#Victorian Crime fiction

[trilogiesofterror]

FANS OF CLIVE CUSSLER'S THE CUTTHROAT WILL LOVE THE RIPPER LIVES BY KEVIN MORRIS

ABOUT THE CUTTHROAT:

Isaac Bell may be on the hunt for the greatest monster of all time in this riveting action-adventure novel from #1 New York Times–bestselling author Clive Cussler.

The year is 1911. Chief Investigator Isaac Bell of the Van Dorn Detective Agency has had many extraordinary cases before. But none quite like this.

Hired to find a young woman named Anna Pape who ran away from home to become an actress, Bell gets a shock when her murdered body turns up instead. Vowing to bring the killer to justice, he begins a manhunt, which leads him into increasingly more alarming territory. Anna Pape was not alone in her fate—petite young blond women like Anna are being murdered in cities across America.

And the pattern goes beyond the physical resemblance of the victims—there are disturbing familiarities about the killings themselves that send a chill through even a man as experienced with evil as Bell. If he is right about his fears, then he is on the trail of one of the greatest monsters of his time.

ABOUT THE RIPPER LIVES:

JACK THE RIPPER'S REIGN OF TERROR CONTINUES

The world’s most elusive and terrifying serial killer returns in the 10-part Victorian gothic murder mystery series, The Ripper Lives. Dripping with 19th-century atmosphere and intrigue, each thrilling, suspense-filled chapter ends with a shocking cliffhanger that compels the reader forward. The fear builds as the historical horror story unfolds, culminating in an explosive, mind-bending conclusion.

The Ripper Lives is a sequel to the true story that commences after the slayings of the Canonical Five. As a secretly appointed task force works to bring the butcher to justice under the radar of the newspapers, the unsuspecting public believes the threat has subsided. But while hiding in the shadows, the serial killer's compulsion to mutilate has grown exponentially stronger, and for Whitechapel, the harrowing nightmare of tension and terror has only just begun.

BOOK SERIES PAGE:

[theoutcastrogue]

"The knife is a weapon of the Other"

"The emerging martial art of Bartitsu, appearing in middle-class magazines during the Boer War, was the encapsulation of British civilian gallantry. Yet Bartitsu would have slid into obscurity had it not been for its curious appearance in the Sherlock Holmes canon. The final showdown of the ‘duel’ between Holmes and Moriarty is a wrestling match between two Victorian masterminds. When Holmes returns to London he tells Watson that he and Moriarty went to battle at the Reichenbach Falls unarmed. Holmes managed to ‘slip through’ Moriarty’s grip as he possessed ‘some knowledge’ of ‘baritsu, or the Japanese system of wrestling’, adding that the art had on occasion been useful to him.

Founded in the 1890s by an Anglo-Scottish engineer, Edward William Barton-Wright (1860–1951), Bartitsu was a synthesis of British boxing, French la savate (kickboxing) and Japanese jujitsu. Barton-Wright tapped into the need for a bourgeois form of self-defence, something which he could promote as being British and yet was also exotic and refined.

The principal aim of Bartitsu’s promoters was ‘to provide a means whereby the higher classes of society may protect themselves from the attacks of hooligans and their like all over the world’. These urban gangs were a new form of folk devil, descendants of the mid-Victorian-era garotter. While they were armed with clubs, knuckles, iron bars and leather belts, it is doubtful that they carried firearms. Nevertheless, the press did represent the hooligan as a threatening presence.

Perhaps the scares promoted the growth of a burgeoning culture of ‘British’ self-defence which avoided the aggressive and increasingly unmanly action of using a firearm against a ruffianly lower-class opponent equipped only with basic weapons.

Barton-Wright follows a literary tradition when he presents his martial art as a British form of self-defence. Pierce Egan’s well-known self-defence manual was supplemented with a word on the ‘Englishness’ of physical heroism, arguing that ‘Englishmen need no other weapons in personal contests than those which nature has so amply supplied them with’. In 1910 the former lightweight boxing champion Andrew J. Newton said in his manual Boxing that ‘the native of Southern Europe flies to his knife’, whereas the ‘Britisher […] is handy with his fists in an emergency’. Elsewhere it was maintained that the ‘Italian, Greek, Portuguese, or South American’ ‘give preference to the knife’ while the Englishman extols boxing. For Barton-Wright, British boxers ‘scorn taking advantages of another man when he is down’, while a foreigner might ‘use a chair, or a beer bottle, or a knife’ or, ‘when a weapon is available’, he might employ ‘underhanded means’. The views of these articles reappear in a later self-defence manual of 1914, where it is argued that Britons ‘live in a country where knife and revolver are not much in evidence’. This statement about the low number of firearms and edged weapons can be read as an attempt to extol British virtues and is not necessarily representative of reality. The knife is a weapon of the Other. Barton-Wright’s view that English practitioners of Bartitsu are principled men is reflected in the Sherlock Holmes canon, where Holmes never uses a knife, although his enemies, whether foreign or British, do so at times."

— Emelyne Godfrey, Masculinity, Crime and Self-Defence in Victorian Literature (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013) (very abridged)

[obamasleftkidney]

The wait is over

Yall ready for season 2?

If this is your first time seeing my post; I'm writing a novel which will be released soon. I refuse to tell you the plot, the characters, the tropes, nor the premise. I only ask for your follow + I write my followers names down in a little pretty notebook. I will drop little clues and quotes and paragraphs. Ominous little hints. And the first follower to guess the plot receives a free signed copy of the novel once it's published.

Do follow me and find out, for if this ended up on your page, this novel has everything you like. I might disappoint, but how do you know for sure I will?

If you're interested, follow me, and go read my posts. Season 1 of the novel games had been a great success, and I'm looking forward to your avid participation, dear readers, in season 2. The book of concern in Season 1 has been published and is available on all platforms as well as in E-book form. Clues have already been dropped for Season 2. Best of Luck!

[ominous-faechild]

✦ SUN AND SHADOW MASTERLIST ✦

Everything goes wrong for Freya Ula when she leaves her simple life as a fisherwoman to get engaged overseas. Her ship gets wrecked, she finds out her dad's been hiding secrets from her for her whole life, and, oh, she gets framed for a terrorist attack. Wait, WHAT!? After the city's greatest detective is attacked and disappears before she could consult with him, Frey has to enlist the help of his kid and her would-be fiancée to find out who framed her and clear her name. Between Crow's unorthodox detective work, her fiancée's dad being the most convinced of her guilt, the political strife plaguing Lynsmouth, and the looming celestial deadline of a conspiracy's final plan coming to fruition, is there any chance Frey can clear her name?

Introduction: (pending)

Main tag: #sun and shadow novel

Character Profiles:

✦ Freya Ula | #freya ula ✦ Crow the Cursed | #crow the cursed ✦ Daleira Fenastra | #daleira fenastra ✦ Valyarus Fenastra | #valyarus fenastra ✦ Ponderosa | #ponderosa the storm spirit ✦ Marlon Pesce | #marlon pesce ✦ Maritza | #maritza the mermaid ✦ Soren Ula | #soren ula ✦ Faer | #faer the wild ✦ Grimnir | #grimnir the criminal detective

(feel free to send in an ask for a specific character to expedite the process of my creating their profile!)

Moodboards:

✦ Freya Ula ✦ Crow the Cursed ✦ Daleira Fenastra (pending) ✦ Freya / Crow / Daleira "OC In Three"

(feel free to send in an ask for anyone else and I'll make one!)

Worldbuilding:

✦ Magic Overview ✦ The Faewildes ✦ "Soren Magic Puppet Guardian"

More, outside-of-SaS worldbuilding: #the feychild worldbuilding

(feel free to send asks for anything you want to know about the worldbuilding of Lynsmouth! There's... there's a lot.)

Tags and taglist underneath "read more"!

Relevant tags: #urban fantasy #action fantasy #action #high fantasy #victorian fantasy #romance fantasy #romantasy #slow burn #opposites attract #detective mystery #mystery #crime fiction #worldbuilding #fantasy worldbuilding #fantasy world #comedy #humor #diverse characters #lgbtq+ characters #lgbtq characters #ace characters #aro characters #aroace character #autistic characters #adhd character #autistic coded #autistic creator #morally grey characters #morally gray #villain coded #feral oc #feral character #harpy #harpy oc #faerie #faeries #fae folk #the fae #fae #faecore #mermaid #merman #merfolk #reality warping #thaumaturgy #curses #magic #magitech #mage #wizard #sorcerer #warlock #sun magic #fire magic #light magic #dark magic #darkness aesthetic #void magic #water magic #wind magic #steampunk #steampunk aesthetic #victorian aesthetic

Sun and Shadow taglist: @honeybewrites @the-golden-comet @illarian-rambling @ashirisu @urnumber1star

@the-letterbox-archives @48lexr @aalinaaaaaa @mysticstarlightduck @paeliae-occasionally

Divider and "masterlist" header by @saradika

[luxet0bscuritas-blog]

JOMP Book Photo Challenge / November / 11 / judged by its cover

I can think of no better book series to highlight than The Amelia Peabody Mysteries by Elizabeth Peters for today's prompt.

These covers just scream adventure, ancient Egyptian intrigue and fun, and I've first stumbled upon this series in my third semester as a literature student in a seminar where we were discussing the portrayal of Egypt in British and American culture and literature.

Set in the Victorian age, The Amelia Peabody Mysteries are neo-victorian books that revolve around the Victorian adventurer and archaeologist Amelia Peabody. She is the definition of a strong, independent woman in a time when that wasn’t exactly the norm.

A lot of the covers feature pyramids, desert landscapes, deadly creatures and ancient tombs — basically all the classic symbols of Egyptology. And that’s exactly what you’re getting in these books. The Amelia Peabody series is set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when archaeology was booming, and Egypt was the ultimate destination for daring explorers.

Some of the older editions, especially the mass-market paperbacks, have that classic pulp-fiction look with dramatic, almost overly stylized art. They’re fun, they’re dramatic, and they’re a little over the top — but honestly? That’s exactly the tone of these books. They’re adventurous, slightly campy, and totally unafraid to lean into that “larger-than-life” energy.

What I always enjoyed about these books is that it’s not all serious Egyptology and murder mysteries - there’s a delightful undercurrent of humor that makes reading these books a joy.

Furthermore, the tension that builds between Amelia and her love interest Radcliffe Emerson is absolutely adorable. It's a slow-burn romance that develops within the first book of the series, with loads of sass sparkling between them, but I loved how Amelia was never changing herself for the sake of love, but stayed true to her adventurous spirit and passion for Egyptology.

Sadly, I have only three books in my collection yet, but I definitely need to thrift the other books of this series as well!

[spark-circuit]

me at my bookstore job to the 27th young adult straight edgy fantasy romance to come in this month

[blueheartbookclub]

Mysteries: A Review of "A Study in Scarlet" by Arthur Conan Doyle

Arthur Conan Doyle's "A Study in Scarlet" introduces readers to one of literature's most iconic duos, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, in a riveting tale of mystery, intrigue, and deduction. Published in 1887, this novel marks the debut of Sherlock Holmes, the brilliant and eccentric detective, and his faithful companion, Dr. Watson. Set in Victorian London, the story begins when Dr. Watson, recently returned from military service in Afghanistan, encounters Holmes, a consulting detective with unparalleled powers of observation and deduction. Together, they embark on their first case, investigating a series of mysterious deaths linked by the presence of a peculiar word, "RACHE," written in blood at the scene of each crime. As Holmes and Watson delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of deceit, revenge, and betrayal that ultimately leads them to the heart of the criminal underworld.

At the heart of "A Study in Scarlet" lies the enigmatic figure of Sherlock Holmes, whose keen intellect and deductive reasoning captivate readers from the very first page. Doyle's masterful characterization brings Holmes to life as a complex and multifaceted individual, whose eccentricities and quirks only serve to enhance his brilliance as a detective. Through Holmes's meticulous observations and deductive methods, Doyle offers readers a tantalizing glimpse into the mind of a true genius, as Holmes unravels the mysteries that baffle even the most seasoned investigators. Alongside Holmes stands Dr. John Watson, whose role as narrator provides readers with a relatable and sympathetic perspective on the events unfolding around them. As Watson accompanies Holmes on his investigations, he becomes not only a trusted friend but also a vital partner in the pursuit of justice.

Beyond its captivating characters, "A Study in Scarlet" also offers readers a vivid and immersive portrait of Victorian London, with its bustling streets, fog-shrouded alleys, and shadowy corners hiding dark secrets. Doyle's evocative prose brings the city to life, transporting readers back in time to a world of gaslit streets, horse-drawn carriages, and smoky taverns. Against this richly detailed backdrop, Holmes and Watson navigate the labyrinthine streets of London, piecing together clues and following leads in their relentless pursuit of the truth. As they delve deeper into the case, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, from the diabolical mastermind behind the crimes to the unsuspecting victims caught in the crossfire.

In conclusion, "A Study in Scarlet" is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its thrilling plot, memorable characters, and atmospheric setting. Doyle's masterful storytelling and keen eye for detail make this novel a must-read for fans of mystery and detective fiction, while Holmes and Watson's enduring appeal ensures its place as a beloved classic of literature. With its blend of suspense, intrigue, and wit, "A Study in Scarlet" is a testament to the enduring power of Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective duo, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson.

Arthur Conan Doyle's "A Study in Scarlet", is available in Amazon in paperback 12.99$ and hardcover 19.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 184

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[tunglo]

For the fanfic ask - #72

#72 - What’s your favourite writing compliment you’ve gotten?

Someone messaged me once to ask what my publication name was cos they thought I must write fiction professionally. That was a nice ego boost! :D

[portugalisinsa]

#going into the tags hoping i'd see some book reccs but its all discourse ;w;#well i'm not gonna claim these are all highly intellectual works but here's some of my fave adult fantasies#tainted cup by robert jackson bennett#the thief by megan whalen turner#winnowing flame trilogy by jen williams#locked tomb series by tamsym muir#goblin emperor and witness for the dead by katherine addison#a natural history of dragons by marie brennan#the mountain in the sea by Ray Naylor#god killer by hannah kaner#temeraire and scholomance by naomi novik#october daye by seanan mcguire#i'm also getting into t kingfisher books :)#gods of wyrdwood by r j barker was also good#i really need to find more books by non-white authors tho

No babe it’s so cool and hot that you always insist that fantasy books written to meet a 4th graders’ comprehension skills have more complex themes and a greater sense of praxis than anything written for adults

[tudorblogger]

‘The Stationmaster’s Farewell’ by Edward Marston

Genre: Adult Fiction – Historical Mystery Published: 2012 Format: Paperback Rating: ★★★★ Another really enjoyable Railway Detective mystery. I thought I knew who the killer was but once again I was wrong! I just can’t seem to see where the story is going to end up. But that is part of the fun of the series. It keeps you on your toes, even when you think you know what’s going on and who’s at…

[nickyfrancis24]

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco Book Title: Stalking Jack the RipperAuthor: Kerri ManiscalcoPublisher: September 20, 2016, by Jimmy PattersonGenres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Young Adult, Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller More Books from Kerri Maniscalco My Review If you are as thrilled as I am to read about Jack the Ripper, this would…

[trilogiesofterror]

JACK THE RIPPER'S REIGN OF TERROR CONTINUES The world’s most elusive and terrifying serial killer returns in the 10-part serialized Victorian gothic murder mystery novel The Ripper Lives. Dripping with 19th-century atmosphere and intrigue, each thrilling, suspense-filled chapter ends with a shocking cliffhanger that compels the reader forward. The fear builds as the historical horror story unfolds, culminating in an explosive, mind-bending conclusion.

The Ripper Lives is a sequel to the true story that commences after the slayings of the Canonical Five. As a secretly appointed task force works to bring the butcher to justice under the radar of the newspapers, the unsuspecting public believes the threat has subsided. But while hiding in the shadows, the serial killer's compulsion to mutilate has grown exponentially stronger, and for Whitechapel, the harrowing nightmare of tension and terror has only just begun.

Book Series Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR7Y98R6

[thegothiclibrary]

The Hypnotic Tales of Rafael Sabatini Review

I have a deep appreciation for literary scholars who aim to draw once-popular but now obscure authors out of the shadows and back into the light for a new generation of readers to discover! Donald K. Hartman does just this with The Hypnotic Tales of Rafael Sabatini, which came out last year. This is the third installment in Hartman’s series of books that highlight the role of hypnotism in late…

[blueheartbooks]

Unraveling Mysteries: A Review of "The Sign of the Four" by Arthur Conan Doyle

"The Sign of the Four" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a thrilling detective novel that showcases the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they embark on another captivating adventure filled with intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists. Published in 1890, this novel follows the dynamic duo as they investigate a complex case involving stolen treasure, a mysterious pact, and a series of murders. Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, Doyle masterfully weaves together multiple plotlines, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

At the heart of "The Sign of the Four" lies the enigmatic character of Sherlock Holmes, whose keen powers of observation and deductive reasoning are on full display as he unravels the mysteries surrounding the case. With his brilliant mind and uncanny ability to see through the most intricate of puzzles, Holmes emerges as a captivating and multifaceted protagonist, whose charisma and intellect continue to captivate readers over a century later.

Alongside Holmes is his loyal companion Dr. John Watson, whose narrative voice provides readers with a window into the world of Victorian London and the inner workings of Holmes's mind. As Watson grapples with the complexities of the case and the dangers that lurk around every corner, readers are drawn into a world of intrigue and suspense, where nothing is as it seems and the truth lies hidden beneath layers of deception.

One of the most compelling aspects of "The Sign of the Four" is Doyle's masterful storytelling and vivid portrayal of Victorian London. From the fog-shrouded streets of Baker Street to the opium dens of the East End, Doyle paints a richly detailed portrait of a city teeming with life, danger, and intrigue. Through his vivid descriptions and atmospheric prose, Doyle transports readers back in time to a bygone era, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and smells of Victorian England.

Moreover, "The Sign of the Four" is more than just a thrilling detective story; it is also a meditation on human nature, morality, and the quest for justice. As Holmes and Watson navigate the complexities of the case, they confront questions of greed, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions, forcing readers to ponder the nature of right and wrong in a world where the line between good and evil is often blurred.

In conclusion, "The Sign of the Four" is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its gripping plot, memorable characters, and atmospheric setting. Doyle's masterful storytelling and keen insights into human nature make it a must-read for fans of mystery and detective fiction, while Holmes's indomitable spirit and Watson's unwavering loyalty ensure that their adventures will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

"The Sign of the Four" by Arthur Conan Doyle is available in Amazon in paperback 12.99$ and hardcover 19.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 176

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[ominous-faechild]

Freya coming at us with this Kieran Caron slander!

Rich coming from her, of course. Besides literal royalty, Soren had been one of the wealthiest people in the world before his death. The only others at his level were a few company owners, the heads of some magic colleges, and some guy who ran a knight’s college. And now that he was dead, all of that wealth came down to her. Not that she wanted it.

JUST "SOME GUY" EY, FREY!? BET YOU'LL CHANGE YOUR TUNE WHEN YOU MEET HIM!!!

(Chapter 3's out lmao)

Sun and Shadow taglist:

@honeybewrites @the-golden-comet @illarian-rambling @urnumber1star @the-letterbox-archives

@48lexr @aalinaaaaaa @mysticstarlightduck @paeliae-occasionally

(ask and ye shall be added)

[jaycetorbendarkbooks]

Coming Soon

A queer Sherlock Holmes variation