Books matching: mysterious murders of women
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- #1
Save:Widespread Panic by James Ellroy is a fast-paced novel set in 1950s Hollywood, following the story of Freddy Otash, a corrupt cop turned private investigator who delves into the dark underbelly of the city while working for scandal magazines. The book is filled with salacious gossip about movie stars, scandals, and sleaze, all narrated in a compressed, intense writing style that reads like a lush prose poem. Ellroy's unique language and alliteration bring the postwar Los Angeles setting to life, intertwining real-life historical figures with fictional characters, creating a vivid portrayal of a world filled with secrets, crimes, and personal struggles.
The narrative of Widespread Panic revolves around Otash's quest to solve mysterious murders of women he knew personally, all while dealing with his own desires and conflicts. The book's high concept nature, with Otash stuck in purgatory and forced to confess his dreams and sins, adds a layer of complexity to the story. Ellroy's masterful historicity and verbal artistry shine through the book, making it a challenging yet rewarding read for fans of crime fiction and historical novels.
- #2
Save:Linda Castillo's 'Sworn to Silence' follows Chief of Police Kate Burkholder as she faces the return of a serial killer to her small Amish town after 16 years of silence. The story delves into Kate's past, her struggles with her Amish upbringing, and her efforts to solve the gruesome murders while keeping her own secrets hidden. The book is praised for its intense plot with twists, well-developed characters, and the realistic portrayal of the Amish community intertwined with the English world.
The cruiser’s strobes cast red and blue light onto winter dead trees. Officer T.J. Banks pulled the car onto the shoulder and flipped on the spotlight, running the beam along the edge of the field whe... - #3
Save:"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... - #4
Save:"A Caribbean Mystery" follows the iconic character Miss Marple as she takes a vacation in the Caribbean, where she finds herself entangled in a series of murders at the resort she is staying at. Despite the exotic setting, Miss Marple's keen observational skills and sharp wit come into play as she uncovers secrets and solves the mystery behind the deaths. The plot involves intriguing conversations, red herrings, and a classic whodunit style that Agatha Christie is known for, all set against the backdrop of a sunny clime.
It was a gentle gesture of courtesy. Whilst Major Palgrave proceeded with the somewhat uninteresting recollections of a lifetime, Miss Marple peacefully pursued her own thoughts. It was a routine with...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Miss Marple ) - #5
Save:'A is for Alibi' by Sue Grafton introduces readers to private investigator Kinsey Millhone who is hired by Nikki Fife to investigate the murder of her husband, for which Nikki was recently released from prison. The story unfolds with Kinsey navigating through the case, revealing twists and turns as she delves deeper into the investigation. The writing style is described as quick and easy to read, with a mix of suspense, humor, and a historical feel due to the lack of modern technology in the storyline.
My name is Kinsey Millhone. I'm a private investigator, licensed by the state of California. I'm thirty-two years old, twice divorced, no kids. The day before yesterday I killed someone and the fact w... - #6
Save:In "Blood and Circuses," Phryne Fisher, a unique and modern female detective set in the 1920s, goes undercover at a circus to investigate strange occurrences threatening the circus's existence. Stripped of her wealth and comforts, Phryne immerses herself in the circus life, learning to ride a circus pony and forming unexpected alliances with circus performers like Jo Jo the Clown and Bruno the Bear. As she delves into the mysteries surrounding the circus, including gangsters and murderers, Phryne faces one of her most unusual and challenging cases yet.
The book showcases Phryne's vulnerability and resilience as she navigates the dark and magical world of the circus, providing a different perspective on her character. With well-drawn characters, intricate plot twists, and a touch of humor, "Blood and Circuses" offers a captivating glimpse into Phryne's adventurous spirit and her determination to solve the mysteries plaguing the circus, all while exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Phryne Fisher Mystery ) - #7
Save:In "The One I Left Behind" by Jennifer McMahon, the story follows Reggie Dufrane as she returns to her hometown to face a decades-old mystery involving a serial killer known as Neptune. The book alternates between 1985 when Reggie's mother was taken by Neptune and 2010 when Reggie receives word that her mother has been found alive. As Reggie delves into the past and confronts family secrets, the plot unfolds through suspenseful twists and turns, exploring themes of coming of age, mother-daughter relationships, and the impact of keeping secrets. The narrative skillfully weaves between different time periods, offering a complex storyline that keeps readers engaged until the unexpected ending.
Reggie's character development is a standout aspect of the book, portraying her as a resilient and introspective protagonist who navigates through past traumas and present challenges. The writing style effectively captures Reggie's journey, from her childhood experiences with Neptune's crimes to her adult reflections on family dynamics and personal growth. McMahon intricately reveals clues about Neptune's identity while exploring the darker aspects of the characters involved, creating a compelling narrative filled with suspense and emotional depth.
It began with the hands. Right hands, severed neatly at the wrist. They arrived on the granite steps of the police station in empty red and white milk cartons stapled closed at the top, photos of miss... - #8
Save:Frankie Elkin, a recovering alcoholic, embarks on a mission to find missing people that the authorities have given up on. In "Before She Disappeared," she travels to Boston to search for Angelique Badeau, a Haitian teenager who vanished months earlier. Despite facing resistance from the police and the victim's family, Frankie's tenacity and unconventional investigative methods lead her to uncover new clues and put her own life at risk. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot, engaging writing, and the development of a flawed yet relatable protagonist who is determined to bring closure to families of missing individuals.
The water feels like a cold caress against my face. I kick deeper down into the gloom, my long hair trailing behind me like a dark eel. I’m wearing clothes. Jeans, tennis shoes, a T-shirt topped with ... - #9
Save:The Corset by Laura Purcell is a Victorian gothic thriller that follows two women from different societal backgrounds, Dorothea Truelove and Ruth Butterham. Dorothea, a wealthy heiress, visits female prisoners, including Ruth, who is awaiting trial for murder. Ruth, a teenage seamstress, believes she has the supernatural power to cause death through her needlework. As the two women's lives become intertwined, the story unfolds with elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural, leading to a startling ending that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
My sainted mother taught me the seven acts of corporeal mercy: to feed the hungry; refresh the thirsty; clothe the naked; shelter the traveller; comfort the sick; visit those imprisoned; and bury the ... - #10
Save:In "Naked in Death" by J.D. Robb, readers are introduced to Detective Eve Dallas who is tasked with solving the murder of a high-profile victim while navigating a futuristic setting. The story unfolds as Eve delves into a complex case involving political pressure, romantic entanglements, and a series of gruesome murders. The book combines elements of mystery, crime drama, and romance, all set in a futuristic version of America where technology and crime fighting have evolved significantly.
The narrative in "Naked in Death" follows Eve Dallas as she unravels the layers of a murder investigation, forming alliances, uncovering secrets, and grappling with personal dilemmas along the way. The writing style balances graphic descriptions with character-driven storytelling, offering readers a mix of suspense, romance, and futuristic elements. Through the interactions between Eve Dallas and the enigmatic Roarke, the book sets the stage for a series that promises to explore themes of power, relationships, and justice in a futuristic society.
Six hours before, she'd killed a man, had watched death creep into his eyes. It wasn't the first time she'd exercised maximum force, or dreamed. She'd learned to accept the action and the consequences...
