Discover books similar to "I Am the Only Running Footman"

Martha Grimes

I Am the Only Running Footman

3.88

In "I Am the Only Running Footman," Martha Grimes weaves a complex and intricate mystery set in the upper-crust world of London's St. John's Wood. The novel, the first in Grimes' popular Richard Jury series, introduces the reader to the aristocratic and enigmatic Detective Chief Inspector Jury, who becomes embroiled in a baffling case when a wealthy businessman is found dead in his library, an antique sword thrust through his heart. Grimes' vivid and atmospheric prose transports the reader to the rarefied world of London's elite, where the stakes are high, and appearances can be deceiving. The novel's large and eclectic cast of characters includes a host of colorful suspects, from the victim's estranged wife and her lover to a group of eccentric antique dealers and a mysterious running footman. As Jury delves deeper into the case, he discovers a tangled web of secrets, lies, and hidden connections that lead him from the drawing rooms of London's high society to the city's dark and dangerous underworld. Along the way, he is aided by his quick-witted and unconventional sidekick, Sergeant Alfred Wiggins, and a host of other memorable characters. Grimes' writing is rich and evocative, and she has a keen eye for detail, bringing the world of St. John's Wood to life with vivid descriptions of its stately homes, elegant gardens, and bustling streets. At the same time, she explores deeper themes of class, privilege, and the human capacity for both good and evil. "I Am the Only Running Footman" is a masterful blend of mystery, history, and social commentary, and it established Martha Grimes as a major voice in the world of crime fiction. With its intricate plot, memorable characters, and atmospheric setting, it is a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted and thought-provoking novel...

List of books similar to "I Am the Only Running Footman":

Dorothy L. Sayers

The Nine Tailors

If you enjoyed the intricate plotting and vividly drawn characters of 'I Am the Only Running Footman', you'll love 'The Nine Tailors' by Dorothy L. Sayers. This classic mystery novel features Lord Peter Wimsey as he becomes embroiled in a complex case involving stolen jewels, a mysterious corpse, and a village full of secrets. With its witty dialogue, richly detailed setting, and clever puzzle-box plot, 'The Nine Tailors' is a must-read for fans of traditional English mysteries.

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Dorothy L. Sayers

Clouds of Witness

Another great choice for fans of 'I Am the Only Running Footman' is 'Clouds of Witness' by Dorothy L. Sayers. In this thrilling mystery, Lord Peter Wimsey must investigate the murder of his own brother's valet, and uncover a tangled web of family secrets, political intrigue, and hidden motives. With its sharp wit, clever plotting, and unforgettable characters, 'Clouds of Witness' is a classic of the genre that will keep you guessing until the very end.

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Agatha Christie

The Hollow

If you're looking for a classic mystery with a similar tone and style to 'I Am the Only Running Footman', you'll love 'The Hollow' by Agatha Christie. This intricate whodunit features a cast of colorful suspects, a picturesque country estate, and a clever detective in the form of Hercule Poirot. With its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and satisfying resolution, 'The Hollow' is a must-read for fans of traditional English mysteries.

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Dorothy L. Sayers

Gaudy Night

For readers who enjoyed the academic setting and feminist themes of 'I Am the Only Running Footman', 'Gaudy Night' by Dorothy L. Sayers is an excellent choice. This mystery novel is set at an Oxford women's college, and features Harriet Vane as she investigates a series of poison pen letters and other disturbing pranks. With its witty dialogue, richly drawn characters, and thoughtful exploration of gender roles and academic politics, 'Gaudy Night' is a classic of the genre that will appeal to fans of both mystery and literary fiction.

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Agatha Christie

The Secret of Chimneys

If you're looking for a fast-paced and entertaining mystery with a similar tone to 'I Am the Only Running Footman', you'll love 'The Secret of Chimneys' by Agatha Christie. This thrilling adventure features a cast of colorful characters, a sprawling country estate, and a complex plot involving international intrigue, hidden treasure, and a mysterious assassin. With its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and satisfying resolution, 'The Secret of Chimneys' is a classic of the genre that will keep you guessing until the very end.

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Dorothy L. Sayers

Murder Must Advertise

If you're looking for a witty and sophisticated mystery with a similar tone to 'I Am the Only Running Footman', you'll love 'Murder Must Advertise' by Dorothy L. Sayers. This thrilling whodunit is set in the world of advertising, and features a cast of colorful characters, a complex plot involving drugs, blackmail, and murder, and a clever detective in the form of Lord Peter Wimsey. With its sharp wit, clever plot twists, and satisfying resolution, 'Murder Must Advertise' is a classic of the genre that will keep you guessing until the very end.

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Dorothy L. Sayers

The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club

For readers who enjoyed the intricate plotting and vividly drawn characters of 'I Am the Only Running Footman', 'The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club' by Dorothy L. Sayers is an excellent choice. This mystery novel features Lord Peter Wimsey as he investigates the mysterious death of a wealthy veteran, and uncovers a tangled web of family secrets, hidden motives, and political intrigue. With its witty dialogue, richly detailed setting, and clever puzzle-box plot, 'The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club' is a must-read for fans of traditional English mysteries.

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Dorothy L. Sayers

The Documents in the Case

If you're looking for a mystery with a similar focus on documents and evidence as 'I Am the Only Running Footman', you'll love 'The Documents in the Case' by Dorothy L. Sayers and Robert Eustace. This thrilling whodunit is presented as a series of letters, diary entries, and other documents, and features a cast of colorful characters, a complex plot involving poison, blackmail, and murder, and a clever detective in the form of Lord Peter Wimsey. With its sharp wit, clever plot twists, and satisfying resolution, 'The Documents in the Case' is a classic of the genre that will keep you guessing until the very end.

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Agatha Christie

A Murder Is Announced

For readers who enjoyed the clever plotting and unexpected twists of 'I Am the Only Running Footman', 'A Murder is Announced' by Agatha Christie is an excellent choice. This thrilling whodunit features a cast of colorful characters, a small English village, and a clever detective in the form of Miss Marple. When a murder is announced in the local newspaper, it's up to Miss Marple to unravel the mystery and unmask the killer. With its sharp wit, clever plot twists, and satisfying resolution, 'A Murder is Announced' is a classic of the genre that will keep you guessing until the very end.

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Dorothy L. Sayers

Strong Poison

For readers who enjoyed the witty banter and romantic subplot of 'I Am the Only Running Footman', 'Strong Poison' by Dorothy L. Sayers is an excellent choice. This mystery novel features Lord Peter Wimsey as he falls in love with Harriet Vane, a mystery novelist who has been accused of murdering her former lover. With its sharp wit, clever plotting, and unforgettable characters, 'Strong Poison' is a must-read for fans of traditional English mysteries.

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