Books matching: historical thriller
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- #1
Save:Set in late 19th century New York City, 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr follows a team of individuals, including the alienist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, crime reporter John Moore, and a few detectives, as they track down a serial killer targeting young boys and possibly young girls. The novel intertwines historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt with fictional characters to create a gripping psychological thriller. Through detailed historical research, the author recreates the atmosphere of the period, delving into the birth of American profiling and modern forensic science.
The book is a complex blend of mystery, thriller, and historical fiction, providing a rich historical portrait of New York City while also delivering a suspenseful detective story utilizing early psychological profiling techniques. The narrative is filled with chilling details and vivid descriptions that bring the city to life, immersing readers in the gritty yet intriguing world of criminal investigation in the late 1800s.
The words as I write them make as little sense as did the sight of his coffin descending into a patch of sandy soil near Sagamore Hill, the place he loved more than any other on earth. As I stood ther... - #2
Save:'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a medieval murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery where Brother William of Baskerville investigates charges of heresy as monks begin to die one by one. The book delves into the complexities of religious factions, beliefs, and conflicts during a time of political and religious unrest, with a central mystery surrounding rare parchments in the library. Eco's writing style combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and intellectual discourse, exploring themes of doubt, belief, signs, meaning, and ambiguity.
ON AUGUST 16, 1968, I WAS HANDED A BOOK WRITTEN BY A CERTAIN Abbé Vallet, Le Manuscrit de Dom Adson de Melk, traduit en français d’après l’édition de Dom J. Mabillon (Aux Presses de l’Abbaye de la Sou... - #3
Save:'The Angel of Darkness' is a sequel to the novel 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. The story is set in late 19th-century New York City and follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler and his team as they investigate a female serial killer targeting children. The narrative is rich in historical details, featuring real figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Clarence Darrow. The plot explores themes of forensic profiling, court trials, and the challenges of solving crimes in a corrupt society.
is narrated from the perspective of Stovepipe Stevie, offering a unique insight into the characters and events. The writing style is described as well-researched and historically accurate, with a blend of mystery, thriller, and historical fiction elements. Despite some pacing issues and a few criticisms of certain plot developments, the book is praised for its depth, psychological aspects, and the gripping nature of the story.
The first thing to do, along these plain lines, is to say why I’ve closed the shop up and come into the back office on a night when there’s still plenty of business that might be done. It’s a fine eve...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dr. Laszlo Kreizler ) - #4
Save:"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson delves into two parallel stories set during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. One storyline follows the ambitious architect Daniel Burnham as he strives to create the greatest World's Fair ever seen, while the other narrative focuses on Dr. H.H. Holmes, who becomes the first mass murderer in U.S. history. intricately weaves together the challenges of organizing the fair with the chilling crimes committed by Holmes, creating a captivating blend of history and true crime. Readers are taken on a journey through the bustling city of Chicago, where the grandeur of the fair contrasts with the darkness of Holmes' actions, all presented in a narrative that reads like a suspense novel.
THE DATE WAS APRIL 14, 1912, a sinister day in maritime history, but of course the man in suite 63–65, shelter deck C, did not yet know it. What he did know was that his foot hurt badly, more than he ... - #5
Save:An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris is a historical fiction novel that retells the infamous Dreyfus Affair in late 19th-century France. The story is narrated from the perspective of Colonel Georges Picquart, who becomes convinced of the innocence of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer wrongly accused of espionage. As Picquart delves deeper into the case, he uncovers corruption and deceit within the French military leadership, leading to a gripping tale of betrayal, injustice, and the pursuit of truth. The author skillfully weaves together historical events with fictional elements to create a compelling narrative that sheds light on the themes of anti-Semitism, government corruption, and the power of individuals to challenge authority.
The writing style of An Officer and a Spy is praised for its ability to capture the tension and drama of the unfolding events, making the historical story feel immediate and engaging. Readers appreciate the meticulous research done by Harris, which brings to life the complexities of the Dreyfus Affair and the political climate of the time. Through the character of Picquart, the novel explores themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of speaking truth to power, making it a thought-provoking and enlightening read.
The sentry on the rue Saint-Dominique steps out of his box to open the gate and I run through a whirl of snow across the windy courtyard into the warm lobby of the hôtel de Brienne, where a sleek youn... - #6
Save:In 'The Devil and the Dark Water' by Stuart Turton, set in the 17th century, the story follows Samuel Pipps, a renowned detective, and his loyal bodyguard Arent Hayes, as they embark on a perilous journey to Amsterdam. Strange occurrences plague their ship, including mysterious symbols, deaths, and whispers of unholy miracles. As the plot unfolds, secrets from the past resurface, creating a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Turton weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and the supernatural, delivering a complex and gripping tale filled with twists and surprises.
The narrative is rich in historical details, portraying life aboard a merchant vessel and the superstitions of the 17th century with vivid imagery. The characters, ranging from strong-willed women to clever detectives, add depth to the story, while the intricate plot keeps readers engaged till the end. Turton's writing style blends elements of locked room mystery, Sherlock Holmes homage, and swashbuckling sea adventure, creating a unique and immersive reading experience that transports readers to a world of intrigue and suspense.
Another whistled by his ear; a third striking his knee, causing him to stumble, bringing jeers from the pitiless mob, who were already searching the ground for more missiles to throw. Hundreds of them... - #7
Save:'The Secret Supper' by Javier Sierra is a historical thriller set in the late 15th century, revolving around Father Agostino, an inquisitor investigating coded messages accusing Leonardo Da Vinci of heresy related to his painting The Last Supper. The novel delves into secrets, codes, symbology, and 15th-century culture and politics, blending real historical figures with fictional characters to create a tale of murder, mystery, and religious intrigue.
The narrative follows Father Agostino's quest to unravel the identity of the message sender, decipher the clues hidden in Da Vinci's masterpiece, and uncover a murderer in the region. As the story progresses, it explores themes of art history, religious and political intrigue, and presents a unique interpretation of the symbolism behind The Last Supper, offering readers a captivating blend of mystery and historical fiction.
I cannot recall a more dangerous and tangled puzzle than the one I was called upon to solve in the New Year of 1497, when the duchy of Ludovico il Moro lay in its painful death throes, while the Papal... - #8
Save:"Munich" by Robert Harris is a historical thriller set during the Munich Conference of 1938, focusing on the events leading up to the agreement signed by Chamberlain and Hitler. The story follows the perspectives of two men who were once friends at Oxford, now involved in diplomatic services, as they navigate the tense negotiations and intrigue surrounding the peace efforts in Munich. Despite the well-known historical outcome, the author masterfully builds tension and suspense, offering a gripping portrayal of the heightened political climate of the time.
Shortly before one o’clock on the afternoon of Tuesday 27 September 1938, Mr Hugh Legat of His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service was shown to his table beside one of the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Rit... - #9
Save:'The One Man' by Andrew Gross is a historical thriller set during WWII, focusing on the daring rescue mission of physicist Alfred Mendl from Auschwitz. The story follows Nathan Blum, a Polish Jew working for the US intelligence, who is tasked with infiltrating the concentration camp to bring Mendl out. The plot is filled with suspense, historical facts, and intricate twists, making it a compelling read for those interested in WWII fiction.
The book seamlessly weaves together elements of espionage, historical events, and human resilience, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed, the plot is fast-paced, and the writing style effectively captures the horrors of Auschwitz while maintaining a sense of hope and determination throughout the story.
The two men clawed through the dense Polish forest at night, clinging to the banks of the Vistula, only miles from Slovakia. Their withered bodies cried out from exhaustion, on the edge of giving out.... - #10
Save:The Shot by Philip Kerr is a historical thriller set in 1960s USA, where a professional assassin named Tom Jefferson is hired to assassinate Fidel Castro by the Mafia, in collaboration with figures from the FBI. The plot twists as Jefferson's true allegiances are revealed, leading to a complex web of espionage, political intrigue, and betrayal. Kerr expertly weaves together forgotten historical figures with his own creations, providing a new perspective on past events while keeping readers guessing with unexpected turns in the story.
