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Showing posts with the label Detective Fiction

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Hercule Poirot, #1) by Agatha Christie - Summary

Short Summary: The Mysterious Affair at Styles is the debut novel featuring Hercule Poirot , the renowned Belgian detective, written by Agatha Christie . Set during World War I, the story begins with Captain Arthur Hastings , recovering from injuries at a country estate, Styles Court , owned by the wealthy Emily Inglethorpe. When Emily is found dead under mysterious circumstances, poisoned with strychnine, Poirot, a retired Belgian detective, is asked to investigate. The case is complicated by a web of potential motives, as Emily had several heirs with conflicting interests, as well as a newlywed husband with a suspicious past. Poirot’s sharp mind and logical reasoning lead him through a series of twists and turns as he uncovers the true murderer. The novel introduces Poirot’s methodical approach to solving mysteries, focusing on the psychological complexities of the characters and the intricacies of motive, opportunity, and evidence. Book Information: Title : The Mysterious Affair a...

A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes, #1) by Arthur Conan Doyle - Summary

Short Summary: A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle is the first novel featuring Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. John Watson . Set in London, the story begins with Watson, a war veteran, meeting Holmes, a brilliant but eccentric detective. They are soon embroiled in a mysterious murder case. The victim, Ezekiah Drebber , is found dead in an abandoned house, and the investigation uncovers a series of strange clues and cryptic messages. Holmes’s sharp powers of deduction lead him to the conclusion that the case is connected to a tale of revenge, set in the American West, involving a man named Jefferson Hope . As the investigation unravels, Holmes’s unmatched reasoning skills come to the forefront, and Watson is introduced to the world of detective work that will define his partnership with Holmes for years to come. Book Information: Title : A Study in Scarlet Author : Arthur Conan Doyle ISBN : 978-1503281293 Genres : Mystery, Crime Fiction, Detective Fiction Published Year ...

The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike, #1) by Robert Galbraith - Summary

Short Summary: The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith, a pseudonym for J.K. Rowling, introduces readers to Cormoran Strike , a private detective who is struggling both financially and personally. The novel centers on his investigation into the apparent suicide of a famous supermodel, Lula Landry , whose death is ruled as a suicide by the police. However, her brother, John Bristow , hires Strike to investigate further, convinced that she was murdered. As Strike digs deeper into Lula’s life, he uncovers a complex web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives involving Lula’s family, friends, and professional relationships. Alongside his resourceful assistant, Robin Ellacott , Strike unravels the mystery while also facing his own personal demons. The novel blends classic detective fiction with deeper explorations of identity , class , and the impact of fame. Book Information: Title : The Cuckoo's Calling Author : Robert Galbraith ISBN : 978-0316339355 Genres : Mystery, Crime Ficti...

Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot, #10) by Agatha Christie - Summary

Short Summary: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie is a classic mystery novel that follows the famous detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder aboard the luxurious train, the Orient Express , traveling from Istanbul to Calais. The victim, Samuel Ratchett , an American businessman, is found dead in his compartment, stabbed multiple times. Poirot is asked to solve the crime when the train is halted due to a snowdrift. As he interviews the passengers, he uncovers a series of seemingly contradictory statements , complex alibis, and hidden connections between the passengers. Poirot’s investigation uncovers a complex web of motives and reveals that the passengers may not be who they initially appear to be. In a remarkable twist, Poirot proposes two solutions to the case, both leading to a stunning conclusion. The novel delves into themes of justice, revenge, and morality, highlighting the complexities of human nature. Book Information: Title : Murder on the Orie...

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes, #3) by Arthur Conan Doyle - Summary

Short Summary: "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of twelve detective stories, following the brilliant and analytical Sherlock Holmes as he solves a variety of mysteries, often assisted by his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson. Book Title : The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Author : Arthur Conan Doyle ISBN : 978-0451524935 Genre : Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime Fiction, Short Stories Published Year : 1892 Introduction "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" is the third book in Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary Sherlock Holmes series. Published in 1892 , it consists of twelve short stories, each highlighting Sherlock Holmes’ remarkable intellect, his acute powers of observation, and his methodical approach to solving complex cases. Accompanied by his steadfast companion, Dr. John Watson , Holmes tackles a wide range of challenges, from thefts and disappearances to murder plots and scandals. These stories not only cement Holmes’ p...

Hercule Poirot's Christmas (Hercule Poirot, #20) by Agatha Christie - Summary

One-Sentence Summary: In Hercule Poirot’s Christmas , Agatha Christie delivers a locked-room mystery that pits Hercule Poirot against a cunning murderer in a dysfunctional family setting, unraveling secrets and betrayals over a sinister Christmas gathering. Book Details Title: Hercule Poirot’s Christmas Author: Agatha Christie ISBN: 978-0007120703 Genre: Mystery, Crime, Detective Fiction Published Year: 1938 Introduction Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is a holiday mystery where tensions run high, and family secrets are unearthed in the wake of a murder at a Christmas family reunion. The novel features Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, known for his meticulous methods and psychological insights. As Poirot navigates a web of deception, he must identify the killer of a wealthy and tyrannical patriarch, Simeon Lee, who gathers his estranged family for what becomes a deadly Christmas celebration. With complex characters, a classic locked-room setting, and Christie’s ...

Murder at the Vicarage (Miss Marple, #1) by Agatha Christie - Summary

"Murder at the Vicarage" is the first novel to feature Miss Marple, where the seemingly quiet village of St. Mary Mead becomes the scene of a baffling murder, investigated by the sharp-witted amateur detective. Book Title : Murder at the Vicarage Author : Agatha Christie ISBN : 978-0062073602 Genre : Mystery, Detective fiction, Crime, Classic Published Year : 1930 Introduction " Murder at the Vicarage " is the first novel to introduce Agatha Christie's iconic character, Miss Marple, a sharp-minded elderly woman who solves mysteries with her astute observations of human nature. Set in the fictional English village of St. Mary Mead , this mystery revolves around the murder of Colonel Protheroe , a man disliked by many, making for a long list of suspects. Told from the perspective of the village’s vicar, Leonard Clement , this novel masterfully combines suspense, misdirection, and subtle social commentary. The book captures Christie's brilliance in creating in...

Sleeping Murder (Miss Marple, #13) by Agatha Christie - Summary

Short Summary In Sleeping Murder , Agatha Christie’s beloved Miss Marple unravels a long-buried mystery after a young woman’s haunting memories of an unsolved crime resurface, leading them on a path to uncover a shocking murder in the idyllic English countryside. Book Info Title : Sleeping Murder Author : Agatha Christie ISBN : 978-0-06-207371-6 Genre : Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime Published : 1976 Overview Sleeping Murder , the final Miss Marple novel published posthumously, delivers a compelling tale of suspense, memory, and buried secrets. The novel’s central character, Miss Marple, once again showcases her unmatched skill for solving mysteries that lie hidden within the ordinary aspects of village life. Set against a tranquil English backdrop, Sleeping Murder intertwines suspense with psychological intrigue as a seemingly innocent couple becomes entangled in a murder from the past. Agatha Christie masterfully layers the novel with red herrings, unexpected twists, and a slow r...

Payment in Blood (Inspector Lynley, #2) by Elizabeth George - Summary

One-Sentence Summary: Payment in Blood follows Inspector Lynley and Sergeant Havers as they investigate the murder of a playwright in a remote Scottish manor, uncovering secrets of betrayal, jealousy, and hidden motives among the guests. Book Information Title : Payment in Blood Author : Elizabeth George ISBN : 978-0553279872 Genre : Mystery, Crime, Detective Fiction Published Year : 1989 Detailed Summary Setting and Plot Overview Payment in Blood , the second book in Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley series , is a classic whodunit mystery set in the backdrop of a remote, wintry manor in Scotland . The story begins with a group of actors, playwrights, and producers assembling at Scotland’s Westerbrae Manor to read through and rehearse a new play by up-and-coming playwright Joy Sinclair . The secluded location and intense winter storm provide a suspenseful and atmospheric stage for what is soon to become a murder scene. During the night, Joy Sinclair is found murdered in her room...