez, who suspects someone is trying to kill him and creates two wills depending on the circumstances of his death. As the story unfolds, the detective delves into the complex family dynamics, suspicious characters, and unexpected twists, all set against a backdrop of a remote Indian locale.
The narrative style of the book combines elements of classic Golden Age whodunnits with a modern twist, offering a compelling and suspenseful read for fans of the murder mystery genre. The author weaves a tale filled with surprises, intricate plot developments, and clever characterizations, keeping the readers engaged till the final page.
The visitor was ill at ease, fidgeting with his watch’s metal strap, locking and releasing the clasp repeatedly. He had made two attempts to convey the message he was carrying, and had pulled up short...2019•265 pages - #5
Save:A fun, quirky country house Christmas mystery with all the cozy vibes and eccentric flair you’d expect from Ngaio Marsh - just don’t expect her most suspenseful or modern outing.
"Tied Up in Tinsel" by Ngaio Marsh revolves around a Christmas party hosted by Mr. Hilary Bill Tasman at Halberds Manor, where guests include eccentric characters and a staff of convicted murderers. The protagonist, Troy Alleyn, wife of DI Roderick Alleyn of Scotland Yard, is at the manor to paint a portrait while her husband is away. The plot unfolds with a disappearance after a Christmas pageant, leading to suspicion among the staff and guests, and eventually, Superintendent Roderick Alleyn gets involved to solve the mystery. The writing style of the book combines elements of a traditional country house murder mystery with quirky characters and a cleverly executed plot that keeps the reader engaged throughout the story.
‘Thank you. When I so describe his activities I do not indulge in facezia. He went into partnership in a rag-and-bone way with my Uncle Bert Smith, who was already equipped with a horse and cart and t... - #6
Save:A brilliantly original urban mystery with a wild concept that lingers in your mind, but be ready for more ideas and atmosphere than action or heart.
'The City & The City' by China Mieville is a unique murder mystery set in two intertwined cities, Beszel and Ul Qoma, where the residents are required to unsee each other despite sharing the same physical space. Inspector Tyador Borlu investigates a murder that blurs the boundaries between the cities, leading to a complex and intriguing narrative. The writing style is described as immersive and atmospheric, reminiscent of classic detective noir novels but with a fantastical twist that challenges the reader's perspective.
I COULD NOT SEE THE STREET or much of the estate. We were enclosed by dirt-coloured blocks, from windows out of which leaned vested men and women with morning hair and mugs of drink, eating breakfast...May 2009•384 pages - #7
Save:A witty, cleverly-plotted vintage mystery with memorable characters - perfect for classic whodunit fans willing to roll with a few old-fashioned quirks.
"Fer-de-Lance" by Rex Stout introduces readers to the eccentric detective Nero Wolfe and his smart sidekick Archie Goodwin in their first mystery together. Set in 1930s New York, the plot revolves around Wolfe being asked to find a missing Italian immigrant, which leads to the investigation of the murder of a college president on a golf course. The story is narrated through Archie's witty and wise-cracking perspective, highlighting the dynamic between the two characters as they solve the case with a touch of humor and clever deduction. The writing style captures the essence of the time period and sets the stage for a series of engaging mysteries with unique characters and intriguing plotlines.
There was no reason why I shouldn’t have been sent for the beer that day, for the last ends of the Fairmont National Bank case had been gathered in the week before and there was nothing for me to do b...1934•294 pages - #8
Save:In 'Something More Than Night' by Kim Newman, the story revolves around the unlikely partnership of novelist Raymond Chandler and actor Boris Karloff as they delve into investigations that intertwine crime and horror during the golden age of Hollywood. The narrative is described as a genre-spanning novel that skillfully combines hard-boiled detective fiction with pulp horror elements, set in the late 1930s Los Angeles. The book features a complex plot narrated in a rambling style that captures the essence of the time period, with Chandler and Karloff shining as they bring the story to life with their investigations into unusual occurrences in a town filled with both human and inhuman monsters.
Amateur souses establish alibis wherever the bender takes them. The pie-eyed sot blundering into the floorshow has a club full of witnesses to testify he was across town from the alley where his forme...November 2021•367 pages - #9
Save:A charming, atmospheric throwback to the Golden Age of detective fiction - perfect for cozy mystery fans, but those seeking edge or grit might be left cold.
'The Cornish Coast Murder' by John Bude is a classic murder mystery set in a quiet fishing village on the Cornish south coast. The story revolves around the murder of Julius Tregarthan in his cliff-top home, leading to a puzzling investigation involving potential suspects like his niece Ruth and her love interest, Roland Hardy. The narrative follows Inspector William Merritt and the local vicar, Reverend Dodd, as they work together to unravel the mystery, filled with red herrings, clues, and a surprising conclusion. The book captures the essence of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction with its well-defined characters, traditional setting, and engaging plot.
The writing style of 'The Cornish Coast Murder' is reminiscent of Agatha Christie, with a focus on dialogue-driven solution finding and detailed descriptions of the era and setting. The book is praised for its fast-paced and intriguing storyline, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the end. Despite some minor quibbles about dialogue and plot believability, the novel is commended for its entertainment value, well-developed characters, and the overall charm of a traditional murder mystery.
THE Reverend Dodd, Vicar of St. Michael's-on-the-Cliff, stood at the window of his comfortable bachelor study looking out into the night. It was raining fitfully, and gusts of wind from off the Atlant...1935•286 pages - #10
Save:Atmospheric, twisty, and full of wry wit - Rain Dogs is one of the best in the Duffy series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or crime fiction newcomer, it’s a gripping, smart mystery that stays with you after the last page.
Rain Dogs by Adrian McKinty is a gripping crime thriller set in 1987 Northern Ireland, featuring the determined and methodical Detective Sean Duffy. The story revolves around a locked room mystery at Carrickfergus Castle, where Duffy unravels a web of high-reaching conspiracies while dealing with historical events and personal struggles. The plot is fast-paced, with twists and turns that transform the mystery into a compelling 'howdunnit' rather than a traditional 'whodunnit'. McKinty's writing style captures the mood and details of the time and place, expertly aging Duffy and crafting well-developed secondary characters.
It was a cold, clear day and it couldn’t have been shot better by Nestor Almendros: sunlight illuminating the Baroque revival columns behind the Champ’s head and the clouds parting to reveal an indigo...2015•333 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Detective Sean Duffy )
