Books matching: california setting
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- #1
"California Fire and Life" by Don Winslow is a thrilling mystery novel that follows the story of Jack Wade, an investigator for California Fire and Life, as he delves into a suspicious fire involving the Russian mafia, shady characters, and a multi-million dollar insurance claim. The book is praised for its fast-paced action, intricate plot twists, and detailed exploration of fire investigations, California real estate, and the criminal underworld. Winslow's writing style is described as engaging, with short, smartass chapters that keep readers hooked and an offbeat narrative voice that adds a unique flair to the storytelling.
One of them’s tall. Looks like one of those Afghan hounds, Tommy thinks, except the guy’s wearing a dark blue suit that has got to be hot standing out there in the desert. The other guy is shorter, bu... - #2
The Archer Files by Ross Macdonald is an omnibus collection of short stories featuring private eye Lew Archer. Readers find prototypes for the full-length novels within these short stories, giving insight into how the stories evolved into novels. The book showcases Macdonald's masterful writing style, with complex and nuanced mysteries set in post-World War II California.
- #3
'X' in the 'Kinsey Millhone' series by Sue Grafton follows private investigator Kinsey Millhone as she delves into multiple mysteries simultaneously. From tracking down a long-lost son to investigating the secrets left behind by a deceased PI, Kinsey navigates through a web of complex cases, all while dealing with quirky neighbors and personal connections. The writing style of the book combines various storylines that intertwine to provide readers with a week in the life of Kinsey, showcasing her investigative skills and personal relationships.
Santa Teresa, California, Monday, March 6, 1989. The state at large and the town of Santa Teresa in particular were nearing the midpoint of a drought that had slithered into view in 1986 and wouldn’t ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Kinsey Millhone ) - #4
'All the Little Live Things' by Wallace Stegner is a powerful and emotional story set in the late 1960s, focusing on the retired couple, Joseph and Ruth Allston. The narrative is told from Joseph's perspective as he reflects on a series of events that lead up to a somber event. The story unfolds as Joe encounters a young woman named Marian Caitlin, who brings a new perspective on life, nature, and acceptance. Alongside Marian, there is a disruptive character named Peck, whose presence triggers a clash of generations and ideologies, leading to a gripping tension that builds throughout the book.
Stegner's writing style in 'All the Little Live Things' is characterized by clever descriptions of human interactions, vivid depictions of nature, and deep exploration of complex emotions. The author weaves a tale of love, loss, acceptance, and the struggle to come to terms with the past, all set against the backdrop of the challenging terrain of Northern California and the cultural clashes of the late 1960s.
OUR SIAMESE CAT, called Catarrh for the congested rumble of his purr, has a habit of bringing us little gifts, which he composes on the door mat with an imagination that transcends his homely material... - #5
The Jane Austen Book Club follows the lives of 5 women and 1 man who participate in a book club dedicated to reading Jane Austen's novels. The characters, with different personalities and backgrounds, come together to discuss Austen's works, revealing parallels in their own lives. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth as the characters navigate relationships and self-discovery through the lens of Austen's writing.
The narrative of The Jane Austen Book Club weaves between the past and present, delving into the backstories and current circumstances of each character as they gather for their monthly meetings. The book club serves as a backdrop for exploring the complexities of human relationships and the impact of literature on personal experiences, with humorous insights and lively characters bringing depth to the story.
We sat in a circle on Jocelyn’s screened porch at dusk, drinking cold sun tea, surrounded by the smell of her twelve acres of fresh-mowed California grass. There was a very pretty view. The sunset had... - #6
"The Wedding Date" by Jasmine Guillory is a delightful romantic comedy that follows the story of Alexa Monroe and Drew Nichols. The two characters meet in an elevator, leading to a fake wedding date and a growing relationship despite living 500 miles apart. The plot involves themes of love, career, and racial differences, with a writing style that is light, fun, and easy to read. explores the challenges of a long-distance relationship and the development of the characters' romance through humor, passion, and heartfelt moments.
Alexa Monroe walked into the Fairmont hotel in San Francisco that Thursday night wearing her favorite red heels, feeling jittery from coffee, and carrying a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne in her p... - #7
'The Unleashing' by Shelly Laurenston follows the story of Kera Watson, a former US Marine, who is attacked and given a second chance at life by a viking goddess. Transformed into a Crow, Kera enters a world of clans, gods, and myths, accompanied by her loyal pit bull, Brodie. As she navigates her new life, Kera must adjust to serving Odin and work alongside Viking gods while unraveling a complex web of relationships and mysteries. blends urban fantasy elements with humor, romance, and intricate worldbuilding, offering a fast-paced plot with a rich mythology backdrop.
The writing style of 'The Unleashing' is praised for its humor, fast-paced plot, and intricate worldbuilding. The story kicks off with action, introducing a confused Kera and readers to a world filled with gods, beings, and alliances. Despite the initial confusion, the book is engaging and enjoyable, with humorous moments that lighten the narrative and keep readers invested in Kera's journey of self-discovery and survival in a new supernatural realm.
The lightning and thunder crashing outside the bedroom window? A rare thing in the beginning of an L.A. summer; so maybe. Or the fact that she was in a strange bed? Or the fact that she was naked in a... - #8
Empty Mile by Matthew Stokoe is a departure from his previous works, focusing on themes of choice, regret, and family values. The novel follows Johnny Richardson as he returns to his hometown to make amends for a past mistake, only to find himself entangled in old wounds and new troubles. The story delves into the complexities of relationships, the impact of tragedy, and the struggle between good and evil, all set against a backdrop of a forgotten rural community in northern California.
Eight years. And now I was back. Back on my street. Back in my town. The house was still two hundred yards away, but I pulled over and killed the engine. From London to San Francisco, from San Francis... - #9
'The Tortilla Curtain' by T.C. Boyle explores the immigration experience in California in the late 90s through the parallel lives of a wealthy white couple and a destitute Mexican couple. It delves into themes of diversity, immigration, and humanity, showcasing the struggles and aspirations of both couples as they navigate through societal prejudices and personal challenges. The writing style is characterized by deep characterizations, highlighting the ill-perceptions and hypocrisies surrounding the topics of diversity and immigration, while also portraying the harsh realities faced by undocumented immigrants trying to survive in a foreign land.
The novel presents two perspectives, one of a successful upper-middle-class couple and the other of a poorer-than-poor illegal immigrant couple, touching upon issues of homelessness, poverty, racism, and violence. Through the intertwining stories of these families, the book not only serves as a morality tale about the haves and have nots but also delves into the resilience of human beings and their ability to retain their humanity amidst adversity, making readers question their own values and perceptions.
AFTERWARD, HE TRIED TO REDUCE IT TO ABSTRACT terms, an accident in a world of accidents, the collision of opposing forces—the bumper of his car and the frail scrambling hunched-over form of a dark lit... - #10
'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon is a short yet complex novel that delves into the world of conspiracy theories and underground societies. The story follows Oedipa, who becomes entangled in a mysterious web of secrets and subversive postal systems after being named the executor of her ex-husband's will. The writing style is described as dense and intricate, with eccentric characters and a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the end, leaving them feeling both intrigued and confused.
The book is praised for its fast-paced and witty narrative, offering a unique blend of humor, satire, and mystery within its concise 160 pages. Readers find the novel to be a good introduction to Pynchon's oeuvre, showcasing his ability to create a labyrinthine and addictive story that captures the essence of 1960s America. Despite its short length, 'The Crying of Lot 49' is commended for its ability to engage readers with its unconventional storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
One summer afternoon Mrs Oedipa Maas came home from a Tupper-ware party whose hostess had put perhaps too much kirsch in the fondue to find that she, Oedipa, had been named executor, or she supposed e...