Books matching: multiple suspects
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- #1
Save:A classic, brain-teasing locked room mystery that's a treat for genre aficionados - just don’t expect much Christmas spirit or breakneck pacing.
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.
"HUMPH," SAID H. M., "SO YOU'RE MY NEPHEW, HEY?" HE continued to peer morosely over the tops of his glasses, his mouth turned down sourly and his big hands folded over his big stomach. His swivel chai...1934•252 pages
(Also, see 32 recommendations for the series Sir Henry Merrivale ) - #2
Save:A witty, entertaining homage to classic detective stories with a modern twist; great for mystery lovers who enjoy a bit of clever self-referential fun.
In "The Sentence is Death" by Anthony Horowitz, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through a murder investigation where author Anthony Horowitz finds himself entangled in solving the mysterious death of a celebrity divorce lawyer, Richard Pryce. Partnered with the enigmatic ex-detective Daniel Hawthorne, Horowitz navigates through a web of suspects, red herrings, and unexpected twists, all while showcasing a unique blend of reality and fiction within the narrative.
Horowitz's writing style cleverly weaves humor, metafiction, and classic mystery elements together, creating an engaging and entertaining storyline that keeps readers hooked until the very end. The dynamic between Horowitz and Hawthorne adds a layer of complexity and depth to the narrative, reminiscent of iconic detective duos like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, making "The Sentence is Death" a must-read for mystery enthusiasts.
Usually, I enjoy visiting film sets. I love the excitement of seeing so many professional people working together – at a cost of tens of thousands of pounds – to create a vision that will have begun p... - #3
Save:A charming, quintessential Christie cozy mystery with heaps of village intrigue and clever misdirection - the perfect introduction to Miss Marple and a delight for classic mystery fans, even if she doesn't steal the show just yet.
"Murder at the Vicarage" by Agatha Christie is the first in the Miss Marple series, introducing the beloved character of Miss Jane Marple. Set in the village of St. Mary Mead, the story revolves around the murder of Colonel Protheroe in the vicar's study, leading to a plethora of suspects with motives to kill him. Miss Marple, an elderly and astute observer of human nature, takes it upon herself to uncover the truth behind the murder, despite facing resistance from the police and village residents.
Narrated by the vicar, the plot unfolds with intricate details, red herrings, and a cleverly laid out mystery that keeps readers engaged. The story showcases the village life, social dynamics, and the sharp wit of Miss Marple as she navigates through the suspects and clues to ultimately solve the murder, highlighting Agatha Christie's masterful storytelling and suspenseful writing style.
It is difficult to know quite where to begin this story, but I have fixed my choice on a certain Wednesday at luncheon at the Vicarage. The conversation, though in the main irrelevant to the matter in...1930•280 pages - #4
Save:A satisfying blend of romance and mystery - perfect for fans of both genres, though a few might wish for deeper emotional development. Easy to binge, hard to forget.
Famous actress Leigh Manning is trying to follow her husband's directions to the cabin he has found for them when she is in a horrendous accident. Waking in the hospital she expects Logan to have been notified and be at her side, then discovers he was found in the cabin shot dead. Sam Littleton, a gal fresh on the detective squad tries to fend off her attraction to her boss McCord while they and two other cops all interesting characters investigate the range of suspects Leigh's understudy in the play she and Logan's psychiatrist, her gay producer pal, and Michael Valente, a successful businessman she didn't know she knew, though, even before she married Logan when she lived in lower Manhattan and frequented his aunt's deli. Unknown to the reader, he is smitten for all the years he was incriminated because of a vendetta by the police superintendent. But Leigh didn't know because when she knew Michael Valente he was known as Falco. Anyway, he rises to the surface by sending her flowers in the hosp, signed Falco, and because of his reputation becomes a suspect. Sam and Mack admit their mutual attraction. Finding out that Logan had affairs with her friends, their psychiatrist, and her understudy, Leigh is overwhelmed by Michael and returns his love. The understudy's mind cracks, she chops off her hair in Leigh's bedroom while telling Leigh she will shoot her after having killed Logan, the psychiatrist, wounding Leigh's cook and chauffeur. Then here come Mac and Sam and Michael just in time to save Leigh. Best line by Shrader, Sam's fellow cop, when he sees how upset she is over having killed someone: "Don't worry, she wouldn't have wanted to go on living with her hair looking like that." This is a fun book.
He nodded and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “The state police will take care of that. In the meantime, you have some very big fans at Good Samaritan, including me, and we’re going to take excell...April 2000•561 pages - #5
Save:A fun, cozy, and somewhat quirky first outing for McDermid - best enjoyed as a light, character-driven mystery with a unique lead. Not as complex as her later works, but a promising and entertaining start to the Lindsay Gordon series.
In her debut novel, Val McDermid introduces readers to Lindsay Gordon, an abrasive Scottish socialist freelance journalist who finds herself covering a fundraising gala at a girls' public school. When a murder occurs at the event, Lindsay teams up with a new love interest, Cordelia Brown, to solve the crime and clear the name of a friend who has been arrested. The story unfolds with plenty of plot twists, red herrings, and suspects, keeping readers guessing until the final showdown. The writing style is described as a mix of a classic mystery novel with a lesbian twist, making it a quick and easy read with a different romantic element.
The book features an unusual protagonist in Lindsay Gordon, who is portrayed as a self-described cynical socialist lesbian feminist not afraid to speak her mind and act independently. The plot includes a locked room murder mystery set in a girls' boarding school, reminiscent of classic mysteries by Agatha Christie and John Dickson Carr. The character development is praised for creating unique and well-rounded characters, adding depth to the story and keeping readers engaged.
Lindsay Gordon put murder to the back of her mind and settled down in the train compartment to enjoy the broken grays and greens of the Derbyshire scenery. Rather like home, she decided. Except that i...1987•276 pages - #6
Save:A witty, character-driven golden age mystery packed with humor and vintage charm - great for fans of cozy puzzles with a hint of romance, but may feel light or predictable for mystery purists.
In 'A Blunt Instrument' by Georgette Heyer, Superintendent Hannasyde and Sergeant Hemingway investigate the murder of Ernest Fletcher, a well-liked man found bludgeoned to death in his study. As they sift through suspects and alibis, a complex plot unfolds with multiple murders, false evidence, and unexpected twists. The book is set in the 1930s and features witty banter, flighty characters, and a humorous tone that keeps readers engaged until the surprising denouement.
The story is filled with delightful characters, from the absurd Neville Fletcher to the acerbic Sally, and features plenty of humor and snarky dialogue. The plot expertly manipulates the reader's expectations, leading to a satisfying conclusion that showcases Heyer's skill in crafting a classic whodunnit mystery with a touch of romance and sly humor.
A breeze, hardly more than a whisper of wind, stirred the curtains at the long window,and wafted into the room the scent of the wisteria covering the wall of the house. The policeman turned his head a...1938•321 pages
(Also, see 60 recommendations for the series Inspectors Hannasyde & Hemingway ) - #7
Save:A fun, easy-to-read Poirot mystery with all the classic trappings, but not quite the same magic as Christie’s originals. Best for devoted fans or those curious to see Poirot in a different medium.
"Black Coffee" by Agatha Christie is a fast-paced three-act play featuring the famous detective Hercule Poirot investigating a murder in a classic closed setting crime scene where almost every character is a suspect. The plot revolves around the murder of a scientist who had a valuable formula that mysteriously disappears, leading Poirot to uncover motives, secrets, and clues among the household members in a spacious country home with servants.
The novel adaptation of the play retains the essence of Christie's original stage work, presenting a plot filled with intrigue, multiple suspects, and cleverly scattered clues. Despite some shortcomings in dialogue adaptation, the book offers an entertaining read with the beloved character of Poirot portrayed in a slightly different light, accompanied by a narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.
Hercule Poirot sat at breakfast in his small but agreeably cosy flat in Whitehall Mansions. He had enjoyed his brioche and his cup of hot chocolate. Unusually, for he was a creature of habit and rarel... - #8
Save:A lively, entertaining historical mystery with heart and humanity - but some historical hiccups. Perfect for fans of cozy whodunits and Regency-era novels, less ideal for sticklers for period detail.
In the book 'Murder in Mayfair' by D.M. Quincy, readers are introduced to Atlas Catesby, a young nobleman in early nineteenth century England who becomes entangled in a murder mystery after rescuing a woman being auctioned off by her husband. As Atlas delves into the investigation to clear his name and protect Mrs. Lilliana Warwick, readers are taken on a journey filled with murder, jealousy, family secrets, and unexpected twists. The story unfolds in Regency England, offering a blend of historical fiction, mystery, and a hint of budding romance, all while showcasing the protagonist's intelligence and compassion.
The plot of 'Murder in Mayfair' is well-developed, featuring multiple suspects that keep readers guessing about the true murderer. Despite some anachronisms and writing flaws, the book manages to engage readers with its intriguing storyline and well-crafted characters. The interactions between Atlas and Lilliana, along with the secondary characters, add depth to the narrative, creating a compelling blend of mystery and historical charm.
He’d left the ornery stallion he’d borrowed from his friend, Gabriel Young, the Earl of Charlton, in the care of the inn ostler and removed to the inn, a ramshackle affair with a curious overhanging u...July 2017•319 pages - #9
Save:A comforting, character-rich cozy perfect for fans of gentle mysteries, community spirit, and seaside charm - just be prepared for lots of yarn and a big (but lovable) cast!
In "Death By Cashmere," the first book in the 'Seaside Knitters' series by Sally Goldenbaum, readers are taken to Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, where a young woman is found murdered in a lobster pot. The story revolves around the Seaside Knitters Society, a group of friends who knit and solve murders. The plot is intricately woven, with twists and red herrings that keep the reader engaged. The writing style is descriptive, transporting readers to the seaside town with vivid descriptions of colors, textures of wool, and the surrounding environment.
Izzy Chambers stood with her hands on her hips, staring hard at the ceiling. Crashing thumps from the floor above sent tiny flecks of paint floating to the floor. The music was loud, too— screeching,...August 2008•302 pages - #10
Save:A dense, atmospheric mystery full of complicated characters and emotional depth - best for patient readers who enjoy British crime novels with a psychological edge.
'A Banquet of Consequences' by Elizabeth George is a complex crime novel in the 'Inspector Lynley' series that delves into the lives of flawed characters and their messy relationships. The book follows Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers as they unravel a murder mystery involving a dysfunctional family, manipulative characters, and a web of circumstantial evidence. The writing style of the author intricately weaves together multiple storylines, keeping the reader engaged with twists and emotional moments throughout the investigation.
Since it was only to be a weekend jaunt to Marrakesh, Lily Foster reckoned they could use one suitcase, and a carry-on at that. What did they need to take, really? It had been deadly cold, grey, and w...
