3.71
Part of "Cliff Janeway" series
"The Bookwoman's Last Fling" by John Dunning is a captivating mystery novel that follows the journey of Cliff Janeway, a former cop turned rare book dealer. The story is set in the vibrant and competitive world of book collecting, where Janeway stumbles upon a rare and valuable collection of first edition books by D.H. Lawrence. As Janeway delves deeper into the world of book collecting, he discovers that the collection was once owned by a woman named Bernie Rodman, who was brutally murdered. The investigation of Bernie's murder and the search for the missing books take Janeway on a thrilling journey through the back alleys of the book world, where he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including shady book dealers, cunning rare book thieves, and a mysterious book collector known only as "The Captain." Dunning's extensive knowledge of rare books and book collecting is evident throughout the novel, adding depth and authenticity to the story. The author's ability to create vivid and memorable characters, combined with a well-crafted plot, makes "The Bookwoman's Last Fling" a must-read for mystery lovers and book enthusiasts alike. The novel is the third in Dunning's series featuring Cliff Janeway, but it can be read as a standalone book. The pacing is excellent, and the tension builds steadily throughout the story, culminating in a satisfying and thrilling conclusion. Overall, "The Bookwoman's Last Fling" is a highly entertaining and engaging mystery novel that combines the excitement of book collecting with the intrigue of a murder investigation. Dunning's writing style is crisp and descriptive, and his characters are well-developed and believable. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery, rare books, or both...
Josephine Tey
The Daughter of Time
Alan Grant, a Scotland Yard detective with a broken leg, becomes fascinated with a portrait of Richard III and starts to investigate the king's alleged role in the murder of his nephews. This historical mystery will appeal to readers of 'The Bookwoman's Last Fling' who enjoy a well-crafted plot and richly drawn characters.
Learn MoreRaymond Chandler
The Big Sleep
Philip Marlowe, a private detective, is hired by a wealthy general to investigate a blackmail case, but soon finds himself involved in a complex web of crime and deceit. Fans of 'The Bookwoman's Last Fling' will enjoy this classic hard-boiled detective novel with its snappy dialogue and intricate plot.
Learn MoreUmberto Eco
The Name of the Rose
A murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, this novel combines semiotics, biblical analysis, medieval studies and literary theory. Readers of 'The Bookwoman's Last Fling' who are interested in books, collecting and the history of printing will find much to enjoy in this erudite and engaging whodunit.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Thin Man
Retired detective Nick Charles and his socialite wife Nora become embroiled in a murder investigation involving an eccentric inventor and his dysfunctional family. Fans of 'The Bookwoman's Last Fling' will appreciate the witty banter, complex plot and atmospheric setting of this classic detective novel.
Learn MoreSir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Hound of the Baskervilles
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate a series of mysterious events on the moors of Devonshire, involving a legendary hound and a family curse. Fans of 'The Bookwoman's Last Fling' will appreciate the gothic atmosphere, intricate plot and vivid characterizations of this classic mystery.
Learn MoreA.A. Milne
The Red House Mystery
When a wealthy man is found dead in a locked room at a country house, a young man named Anthony Gillingham takes it upon himself to solve the case, with the help of his friend Bill Beverley. Fans of 'The Bookwoman's Last Fling' will enjoy this witty and well-crafted country house mystery, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's best work.
Learn MoreLaurie R. King
The Beekeeper's Apprentice
In this clever and engaging mystery, Mary Russell, a young woman with a passion for mathematics and botany, meets Sherlock Holmes in 1915 and becomes his apprentice. Together, they investigate a series of bizarre events involving bees, espionage and a mysterious figure from Holmes' past. Fans of 'The Bookwoman's Last Fling' will appreciate the intelligence, wit and depth of this feminist reimagining of the Holmes canon.
Learn MoreDorothy L. Sayers
The Nine Tailors
Lord Peter Wimsey investigates a series of mysterious events in a small village in East Anglia, involving a missing diamond, a flooded church and a family curse. Fans of 'The Bookwoman's Last Fling' will enjoy this atmospheric and intricate mystery, with its richly drawn characters and evocative setting.
Learn MoreWilkie Collins
The Moonstone
Considered by many to be the first detective novel in the English language, 'The Moonstone' tells the story of a cursed diamond and the various people who try to possess it, with disastrous consequences. Fans of 'The Bookwoman's Last Fling' will appreciate the complex plot, vivid characterizations and social commentary of this classic mystery.
Learn MoreCaleb Carr
The Alienist
In 1896 New York City, a series of gruesome murders of boy prostitutes leads a criminal psychologist, a newspaper illustrator and a police commissioner to form an unlikely team to solve the case. Fans of 'The Bookwoman's Last Fling' will enjoy this atmospheric and intelligent historical mystery, with its vividly drawn characters and meticulously researched setting.
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