Books matching: eccentric detective
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- #1
Save:In 'Some Buried Caesar' by Rex Stout, Nero Wolfe and Archie find themselves stranded in a field with a large bull while on their way to exhibit orchids. The book follows their involvement in a bitter rural feud, a mystery around the death of a champion bull, and two human murders. The writing style combines fun with suspense, featuring witty exchanges between Archie and Wolfe, and the introduction of the recurring character, Lily Rowan, who adds a delightful spark to the narrative.
That sunny September day was full of surprises. The first one came when, after my swift realization that the sedan was still right side up and the windshield and windows intact, I switched off the ign... - #2
Save:"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... - #3
Save:A smart and stylish Victorian whodunit, perfect for readers craving a mix of mystery, quirky family drama, and the promise of romantic tension - just don't expect a strictly traditional historical or a breakneck thriller.
'Silent in the Grave' by Deanna Raybourn is a Victorian mystery novel that follows Lady Julia Grey as she navigates the unexpected death of her husband, Sir Edward Grey. When a mysterious private investigator, Nicholas Brisbane, suggests foul play in Edward's death, Julia embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her husband's murder. Set in late Victorian London, the book weaves together secrets, mystery, and unconventional characters, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the surprising end. Raybourn's writing style is described as engaging, with witty and amusing elements that draw readers into the lives of the characters and the atmospheric setting of Victorian London.
I stared at him, not quite taking in the fact that he had just collapsed at my feet. He lay, curled like a question mark, his evening suit ink-black against the white marble of the floor. He was writh...2006•522 pages - #4
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 - #5
Save:'Death on Gokumon Island' is a murder mystery novel featuring Detective Kosuke Kindaichi, an eccentric and scruffy private eye, investigating a series of gruesome murders on a strange fishing island populated by descendants of pirates and criminals. The plot unfolds after World War II, where Kindaichi arrives on Gokumon Island to protect the lives of three half-sisters of a deceased important family member. The narrative involves intricate plotting, vivid descriptions of Japanese households, and a razor-sharp detective untangling a complex web of murders with clarity and war memories layered over the activity.
The book is a mixed bag, starting with deaths that come late but then escalate rapidly, leading to a good ending with satisfying revelations. The setting on the insular island adds to the suspense, as the suspicious islanders make Kindaichi's investigation more difficult. The writing style, although different from previous volumes, keeps readers engaged with its detailed background information, suspenseful build-up, and likable protagonist.
1948•319 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Detective Kosuke Kindaichi ) - #6
Save:A delightful pick for mystery lovers wanting sharp wit, clever plots, and a touch of botanical intrigue - Nero Wolfe never disappoints.
'Black Orchids' by Rex Stout is a collection of two novellas that revolve around the theme of black orchids and the mysteries surrounding them. In the first story, Wolfe becomes involved in a murder case at a flower show where black orchids are on display, leading to a surprising conclusion. The second novella, 'Cordially Invited to Meet Death,' sees Wolfe investigating a murder that initially appears as a reputation-ruining scheme, showcasing the dynamic between Wolfe and Archie as they unravel the mystery.
- #7
Save:A smart, inventive detective mystery with a meta twist - perfect for fans of classic whodunits and clever storytelling, though the self-referential style may not be to everyone’s taste.
'The Word Is Murder' by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly crafted murder mystery that follows the investigation of the murder of a woman, Diana Cowper, who is found dead in her home just hours after arranging her own funeral. The story centers around a unique partnership between a disgraced ex-detective, Daniel Hawthorne, and author Anthony Horowitz, who is roped in to write a true crime book about the case. Horowitz skillfully blends fact and fiction, inserting himself as a character in the narrative, leading to a compelling mix of real events and imaginative storytelling. As the duo delves into the case, they uncover a web of motives, suspects, and twists that keep the reader guessing until the surprising solution is revealed.
The book weaves together multiple storylines, including a double murder case involving Diana Cowper and her son, adding layers of complexity to the central mystery. Horowitz's writing style incorporates elements of metafiction, humor, and intricate plotting to create a captivating narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. With a rich cast of characters, red herrings, and gradual elimination of suspects, 'The Word Is Murder' offers a riveting exploration of crime-solving, character dynamics, and the interplay between the author's own life and the fictional world he creates.
Just after eleven o’clock on a bright spring morning, the sort of day when the sunshine is almost white and promises a warmth that it doesn’t quite deliver, Diana Cowper crossed the Fulham Road and we...August 2017•400 pages - #8
Save:A light, witty, and whimsical supernatural mystery that's more about fun and character than deep, twisty sleuthing. Perfect for fans of Sherlock, Doctor Who, and YA paranormal adventures!
'Jackaby' by William Ritter is a young adult historical fantasy set in 1890 that follows the adventures of Abigail Rook, a girl who seeks excitement and ends up as the assistant to the eccentric paranormal investigator Jackaby. The story is filled with folklore, mythology, religion, and the supernatural, reminiscent of a Sherlock Holmes-style detective novel. Despite being a fun and light read, the plot is straightforward, making it more suitable for young readers looking for an entertaining mystery with quirky characters and supernatural elements.
It was late January, and New England wore a fresh coat of snow as I stepped along the gangplank to the shore. The city of New Fiddleham glistened in the fading dusk, lamplight playing across the icy b...September 2014•334 pages - #9
Save:The White Priory Murders by Carter Dickson is a locked room mystery set in a British estate where a popular film star, Marcia Tate, is found brutally murdered in a pavilion dating back to the 1600s. The story unfolds with a snowbound setting and a cast of eccentric characters, including the renowned amateur detective Sir Henry Merrivale, who is tasked with solving the impossible whodunnit. As the investigation progresses, the reader is led through a web of motives, alibis, and red herrings, keeping the tension high until the surprising and satisfying resolution. The writing style captures the essence of a classic mystery with inventive touches, complex relationships, and a steady pace that builds a fine atmosphere of menace.
1934•252 pages
(Also, see 27 recommendations for the series Sir Henry Merrivale ) - #10
Save:A smart, playful love letter to classic mysteries that delivers two satisfying puzzles for the price of one. Perfect for fans of clever whodunnits and literary in-jokes - less ideal for those craving gritty realism or emotional gravitas.
'Magpie Murders' by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly crafted mystery novel that presents a story within a story. It follows Susan Ryeland, an editor, as she delves into the mysteries surrounding a manuscript by a popular author, Alan Conway, which goes missing after his suspicious death. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the traditional British whodunit style of Conway's manuscript and the real-life mystery Susan finds herself entangled in, creating a metafictional delight for mystery fans. expertly pays homage to classic detective novels while offering a fresh and inventive take on the genre.
The writing style of 'Magpie Murders' is described as intelligent, classic, and reminiscent of Agatha Christie's works, with intricate plots, well-developed characters, and clever narrative devices. The book's structure, with two interconnected mysteries and a metafictional approach, keeps readers engaged and guessing until the satisfying conclusion. Horowitz's ability to blend different writing styles, explore themes of crime fiction, and deliver unexpected twists and turns throughout the narrative showcases his talent as a mystery writer.
A bottle of wine. A family-sized packet of Nacho Cheese Flavoured Tortilla Chips and a jar of hot salsa dip. A packet of cigarettes on the side (I know, I know). The rain hammering against the windows...2011•480 pages
