Books matching: london setting
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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 - #2
Save:A solid, classic-style mystery with memorable characters and plenty of London grit - perfect for fans of detective fiction, but possibly too slow and detailed for those seeking nonstop thrills.
Set in modern-day London, 'The Cuckoo's Calling' follows Cormoran Strike, a down-on-his-luck private detective, as he investigates the death of supermodel Lula Landry. With the help of his temp secretary, Robin, Strike delves into a complex mystery involving possible suspects, red herrings, and unexpected plot twists. The book is praised for its well-developed characters, engaging writing style, and classic detective story elements.
THOUGH ROBIN ELLACOTT’S TWENTY-FIVE YEARS of life had seen their moments of drama and incident, she had never before woken up in the certain knowledge that she would remember the coming day for as lon...January 2013•496 pages - #3
Save:A smart, atmospheric police procedural with strong female leads and layered storytelling - ideal if you like your mysteries more thoughtful than shocking.
"The Burning" by Jane Casey follows Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan as she investigates a series of brutal murders in London. The story delves into the complexities of the case, with Kerrigan facing challenges within the male-dominated police force and navigating personal relationships. The narrative alternates between Kerrigan's perspective and that of the victims' friends, providing a well-developed plot with compelling twists and turns. Casey's writing style captures the tension and suspense of the investigation, drawing readers into a psychological thriller that keeps them guessing until the end.
I didn’t know where I was or what I was doing when the phone rang; I didn’t even know that it was the phone that had woken me. I came up from miles below the surface and opened an eye as one part of m...2010•465 pages - #4
Save:'Case Study' by Graeme Macrae Burnet is a story set in the 1960s in the UK, revolving around a sheltered young woman named Rebecca Smyth who believes a famous psychiatrist, Collins Braithwaite, played a role in her sister's suicide. Rebecca decides to confront Braithwaite under a false identity, leading to a journey of self-discovery and uncertainty. The plot unfolds through Rebecca's documented experiences with Braithwaite, exploring themes of identity, deception, and psychological manipulation. The writing style is described as engaging, thought-provoking, and filled with wit, creating a unique and compelling narrative that keeps readers captivated.
2021•283 pages - #5
Save:A smart, geeky, and wickedly funny ride for fans of Lovecraft, spies, and tech - but the technobabble and pacing might not be for everyone.
The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross is a blend of high-tech espionage, Lovecraftian horrors, and bureaucratic satire. The story follows Bob Howard, a civil servant operative working for a secret British government agency known as The Laundry, dedicated to protecting the world from supernatural threats using mathematics and computer science. The book features a mix of horror, humor, and spy thriller elements, with a dash of wry humor and a dollop of horror, making it a compelling and entertaining read for fans of geeky, tech-heavy narratives.
2004•355 pages - #6
Save:"Engagement Rate" in the Callaghan Green series by Annie Dyer follows the story of Jackson, a tattooed bad boy who is also a managing partner of his family's law practice, and Vanessa, a smart, successful, and charming woman who is part owner and head of operations at Cole Henderson. Their initial attraction evolves as they navigate their dominant personalities and personal issues to build a relationship amidst the backdrop of a law firm undergoing changes in marketing and advertising. The story is filled with witty dialogue, steamy bedroom scenes, and a cast of well-developed characters, including the wider Callaghan Green family, providing commentary and adding to the delightfulness of the story.
Annie Dyer's writing style in "Engagement Rate" is praised for its clever portrayal of realistic flaws in characters and scenarios, particularly in the dynamic between Jackson and Vanessa as they learn to be together. is noted for addressing miscommunications and personal issues with respect and time, allowing the characters to work through their issues both individually and as a couple. The setting of London is also highlighted as a love letter, adding a romantic backdrop to the story and making readers pine for a place they've never visited.
Recovering from jetlag by watching the most attractive woman I'd seen in a long time doing pullups hadn't been a cure I'd considered before. She was wearing a sports bra that did nothing to hide the c...2018•354 pages - #7
Save:A dark, subtle exploration of guilt and blackmail with signature Rendell insights - though not her strongest, it's a moody swan song best suited for fans or lovers of slow-burn psychological suspense.
Dark Corners by Ruth Rendell is a posthumous tale that follows the story of young writer Carl Martin who inherits his father's home in a trendy London neighborhood. Carl's decision to keep his father's collection of alternative medicines leads to a chain of events where he sells pills to a friend, resulting in a tragic death. As Carl faces the repercussions of his actions, he rents out the top apartment to Dermot McKinnon, unaware of the blackmailing intentions of his tenant. The book delves into the psychological turmoil of the characters, showcasing how one decision can lead to a spiral of darkness and murder.
The plot of Dark Corners is intricately woven, merging two storylines that culminate in a shocking turn of events. Ruth Rendell's writing style explores the minds of her characters, portraying them as deeply flawed individuals caught in morally ambiguous situations. The narrative unfolds in a suspenseful manner, keeping readers engaged as they witness the characters' descent into paranoia and obsession.
FOR MANY YEARS Wilfred Martin collected samples of alternative medicines, homeopathic remedies, and herbal pills. Most of them he never used, never even tried because he was afraid of them, but he kep...October 2015•234 pages - #8
Save:A dark, inventive start to the Tom Thorne series, blending psychological chills with solid detective work - worth a read for crime fans who like their mysteries with an edge.
"Sleepyhead" by Mark Billingham is a gripping crime thriller featuring Detective Inspector Tom Thorne as he investigates a serial killer in London who leaves his victims in a locked-in state. Thorne, a damaged cop not fully trusted by his colleagues, navigates through a complex and suspenseful plot, uncovering the killer's twisted motives and playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The writing style is described as fast-paced, with detailed descriptions and realistic dialogue that immerses the reader in the British setting and culture.
Thorne hated the idea of coppers being hardened. A hardened copper was useless. Like hardened paint. He was just…resigned. To a down-and-out with a fractured skull and the word SCUM carved into his ch...2001•409 pages - #9
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... - #10
Save:A charming, atmospheric read that delights fans of historical cozies - think Downton Abbey with a dash of murder mystery. Quick, engaging, and a tasty entrée into the Kat Holloway series!
A first glimpse at how Kat Holloway came to unraveling mysteries. When her employer dies of poison after enjoying the dinner she prepared, Kat has to clear her name and reputation. The book is a prequel to the Below Stairs series, focusing on Kat's strength, cleverness, and her role in solving the murder mystery with the help of the mysterious Daniel and his son, James. The author, Jennifer Ashley, skillfully transports readers to Victorian London, providing a vivid depiction of the intricate social tapestry of the time through Kat's first-person point of view.
Sir Lionel Leigh-Bradbury of Portman Square gave me less than I might have had elsewhere, but when the agency told me he’d agreed to the large number of days out a month I’d requested, I leapt at the...December 2015•127 pages
