3.87
"A Conspiracy of Paper" by David Liss is a captivating historical thriller set in 18th century London. The novel's protagonist, Benjamin Weaver, is a retired prizefighter and a private investigator who specializes in solving financial crimes. When a wealthy merchant is found dead, Weaver is hired to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and uncover any potential wrongdoings. As Weaver delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy the very foundations of the British financial system. The merchant's death is linked to a shadowy organization known as the "Crash," which is intent on manipulating the stock market for its own gain. Weaver must navigate the treacherous waters of London's financial district, known as the "City," and confront the powerful forces that seek to silence him. Liss's writing is rich and evocative, transporting the reader back in time to a world of smoke-filled coffeehouses, bustling markets, and narrow, winding streets. The novel's intricate plot and complex characters make for a thrilling read, as Weaver battles not only the Crash but also his own personal demons. One of the novel's greatest strengths is its exploration of the social and economic issues of the time. Liss skillfully weaves together themes of class, power, and greed, shedding light on the human cost of financial speculation. The novel is also a meditation on the nature of trust and the consequences of betrayal. "A Conspiracy of Paper" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and thrillers alike. Its intricate plot, rich historical detail, and complex characters make it a standout addition to the genre. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a thrilling read, "A Conspiracy of Paper" is a novel that is not to be missed...
Caleb Carr
The Alienist
Fans of 'A Conspiracy of Paper' will enjoy 'The Alienist' for its historical setting and thrilling mystery. Set in 1896 New York City, a series of murders lead a criminal psychologist, a newspaper illustrator, and a police commissioner to hunt down a brutal killer. This book shares Liss's attention to historical detail and complex characters.
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The Dante Club
If you enjoyed the historical fiction and intricate plot of 'A Conspiracy of Paper', 'The Dante Club' is a great choice. Set in post-Civil War Boston, a series of murders appear to reenact the scenes of Dante's Inferno. A group of poets, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and James Russell Lowell, must decipher the clues and stop the killer.
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The Name of the Rose
For readers who appreciated the intellectual depth and historical intrigue of 'A Conspiracy of Paper', 'The Name of the Rose' is a must-read. In 14th-century Italy, a Franciscan friar and his young apprentice investigate a series of murders in a Benedictine monastery, uncovering a conspiracy involving the church, heresy, and a mysterious book.
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The Yiddish Policemen's Union
Fans of 'A Conspiracy of Paper' will enjoy 'The Yiddish Policemen's Union' for its blend of historical fiction, mystery, and alternate history. Set in an alternate 2007, where a temporary Jewish settlement was established in Sitka, Alaska, after World War II, a detective must solve a murder case that could reveal a vast conspiracy.
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The Poisoner's Handbook
If you were fascinated by the historical context and intrigue of 'A Conspiracy of Paper', 'The Poisoner's Handbook' is a captivating non-fiction read. This book explores the early days of forensic science in Jazz Age New York, as toxicologists uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious deaths caused by poison.
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The Lies of Locke Lamora
For readers who enjoyed the cunning and intricate schemes in 'A Conspiracy of Paper', 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' offers a thrilling adventure filled with deception and camaraderie. Set in a fantasy world inspired by Renaissance Italy, a group of con artists known as the Gentlemen Bastards must outwit a powerful crime lord.
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The City & the City
If you appreciated the complex plot and historical detail of 'A Conspiracy of Paper', 'The City & The City' is a unique and thought-provoking read. This novel takes place in two fictional European cities that occupy the same physical space but are perceived as separate entities by their inhabitants, and follows a detective investigating a murder that could reveal a hidden conspiracy.
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The Crimson Petal and the White
Fans of 'A Conspiracy of Paper' will appreciate the rich historical detail and complex characters in 'The Crimson Petal and the White'. Set in Victorian London, this novel follows the lives of several characters, including a prostitute with ambitions to rise above her station and a troubled heir to a publishing fortune.
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The Thirteenth Tale
If you enjoyed the historical setting and intricate plot of 'A Conspiracy of Paper', 'The Thirteenth Tale' is a captivating read. This novel tells the story of a reclusive author who hires a biographer to uncover the truth behind her mysterious past, revealing a series of secrets and lies that have haunted her for decades.
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The Essex Serpent
Readers who appreciated the historical detail and intricate plot of 'A Conspiracy of Paper' will find 'The Essex Serpent' to be a satisfying read. Set in 19th-century England, this novel follows a widow who moves to a small village to investigate rumors of a mythical creature that has been blamed for a series of mysterious deaths. Along the way, she forms a complex relationship with a local pastor who challenges her skepticism and beliefs.
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