Book picks similar to
Concerning Blackshirt by Roderic Graeme
3-star
4-star
fiction
murder-mystery
The Spy Killer (John Smith Book 1)
Jimmy Sangster - 2019
"An exquisite series launch. A tight and often violent tale of intrigue. Spy fiction fans will revel in this dark, witty story." Publishers Weekly Ex-British spy John Smith is nearly broke, has bad teeth, is lousy in bed, and drinks too much. But he's no fool. He's a man who knows his own limitations and works within them. He blackmailed his way out of the secret service years ago and is barely making a living as a London private eye when his ex-wife comes calling and asks him to follow her philandering husband. But that sleazy, all-too-common job leads to some uncommon trouble...and Smith is thrown like a chunk of raw meat into a lion's den of international espionage, betrayal, and killing. His only hope of surviving is to outwit his clever and brutal adversaries at their own deadly game. "Very astutely plotted, with many surprising twists and a sharp bite" The New York Times "There's nothing ordinary about this adventure. It's big league intrigue." Kirkus Reviews "A deadly, cold, serious drama of counter-espionage." Atlanta Constitution "A witty spy story in the anti-James Bond tradition." The Cedar Falls Courier This novel was originally published under the title private I and was adapted into a feature film The Spy Killer starring Robert Horton, Jill St. John and Sebastian Cabot.
A Hint of Murder
Mary Maxwell - 2019
She plans to spend time with family and friends, help manage her aunt’s ice cream shop and savor the beaches and sunsets along the southern Gulf coast. The last thing she expects is landing smack dab in the middle of a homicide investigation. But after a notorious realtor is murdered and the prime suspect uses Dot’s Big Dipper for an alibi, Liz launches her own investigation to help the local police solve the case. Inspired by her experience as a 911 operator along with a passion for mystery novels and true crime podcasts, Liz digs into the death of the self-proclaimed King of Real Estate—collecting clues, gathering tips and connecting the dots—until the case is solved with one unforeseen twist of fate. A Hint of Murder is the first title in a new series from the author of Sky High Pies Cozy Mysteries.
Kansa: (Book 1 - The Killer Trilogy) The Professor Black Series
Prassant Kevin - 2017
Original. Spine-Chilling and a perfect start to the TRILOGY." OVER A SPAN OF TEN YEARS, HE KILLED FORTY PREGNANT WOMEN AND THEN VANISHED WITHOUT A TRACE. AFTER FIVE YEARS OF SILENCE, HE IS BACK AGAIN, SEEKING HIS NEXT VICTIM. ONLY ONE MAN CAN STOP HIM - PROFESSOR BLACK. Maher was found unconscious in the middle of the highway and later, in the hospital, she revealed that she had escaped from a killer's house. All the details and patterns matched the serial killer 'Kansa,' who had disappeared five years ago after murdering forty pregnant women. ACP Saargi Desai was assigned to the case. She appealed to her department to bring back Professor Black to help her catch the killer. The Professor, who had a haunting past that had kept him away from the world of crime and investigation for several years, was not willing to take on this case. But the ACP managed to convince him to get on board just for this one last time. Soon after agreeing to help, the Professor realized that for the first time in his life, he had met his match. As he dug deeper into the case, everything got dirtier, the stakes went higher, and nothing was what it seemed.
And After That, the Dark
Charlotte Hughes - 1997
Years later she is still haunted by the memory. Now 30 and responsible for her late sister's emotionally troubled daughter, Emily finds the fear of that night rushing back at her. Someone is after her and no one will listen, not even the former Chicago cop who recently moved to town. Her phobia about the dark begins to haunt her as she suspects that her long–hidden secret has emerged once again to destroy her life.
The Filey Connection
David W. Robinson - 2011
But the hot months don’t pass without problems for amateur sleuth, Joe Murray.Was Nicola Leach’s death an accident or deliberate? Did Eddie Dobson fall into the sea or did he jump? What’s going on behind the innocent façade – and closed doors – of the Beachside Hotel? And who raided Joe’s room?Joe and his sidekicks must find the answers to solve the mystery of The Filey Connection.
Murder Beyond Words
Julie Christensen - 2011
Across the hall in 3B, aspiring writer Ruby Neptune finds herself sucked into the murder investigation of a neighbor she barely knew and didn’t really like. The agent seems to have known her killer, as there was no forced entry. Ruby slowly discovers that many of her neighbor’s friends had strong reasons to want her dead. Determined to find the killer, Ruby puts her own life on hold, which upsets her closest friends, one of whom suspect that her new boyfriend is capable of the murder. As the list of suspects narrows, it hits uncomfortably close to home and Ruby finds herself lying to friends and even putting aside her writing career to solve the case. But will Ruby be able to identify the killer before she becomes the next victim?
Perfect Murder
Shakuntala Devi
Shakuntala Devi the mathematical genius often called the 'Human Computer' turns her attention to study the highly complex mental equations of a human mind gripped by greed, lust and selfishness.A tense drama of the gradual transformation of a successful lawyer into a scheming killer intent upon committing a Perfect Murder.
Up to No Good
Marsha Cornelius - 2016
Because she and her husband, Brian, work together, they have little to talk about. And the heat between the sheets has definitely cooled. Her only diversion these days seems to be the usual neighborhood gossip. She likes to think she's inquisitive. Brian says she's a snoop.Lately, her nosy nature has escalated. She's gotten it into her head that a house down the road might be used to make adult films. Her clues? The blinds are always drawn, and there are never any garbage cans at the curb. She’s determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, but if her snooping keeps uncovering unexpected dirt, it may very well be the last thing she ever does.
Sea of Wolves
Philip K. Allan - 2020
Across the stormy North Atlantic battle rages between wolfpacks of U-boats and escort ships fighting to protect the Allies’ vital convoys. Meanwhile teams of codebreakers at Bletchley Park struggle to penetrate the German Navy’s Top-Secret Dolphin code, and unlock the flow of vital intelligence that will swing the battle in the Allies favour.Sea of Wolves plots the lives of three people caught up in the centre of the battle. Vera Baldwin, a young crossword-enthusiast, lifted from her quiet suburban life and thrown into the middle of the greatest codebreaking effort the world has seen. Otto Stuckmann, the rookie commander of U70, a German naval veteran struggling with the ceaseless demands being placed on him. Leonard Cole, the newly appointed first lieutenant of HMS Protea and a man with unfinished business to resolve.Each is unknown to the others as their fates spiral around each other, touching and twisting towards a final encounter that will change their lives forever.
Death on the Boardwalk
Caleb Wygal - 2021
Until death arrives on recently widowed bookstore owner Clark Thomas' doorstep.When the body of a local businesswoman and environmentalist gets dumped by the back door of his shop, Clark finds himself in a unique position to investigate the crime. But should he? When it comes to murder, something else drives him he doesn't want to admit.As he launches his own search for the killer, Clark comes across a variety of colorful Boardwalk inhabitants who might have had reason to kill an otherwise beloved person.Can he do it and start putting his wife's death behind him in the process, or will it open up a fresh wound?
Wild Ocean
Tripp Ellis - 2019
Returning to the Florida Keys, former spy, Tyson Wild, takes up residence on a friend's boat. He desperately seeks to put his violent past in the rearview mirror. But trouble has a way of finding him, and redemption proves to be more elusive than he thought. It's not all fun in the sun as Tyson quickly finds himself knee-deep in murder, mystery, and mayhem. With the help of his retired Navy buddy, Tyson attempts to navigate the mysterious waters of his new life. But as the body count rises, the threat to Tyson becomes personal. He might just have to revert to his old ways to bring the killer lurking in the tropical paradise to justice. "If you like books by Wayne Stinnett, Cap Daniels, Clive Cussler, and tropical adventures, you'll love Tyson Wild." Scroll up and grab your copy of Wild Ocean today!
Bangkok Shadows
Stephen Shaiken - 2018
Few questions are asked. When American criminal defense lawyer Glenn Murray Cohen took a bundle of cash from a murdered client and moved to Thailand and a new life, he thought his troubles were over forever. For seven years, Glenn enjoys the life of a wealthy expat, forms friendships and seeks love, spending much of his time at the mysterious NJA Club where he pursues the beautiful Noi. This pleasant life is turned upside down when American agents come calling, pressuring him to kidnap a Russian gangster, a dangerous task for which he is woefully unprepared. Glenn is drawn him into an underbelly of corruption, criminal activity and international intrigue hidden in the shadows of Bangkok. Glenn recruits his close friends from the NJA Club to help him, all of whom reveal useful talents previously unknown to Glenn. Sleepy Joe looks like an aging hippie, but he is full of surprises. The gregarious Oliver seems can find out anything for the right price. Rhode Island Joe comes across as an oaf until you get to know him. Glenn is never quite certain if a wily retired Thai general on his side, but has no choice but to trust him. Bangkok is a constant presence, creating a mood that is both exotic and noir. This novel shows you the Big Mango as it is rarely seen by foreigners.
The Trail
Ray K. Anderson - 2015
When the police start to catch up with Leroux, he panics and decides to escape to Canada on the Appalachian Trail, where thru-hikers use trail names and travel anonymously. Leroux, who is overweight and unhealthy, struggles at first on the trail but begins to relax as he gets stronger and can utilize the physical changes he gains from his intense hiking as a disguise. His urge to kill, however, is invigorated by the nearness of female hikers, and his intention to stay away from them on his trip begins to weaken. His life is further complicated when Desert Storm veteran Karl Bergman, who is also trying to escape his own failure, becomes suspicious of Leroux and begins to pay careful attention to his every move. Leroux becomes increasingly panicked as he realizes that both Bergman and the police are close on his tail as he races to the border hoping to find a haven with his Canadian family. In this cat-and-mouse thriller, Ray Anderson dives inside two men’s minds as they struggle to fight their identities and confront their fears and internal turmoil.
The Shroud
Harold Robbins - 2009
The call came from Sir Henri Lipton, a man who was supposed to be dead—and who she sincerely had hoped was burning in hell because he had ruined her career before his violent “demise.” He told her only one tantalizing thing about the piece of art: “Let’s just say it’s a couple thousand years old and was buried with Christ.” The fact the offer came from a man wanted on three continents for art looting was fair warning that there would be a catch. But with credit collectors and an avaricious landlord pounding at her door, Madison listened when the devil whispered magic words in her ear: $20,000– cash – upfront. There was a catch, of course. A number of them. Sir Henri was up to his neck in conspiracies and needed someone to deflect the danger onto—not to mention frame for the most audacious art theft in history. Dubai, a city that has been called Las Vegas on steroids, would just be the first stop for Madison on a quest that takes her to an ancient Mesopotamian city, the dark streets of exotic Istanbul, Venice at Carnival time, and a cathedral where the most sacred object of Christendom is stored. Along the way, she finds romance in the arms of a Russian agent who she doesn’t trust—and can’t resist.
Chaucer and the House of Fame
Philip Gooden - 2014
In danger of losing the Aquitaine territory, England sends Geoffrey Chaucer, protégé of the king's son, to France. As a poet on a diplomatic mission, Chaucer must persuade one of the most important noblemen of the region to remain loyal to England's king. But Henri, Comte de Guyac, whose wife Chaucer had previously fallen in love with when he was held prisoner by Henri, is not exactly neutral in his feelings for Chaucer. Wondering how he will feel when he sees Rosamund, the Comte's wife, Chaucer reaches de Guyac's castle and is greeted by turmoil. His mission is further complicated when Henri is killed during a boar hunt. Chaucer soon realizes the Comte's death is no hunting accident and that he must solve the murder before returning home. Enemies and suspects abound, from a troupe of travelling players to factions within the castle itself. Chaucer finds himself in the midst of a brightly colorful puzzle that turns him into a fugitive in a foreign country, unsure who his friends and enemies really are.