Books matching: colorful characters
100 result(s)
'The French Quarter: An Informal History of the New Orleans Underworld' by Herbert Asbury is a detailed and well-documented account of the seedy history of New Orleans, focusing on the French Quarter. The author, known for his specialization in this type of history, covers the city's notorious reputation, including themes of crime, voodoo, prostitution, and corruption, spanning from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. is praised for its intricate details, humorous yet serious writing style, and its ability to vividly portray the scandalous past of New Orleans.
- #2
Save:In "Powder Burn" by Carl Hiaasen and William D. Montalbano, the story follows Chris Meadows, an architect who seeks revenge after witnessing the death of his former lover and her child at the hands of a Cuban hitman involved in the drug trade. The novel is set in the 1980s during the Miami Vice drug revolution in Southern Florida, portraying a dark cautionary tale about the cocaine cartels of that era. Meadows takes it upon himself to dismantle the hitman's organization, leading to a suspenseful and action-packed plot filled with colorful characters and unexpected twists.
The writing style in "Powder Burn" is described as fast-paced, exciting, and suspenseful, keeping readers engaged as they navigate through the seedy world of drug runners and revenge. The book offers a nice portrayal of the Latin flavor of South Florida, with just enough romance to add color and entertainment to the narrative.
- #3
Save:The Enormous Room by E.E. Cummings is an autobiographical novel recounting the author's time spent in a French prison during World War I. Cummings, along with a friend, was detained for several months due to suspicions of treason. The book vividly describes the characters Cummings encounters during his imprisonment, the conditions of the prison, and the daily struggles faced by the detainees. The prose is dense and interspersed with French dialogue, creating a challenging yet rewarding reading experience for those who appreciate Cummings' unique writing style.
In the preceding pages I have described my Pilgrim's Progress from the Slough of Despond, commonly known as Section Sanitaire Vingt-et-Un (then located at Germaine) through the mysteries of Noyon, Gré... - #4
Save:'Amateur City' by Katherine V. Forrest is a groundbreaking lesbian mystery novel featuring LAPD detective Kate Delafield. The story revolves around Kate investigating the murder of a manager at an office furniture company. The plot is well-constructed, with colorful characters and a believable storyline that keeps the reader engaged. The book captures the politics and challenges faced by women, people of color, and the LGBT community during the era it was set in, providing a nostalgic and enjoyable read for those familiar with the time period.
Just before seven-thirty, Ellen O’Neil walked off the elevator into the deserted lobby of Modern Office, Incorporated. Temporarily ignoring her reason for arriving early—the mountainous filing she ha... - #5
Save:'The Heiress' by Jude Deveraux is a romantic and humorous story about Axia, the lone heiress to the largest fortune in England, and Jamie, an impoverished earl tasked with escorting her to her fiance. The plot revolves around the mix-up where Jamie mistakes Axia's cousin for the heiress, leading to a journey across England filled with colorful characters and unexpected twists. The writing style is fast-paced, humorous, and filled with adventure, making it an entertaining read with engaging lead characters and enjoyable secondary characters.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Montgomery/Taggert ) - #6
Save:"Tough Guys Don't Dance: A Novel" by Norman Mailer is a murder mystery set in Provincetown, RI, revolving around the main character Tim Madden who wakes up after a drunken night to discover two severed heads near his secret marijuana stash. As he tries to piece together the events of the night, he becomes entangled in a web of corrupt police, criminals, and past lovers. The plot is intense and filled with colorful characters, with Mailer's descriptive style adding depth to the narrative. Despite the confusion and disbelief in some elements of the story, Madden, a tough guy and a failed writer, must navigate through the chaos to uncover the truth and survive.
Norman Mailer's writing style in "Tough Guys Don't Dance" is characterized by a flowing narrative language that captures the essence of the hard-nosed Irish and Portuguese characters on the streets of Cape Cod. presents a complex story told from the perspective of a fully immersed narrator, showcasing Mailer's talent with the written word and his ability to craft intriguing plots that keep readers engaged till the end.
At dawn, if it was low tide on the flats, I would awaken to the chatter of gulls. On a bad morning, I used to feel as if I had died and the birds were feeding on my heart. Later, after I had dozed for... - #7
Save:Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie is a classic murder mystery featuring Hercule Poirot on vacation at a beach resort off the south coast of England. When a well-known woman is murdered, Poirot works with the police to uncover the truth behind the crime. The book presents a nice balance of different characters with varying motives, leading to an interesting mystery with unexpected twists and an engaging plot that keeps readers guessing until the end.
When Captain Roger Angmering built himself a house in the year 1782 on the island off Leathercombe Bay, it was thought the height of eccentricity on his part. A man of good family such as he was shoul...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hercule Poirot ) - #8
Save:'The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA' by A.J. Sherwood follows the humorous adventures of Ross Young, a college student working the night shift at a gas station where he encounters a variety of supernatural beings. The writing style is described as amusing, romantic, and filled with colorful characters, including Ross who navigates the chaos and strange occurrences with a dry sense of humor and unflappable demeanor.
- #9
Save:The Conan Chronicles by Robert Jordan is a collection of Conan pastiches that delve into the adventurous world of Conan the Barbarian. The book introduces readers to a young Conan, showcasing his exploits and adventures in various settings such as Zamora, the Hykarian Steppes, and the Capital of Turan. Robert Jordan's writing style is praised for its ability to bring the world of Conan to life, with vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling that keep readers captivated.
- #10
Save:Roughing It by Mark Twain is a semi-non-fiction travel literature that chronicles Twain's experiences during his six years out west from 1861 to 1867. The book details Twain's time prospecting for gold, navigating through the Old West, and finding his path as a writer. It offers a mix of stories, anecdotes, and tall tales, capturing the essence of the time period and the adventurous spirit of the American West. Twain's writing style blends humor, wit, and a touch of exaggeration, providing a vivid depiction of his travels and encounters during this transformative period in his life.
This book is merely a personal narrative, and not a pretentious history or a philosophical dissertation. It is a record of several years of variegated vagabondizing, and its object is rather to help t...
