Books matching: intricate plot
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- #1
Save:'Witch Hunt' by Ian Rankin, written under the pseudonym Jack Harvey, follows the pursuit of a female assassin known as Witch by three detectives, Dominic Elder, Doyle, and Greenleaf. The plot unfolds across England, Scotland, France, and Germany as the detectives race against time to stop Witch before she strikes again, coinciding with a world summit in England. The narrative is described as a mix of thriller and police procedural, with intricate plotting and a focus on the histories and motivations of the main characters.
- #2
Save:The Sultan's Seal by Jenny White is a murder mystery set in the waning days of the Ottoman Empire, specifically in Istanbul. The plot revolves around the discovery of a young European woman's body with the sultan's personal seal, leading to a dangerous case of political intrigue. The protagonist, Kamil Pasha, a Cambridge-educated minor official, is tasked with solving the case while navigating through a web of obstacles and powerful individuals trying to obstruct the investigation. The book is praised for its intricate plot, evocative descriptions of old Istanbul, and the author's ability to create a strong sense of place and time.
A dozen lamps flicker across the water, moving up the strait in silence, the oarsmen invisible. A dry scuffling noise drifts from shore, the breeze too indolent to carry it very far. Wild dogs bark an... - #3
Save:Captive (Invictus) by Rachel Neumeier is a space opera set in a future where two vastly different cultures collide. One culture is derived from English, while the other comes from a breakaway group of ex-clone slaves speaking a language influenced by Russian. The plot revolves around the intricate dynamics between characters, particularly Syova and Captain Ilya, highlighting themes of authority, loyalty, and integrity. The story unfolds mainly aboard the ship named Invictus and features an engaging mix of character development and action.
The writing style is character-driven and immersive, with a strong focus on world-building and cultural nuances. Neumeier's ability to weave complex plots with relatable characters makes the story compelling. Readers are drawn into a rich narrative that explores themes of trust and deception, often prompting questions about honesty and motives. Although the book ends on a cliffhanger, it leaves a lasting impression, making readers eager for the sequel.
- #4
Save:Devices and Desires by K.J. Parker is an epic fantasy novel set in a world where engineering and mechanics replace magic. The story follows Ziani Vaatzes, an engineer from a regimented society who escapes a death sentence and triggers a chain of events that lead to war and political intrigue. The book is characterized by complex politics, intricate world-building, and morally grey characters with hidden motives, creating a compelling and unpredictable narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The plot of Devices and Desires revolves around Ziani's escape from his city and his involvement in the conflicts between different countries with varying ideologies. The writing style is described as engaging and readable, with a focus on themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, and ambition. The story is filled with intricate details about engineering, politics, and war, creating a rich and immersive fantasy world that challenges traditional genre conventions.
Like a whip cracking, he uncurled his languid slouch into the taut, straight lines of the lunge. His forearm launched from the elbow like an arrow as his front leg plunged forward, and the point of th... - #5
Save:'A Passage of Arms' by Eric Ambler is a gripping thriller that delves into the complexities of different cultures and the misunderstandings that arise. Set in Southeast Asia during a turbulent period, the story follows an American couple, an Indian clerk, and a family of Chinese crooks, all intertwined in a plot involving arms dealing and political unrest. Ambler skillfully weaves together the characters' perspectives, showcasing their individual motives and actions without a clear understanding of the bigger picture, leading to a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative.
The novel follows the journey of the cache of weapons as it travels through various locations, from Malaysia to Indonesia, offering insights into the murky world of arms dealing. Through vivid characterizations and a meticulously crafted plot, Ambler keeps the readers engaged as the protagonist, a gullible American caught up in a web of intrigue and violence, navigates through a series of unexpected events that ultimately lead to a provocative and intense climax.
- #6
Save:FAIR WARNING is a gripping thriller that follows journalist Jack McEvoy as he uncovers a connection between unsolved murders and DNA profiles submitted to inexpensive labs. The novel delves into the dark world of genetic databases and the implications of privacy breaches, all while maintaining a sense of realism and plausibility in its police procedural narrative. With a fast-paced plot and well-defined characters, the story explores the dangers of genetic testing and the hunt for a terrifying serial killer.
I had called the story “The King of Con Artists.” At least that was my headline. I typed it up top but was pretty sure it would get changed because it would be overstepping my bounds as a reporter to ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harry Bosch Universe ) - #7
Save:The Last Train by Michael Pronko is a mystery set in Tokyo, delving into the darker side of hostess clubs and organized crime. The story follows Detective Hiroshi Shimizu as he investigates a murder early on, with the reader knowing the killer's identity from the start but slowly uncovering the motives behind the crime. The book provides a fascinating insight into Japanese culture, nightlife, and business worlds, offering a mix of intriguing characters and a well-paced thriller narrative.
She was as tall as he was, but he was twice as wide and at least a decade, maybe two, older. She held his swaying bodyweight upright with her arm tight around his waist. Her tall, strong limbs prodded... - #8
Save:'The Luminaries' by Eleanor Catton is a lengthy and densely plotted book set during the gold rush in New Zealand in 1865 and 1866. The story revolves around a death and a swindle, involving a fortune in gold found in the cabin of Crosbie Wells. The plot is intricate, involving theft, fraud, perjury, mysticism, and a large cast of characters, narrated from the point of view of twelve men. The novel unfolds through a complex tale of White colonists, Maori superstitions, and intricate character interactions, all tied together by an astrological chart.
The twelve men congregated in the smoking room of the Crown Hotel gave the impression of a party accidentally met. From the variety of their comportment and dress—frock coats, tailcoats, Norfolk jacke... - #9
Save:Putting on the Ritz by Joe Keenan is a comedic novel that follows the escapades of Philip Cavanaugh and his friend Gilbert Selwyn as they navigate the entertainment industry in New York City. The plot involves love, betrayal, and intricate schemes as the characters get entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation. The writing style is fast-paced, filled with humor, and features zany characters that come alive in insane scenarios.
- #10
Save:'The Game of Kings' by Dorothy Dunnett is a historical fiction novel set in the 16th century, primarily focusing on the adventures of the complex and enigmatic protagonist, Francis Crawford of Lymond. The book introduces readers to a world filled with war, betrayal, romance, and adventure, set against the backdrop of a meticulously researched historical setting. Through intricate plot threads and rich wordplay, the author paints a vivid picture of a Renaissance world where characters navigate through real stakes, dangers, and intricate political intrigues.
The narrative style of 'The Game of Kings' is described as dense, packed with classical and time-specific references, vernacular, and 16th-century wordplay. The story unfolds with elements of mystery and crime, as readers follow Lymond's journey to clear his tarnished reputation while encountering a diverse cast of characters and engaging in witty and erudite dialogues. Despite the initial challenges in getting into the book, readers find themselves immersed in a world filled with action, intrigue, and well-developed characters that keep them engaged throughout the story.
First of ye chekker sail be macioune maidAnd sync efter of ye proper movingOf every man in ordour to his kingAnd as the chekker schawis us yis forneRicht so it mayc the kinrik and the crowne,The wand ...
