Books matching: corruption and violence
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Nineteen Seventy Four' by David Peace is the first in the Red Riding Hood Quartet, set in northern England in 1974. It follows the story of journalist Ed Dunford as he investigates the brutal torture and murder of a young girl, leading him into a web of police corruption and brutality. The plot is described as suspenseful, filled with action and tension, creating a bleak society filled with unspeakable crimes. The writing style is noted for being raw, gripping, and dark, vividly portraying the corrupt world of Yorkshire in the 1970s.
The whole bloody pack sat waiting for the main attraction, pens poised and tapes paused; hot TV lights and cigarette smoke lighting up the windowless room like a Town Hall boxing ring on a Late Night ... - #2
Save:'At the Devil's Table: The Untold Story of the Insider Who Brought Down the Cali Cartel' by William C. Rempel is a gripping non-fiction account of Jorge Salcedo's involvement with the Cali Cartel during the 1990s. The book details Salcedo's journey from a man with good intentions to a key player in the cartel, ultimately leading to his decision to take down the largest Colombian drug cartel with the help of American DEA agents. The narrative unfolds like a thriller, showcasing the inner workings of the cartel and the dangers faced by Salcedo as he navigates a world of violence and corruption.
The book provides a unique perspective on the Colombian drug trade, offering insights into the complexities of cartel life and the challenges faced by individuals like Salcedo who find themselves entangled in a world of crime and deception. Written in a captivating and suspenseful style, 'At the Devil's Table' keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Salcedo's harrowing journey to bring down the cartel and confront the harsh realities of corruption and power.
JORGE SALCEDO STOWED HIS CARRY-ON BAG IN AN OVERHEAD COMPARTMENT and dropped into a window seat of the aging Boeing 727. It was an early morning flight out of Bogotá to Cali, Colombia, and he was a re... - #3
Save:Escape from Five Shadows, written by Elmore Leonard, is a western novel set in the 1800s about Corey Bowen, a man wrongly convicted of cattle rustling and serving his term in a brutal work camp in Five Shadows. The plot revolves around Corey's determination to break out of the camp and seek justice, with the help of a brave young woman who believes in his innocence. The narrative features vivid descriptions of the setting and authentic characters, showcasing Leonard's early skill at plotting a good story with genuine personalities. Despite some plot improbabilities and flat characters, the book offers a classic western read that transports readers to the Old West.
The writing style in Escape from Five Shadows is characterized by Leonard's ability to craft engaging dialogues and a tightly woven plot. While the novel may lack the idiosyncratic characters found in his later works, Leonard's storytelling shines through in this early western, where the characters, especially Corey and Karla, are portrayed as strong, confident, and determined individuals who navigate a world filled with violence, romance, and moral dilemmas.
- #4
Save:Yellow by Aron Beauregard is a gripping tale of revenge and brutality. The story follows Oliver, a downtrodden inner-city small business owner who has lost everything - his livelihood, his wife, and his dignity. After enduring years of abuse and torment, Oliver reaches his breaking point when a series of events push him over the edge. The book delves into themes of trauma survival, vigilante justice, and the darkest corners of human nature, portrayed vividly through Beauregard's visceral and unapologetic writing style. As Oliver embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance, the narrative unfolds in a bloodbath of brutal savagery, showcasing the author's skill in crafting a disturbing yet captivating tale of retribution.
- #5
Save:Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White is a dark and gripping YA novel set in Appalachia, featuring Miles Abernathy, a transgender teen navigating a violent, long-standing feud involving his family. When Miles comes out to his parents, he inadvertently sparks a series of chaotic events that result in him facing brutal bullying from the sheriff's son and his friends, as well as being drawn into a fight against the oppressive forces in his small town. Throughout the story, themes of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the struggle against corruption are explored in a raw and emotional way, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style is vivid and intense, blending horror with poignant moments that highlight the complexity of Miles's character and his relationships. With fast pacing and heart-racing action, White's storytelling captivates and pulls readers into the emotional turmoil the characters face. The novel blends real-world issues like mental health access and queer representation with supernatural elements, making for a compelling read that resonates with many.
'Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity' by Katherine Boo is a narrative nonfiction book that provides a vivid portrayal of life in the slums of Mumbai, specifically in Annawadi. The book follows the struggles of the inhabitants living in extreme poverty, facing corruption, violence, and squalor. Through detailed storytelling and extensive research, Boo delves into the daily realities and challenges faced by the residents, offering a haunting glimpse into their lives.
The book is praised for its unique narrative style that reads like fiction, despite being nonfiction. Boo's writing is described as gripping and immersive, allowing readers to connect with the characters and empathize with their hardships. The author's ability to present the harsh truths of life in the Mumbai slums with authenticity and depth leaves a lasting impact on readers, challenging their perspectives on poverty, corruption, and survival.
Let it keep, the moment when Officer Fish Lips met Abdul in the police station. Rewind, see Abdul running backward, away from the station and the airport, toward home. See the flames engulfing a disab...- #7
Save:In 'Saint Death', John Milton finds himself in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, where he takes on the Mexican drug traffickers controlling the city. The plot unfolds with Milton getting involved in a race against time to protect a journalist, Caterina, from the ruthless Saint Death. The book is filled with non-stop action, as Milton navigates through a world of corruption, violence, and moral dilemmas, showcasing the author's knack for creating compelling characters and intense plot twists.
(Also, see 58 recommendations for the series John Milton ) - #8
Save:"Black Dogs" by Ian McEwan is a novel that delves into the complexities of relationships and ideologies through the lens of a young couple's marriage. The story follows the protagonist, Jeremy, as he tries to piece together the reasons behind the estrangement of his in-laws, Bernard and June, who were once devoted to each other but grew apart due to their differing beliefs and experiences. Set against the backdrop of significant historical events like World War II and the fall of the Berlin Wall, the narrative explores themes of spirituality, communism, and the impact of war on personal lives. The writing style is described as dense and thought-provoking, with a focus on psychological components that leave the reader enlightened.
- #9
Save:Fellside by M.R. Carey is a gripping and multi-genre novel that follows the story of Jess Moulson, a woman convicted of murder and sent to Fellside Prison. The book weaves elements of mystery, thriller, drama, and the supernatural as Jess navigates life behind bars, haunted by the ghost of a young boy she is accused of killing. As she tries to uncover the truth behind the boy's death, she is faced with corruption, violence, and a complex web of characters in the prison setting. The writing style is described as vivid, immersive, and engaging, with a mix of supernatural elements and daily life details that draw the reader into the story.
Jess Moulson – not thinking of herself by that name or any other – found herself lying in white sheets in a white room, overwhelmed by memories that were predominantly red and yellow and orange. The c... - #10
Save:The Devil's Elixirs by E.T.A. Hoffmann is a classic Gothic novel that delves into themes of madness, crime, doppelgangers, and the temptation of the devil's elixir. The protagonist, a monk named Brother Medardus, becomes entangled in a web of mystery and darkness after drinking the enchanted wine from a monastery relic. As the plot unfolds, unexpected twists and turns keep the reader on the edge of their seat, revealing a labyrinthine inner and outward journey that leads the characters through Italy and into a realm of supernatural encounters.
Hoffmann's writing style in The Devil's Elixirs is described as bizarre, hyperbolic, emotionally overwrought, and fun. The novel combines elements of Gothic horror, romance, and mystery, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere filled with eccentric characters, intricate plot developments, and a touch of humor. The narrative structure includes multiple nested narratives, tangling up the plot in a way that adds to the overall excitement and suspense of the story.
My life, from my fourth to my sixteenth year, was spent at a lonely farm-house, on the banks of the river Saale, near the Cistertian Monastery of Kreuzberg. The house, though not large, had once been ...
