Books matching: quirky ensemble cast
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- #1
Save:Bank Shot is a Dortmunder novel where the lovable criminal mastermind finds himself reluctantly drawn into a heist to steal an entire bank building. The plot revolves around the absurdity of the characters and the mechanics of the heist, all handled with a weary resignation rather than apocalyptic anger. The writing style is described as delivering good dialogue, a plot that draws you in, and crazy exploits along the way.
‘My,’ said the lady. She was a pretty woman in her mid-thirties, small and compact, and from the looks of this living room she kept a tight ship. The room was cool and comfortable and neat, packaged w...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Dortmunder Novels ) - #2
Save:Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen follows the story of Honey Santana, a divorced mom who takes extreme measures to get revenge on a rude telemarketer who interrupts her dinner. She concocts a plan to lure him and his girlfriend on an eco tour in the Everglades, leading to a series of absurd and hilarious misadventures involving a range of quirky characters. The book is described as a lighthearted farce with witty narrative, bursting with often misplaced idealism and showcasing Hiaasen's skill in creating larger-than-life characters in a wild, unpredictable setting.
The plot of Nature Girl is filled with intertwining storylines, including Honey's pursuit of justice, the telemarketer's unwitting involvement, and the arrival of various eccentric characters on a deserted Florida island. Despite some parts of the plot dragging, the book manages to bring these seemingly unrelated elements together in a satisfying conclusion, offering a mix of humor, absurdity, and unexpected connections that keep the reader entertained throughout.
On the second day of January, windswept and bright, a half-blood Seminole named Sammy Tigertail dumped a dead body in the Lostmans River. The water temperature was fifty-nine degrees, too nippy for sh... - #3
Save:Set in the 16th century Germany during the Reformation period, 'The Relic Master' by Christopher Buckley follows the adventures of Dismas, a relic seller, and his friend Albrecht Dürer as they get entangled in a plot involving the creation of a fake Shroud of Turin. The book offers a humorous and satirical take on historical events, including the selling of relics, the absurdities of the medieval church, and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Readers are taken on a romp through a world filled with colorful characters, witty dialogue, and fast-paced action that blends history with comedy.
For one, his asking price was far too low. A relic of the finger that had probed the spear wound in Christ’s side after his resurrection would fetch as much as forty or fifty gulden. And he was asking... - #4
Save:"Spellsinger" by Alan Dean Foster follows the story of Jon Tom, a law student amateur musician, who is transported to a world of magic and talking animals. Jon Tom discovers his musical talents have turned magical, allowing him to conjure items through song. Together with a group of diverse characters, including a turtle mage and a human rogue, Jon Tom embarks on an adventure to save the world from a looming threat. The plot combines elements of familiar fantasy themes with a unique twist involving musical-based magic and anthropomorphic creatures.
The writing style of "Spellsinger" is described as humorous, entertaining, and light-hearted. presents a coming-of-age story set in a fantasy world where the protagonist, Jon Tom, navigates through new challenges and discovers his hidden powers. The narrative incorporates elements of rock music and magical spells, creating a whimsical and engaging atmosphere that appeals to readers who enjoy fun and imaginative fantasy adventures.
SIZE AND ATTIRE ALONE would have made the giant otter worthy of notice, even if he hadn’t tripped over Meriweather’s feet. Sprawled whiskers down in the grass, the creature was barely a foot shorter t... - #5
Save:The Hot Rock by Donald Westlake is a comedic heist novel featuring John Dortmunder and his crew of New York robbers. The plot revolves around Dortmunder and his team attempting to steal a priceless gem, but due to a series of mishaps, they end up having to pull off multiple heists to secure the jewel. The writing style is described as funny, engaging, and fast-paced, with quirky and eccentric characters adding to the humor and entertainment value of the story. The book offers a series of capers that keep readers engaged, with each attempt to steal the gem resulting in unexpected twists and turns.
1 Dortmunder blew his nose. "Warden," he said, "you don't know how much I appreciate the personal attention you been paying me." There wasn't anything for him to do with the Kleenex, so he just held i... - #6
Save:'Myth Conceptions' by Robert Lynn Asprin is the second book in the 'Myth Adventures' series. The story follows Skeeve, an apprentice to the demon Aahz, as they navigate a world of magic, humor, and adventure. When Skeeve is offered the position of Court Magician of Possiltum, he finds himself facing a daunting task of defending the kingdom against a massive army. With the help of his friends and allies, including Aahz, Tananda, and Gleep, Skeeve must use his wit and limited magical abilities to save the day. The writing style is described as humorous, fast-paced, and entertaining, with a focus on witty dialogue and clever wordplay.
OF all the various unpleasant ways to be aroused from a sound sleep, one of the worst is the noise of a dragon and a unicorn playing tag. I pried one eye open and blearily tried to focus on the room. ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Myth Adventures ) - #7
Save:Nine Kinds of Naked by Tony Vigorito is a lighthearted yet profound exploration of life, love, and interconnectedness. Through a roller coaster of literary and philosophical examination, the book delves into themes of reality, time, synchronicity, quantum physics, and the wonders of life in New Orleans. The narrative weaves together intertwined tales of characters who navigate through paradoxes of time manipulation and the Butterfly Effect, leading to a mysterious Great White Spot that sparks a movement in the underground of New Orleans.
Vigorito's writing style is verbose yet fast-paced, with short sections and a large cast of characters that keep the story engaging and light-hearted. The author infuses the book with humor, irreverence, and wordplay, creating a metaphysical exposition that is both valuable and entertaining. The book invites readers to slow down, savor the prose, and immerse themselves in a journey of self-discovery and philosophical musings.
- #8
Save:"Plaid and Plagiarism" in the series "Highland Bookshop Mystery" by Molly MacRae follows the story of four women who move back to Scotland to open a joint bookshop, Bed and Breakfast, and tea shop. The women, while related, each have their own purpose and past, drawing the readers into their mind frames as they navigate a murder mystery that unfolds in the small village of Inversgail. The plot is filled with eccentric characters, humor, and a cozy setting in Scotland, creating a charming backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The writing style is dialogue-heavy, with sparse descriptions of the locale, and the author introduces a large cast of characters, some of whom are described as successful in prior careers but struggle to establish themselves as individuals in the new business.
And there’s no need to cluck your tongue at my back, either,” Christine said, not waiting for Janet to catch up. “You know well enough it’s time we went to see the house for ourselves and find out wha... - #9
Save:'The Blacktongue Thief' by Christopher Buehlman is a fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Kinch Na Shannack, a thief in training who embarks on a secret mission to save himself and potentially the world. The story is epic in scale, featuring different peoples, languages, societies, giants, goblins, witches, and kings and queens. The writing style is witty and concise, filled with humor that is dark and black, keeping readers engaged and entertained throughout the book.
The plot of 'The Blacktongue Thief' is fast-paced, filled with great characters, adventures, magic, snark, and a touch of romance. The story revolves around Kinch's journey, his encounters with various creatures like battle corvids and blind cats, and his quest to pay off his debts while navigating a world full of political intrigue, magic, and danger.
Not that I was afraid to die, but maybe who you die with is important. It’s important who’s with you when you’re born, after all. If everybody’s wearing clean linen and silk and looking down at you sq... - #10
Save:"Virgil Wander" by Leif Enger is a novel set in the small town of Greenstone, Minnesota, narrated by the titular character, Virgil Wander. The book explores the lives of the inhabitants of Greenstone and the town itself, focusing on the aftermath of Virgil's car accident in Lake Superior. Through a series of interconnected stories about each character, the author weaves a narrative that highlights the impact of the accident on Virgil's life and his interactions with the people of Greenstone. Enger's writing style is described as delightful, with colorful and evocative language that brings the characters and scenes to life on the page.
NOW I THINK THE PICTURE WAS UNSPOOLING ALL ALONG AND I JUST failed to notice. The obvious really isn’t so—at least it wasn’t to me, a Midwestern male cruising at medium altitude, aspiring vaguely to d...
