Books matching: crime and gambling
17 result(s)
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- #1
Save:The Digger's Game by George V. Higgins follows the story of a degenerate gambler and his brother, a man of the cloth, as the former digs himself into a deep hole with a loan shark and plans a robbery for insurance money. Set in 70s Boston and other locations, the book delves into themes of gambling, debt, family issues, criminal elements, and the complex relationships between the characters. Higgins' writing style is characterized by gritty dialogue-driven storytelling, with conversations playing a central role in driving the narrative forward.
The plot of The Digger's Game weaves through various locations and characters, portraying a world of criminals, enforcers, chancers, and family dynamics. The book's focus on dialogue, flawed characters, and morally questionable individuals creates a rich and realistic portrayal of Boston's less reputable social circles during the seventies. Higgins' unique approach to storytelling, where characters are studied through their interactions and conversations, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a compelling read for those interested in character-driven crime fiction.
“Back door,” the driver said. “Three steps, aluminum railing, no outer door. No alarm. You got a problem of being seen. There’s a whole mess of apartments back up on the place, and they got mostly kid... - #2
Save:'Positively Fifth Street' by James McManus is a non-fiction memoir that intertwines the author's experiences at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) with the gripping murder trial of Ted Binion, the former owner of the Horseshoe Casino. McManus, a journalist for Harper's Magazine, takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the high-stakes world of poker in Las Vegas, blending elements of true crime, personal memoir, and the history of poker into a captivating narrative. The book delves into the complexities of the poker world, the allure of gambling, and the bizarre details surrounding Binion's murder, all while showcasing McManus's unique writing style that combines narcissism with humility.
- #3
Save:"Hot Springs" by Stephen Hunter is a hard-boiled noir novel set in 1946 Hot Springs, Arkansas, where crime boss Owney Madden introduces gambling and prostitution with the help of the Grumley family. The district attorney enlists Earl Swagger, a Medal of Honor winner haunted by his past, to combat the mob's corruption. As casino raids escalate into intense combat, Earl and his team navigate a world of deception, facing off against mobsters and politicians. The story delves into Earl's complex character, his inner turmoil, and his quest for redemption in a post-war era filled with danger and mistrust.
The author paints a vivid picture of 1946 Hot Springs, capturing the celestial beauty and the filthy underbelly of the town with cinematic detail. seamlessly weaves real historical figures such as Bugsy Siegel and Virginia Hill into a fictional narrative, creating a thrilling and immersive tale of redemption, triumph, and hope amidst a backdrop of intrigue and conflict.
Each morning he shaved carefully with a well-stropped razor, buttoned a clean, crackly starched white shirt, tied a black string tie in a bow knot. Then he pulled up his suspenders and put on his blac... - #4
Save:'Bloodhound' in the series 'Beka Cooper' by Tamora Pierce follows the adventures of Beka Cooper, a determined and talented young policewoman in a gritty urban setting. Beka, now a full member of the Provost's Guard, faces challenges in finding reliable partners and investigating a case involving counterfeit silver coins. With her loyal scent hound, Achoo, by her side, Beka embarks on an adventure to Port Caynn that tests her abilities and leads her to unravel a mystery that threatens the stability of the city. The writing style of the book is engaging, incorporating elements of fantasy into a police procedural narrative, with a focus on character growth and intricate world-building.
Beka Cooper's character development, the engaging plot filled with mystery and suspense, and the unique urban setting of the story are the highlights of 'Bloodhound'. Readers appreciate Beka as a strong and relatable protagonist, admiring her determination, intelligence, and courage in the face of challenges. The book's intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, keeps readers captivated, while the writing style effectively blends elements of fantasy and police procedural, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and justice.
I should have known tonight's watch would kiss the mule's bum when Sergeant Ahuda stopped me after baton training. "A private word, Cooper," she told me, and pulled me into a quiet corner of the yard....
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Beka Cooper ) - #5
Save:'Titanic Thompson' by Kevin Cook is a biography that delves into the life of the enigmatic and larger-than-life character, Titanic Thompson. The book follows Thompson's journey through the last century, highlighting his prowess in gambling, golf hustling, card manipulation, and proposition bets. Cook skillfully separates facts from speculation, painting a vivid picture of Thompson's wealth, relationships with notable figures, and his tragic downfall. The narrative captures the essence of a man who navigated through the exciting and tumultuous times of the country's growth, offering insights into the world of a charming yet cunning conman.
The book provides a detailed account of Thompson's escapades, from his encounters with legendary personalities like Al Capone and Howard Hughes to his skillful manipulation of bets and games. Cook's writing style seamlessly weaves together historical context, engaging storytelling, and a portrayal of Thompson's evolution from an underdog to a shadow of his former self. The author's ability to bring Thompson to life, amidst a backdrop of prohibition-era America, pool halls, and Hollywood, adds depth to the narrative, making it a fascinating exploration of a complex and captivating individual.
HE WAS BORN ALVIN CLARENCE THOMAS IN 1892.Thomas, not Thompson, not yet. He grew up poor in a log cabin on a dirt road in the Ozarks. There was no shame in that, at least the dirt-road part of it, sin... - #6
Save:The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles is a suspenseful novel set in Natchez, Mississippi, where the main character, Penn Cage, faces a moral dilemma when he uncovers corruption involving riverboat gambling, dog fighting, and other dark vices in his hometown. As the mayor, Penn must decide between trusting the legal system or taking matters into his own hands to stop the criminals plaguing the town. The book delves into themes of good versus evil, personal challenges, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones, all wrapped up in a fast-paced, action-packed narrative.
Despite the graphic and dark nature of the storyline, readers find themselves unable to put down the book, drawn in by the intricate plot, intriguing characters, and the skillful storytelling of Greg Iles. The Devil's Punchbowl offers a gripping tale of greed, gambling, and corruption, with a touch of southern charm, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy suspenseful crime thrillers with complex moral dilemmas.
(Also, see 96 recommendations for the series Penn Cage ) - #7
Save:'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic noir detective story set in Los Angeles. The book follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he navigates through a complex web of blackmail, murder, and intrigue while dealing with shady characters and dangerous situations. The writing style is characterized by snappy dialogue, witty descriptions, and vivid details of the city of Los Angeles, creating a gritty and atmospheric setting reminiscent of classic detective movies.
The story unfolds with Marlowe being hired by a wealthy man to handle a blackmail case involving his daughter, which quickly escalates into a series of events leading to multiple deaths and a deeper mystery. As Marlowe delves deeper into the case, the plot becomes more intricate and the stakes higher, showcasing Chandler's talent for creating suspenseful and engaging narratives that keep readers hooked until the final revelation.
IT WAS ABOUT ELEVEN O’CLOCK in the morning, mid October, with the sun not shining and a look of hard wet rain in the clearness of the foothills. I was wearing my powder-blue suit, with dark blue shirt... - #8
Save:In a post-apocalyptic world where Earth is depopulated and ruled by alien Vugs, humans play a game called Bluff to determine ownership of cities and find viable breeding pairs. The story follows protagonist Pete Garden, a suicidal Bindman, who gets caught up in a murder mystery and conspiracy involving shifting realities, telepathic abilities, and interplanetary travel. As the plot unfolds, the lines between humans and aliens blur, leading to a high-stakes game on Titan that will determine the fate of Earth.
Pete Garden sat at the steering tiller and said as distinctly as he could manage, “Look, I can drive. One drink, in fact several make you more alert. So stop fooling around.” He punched the starter bu... - #9
Save:'Seven Types of Ambiguity' by Elliot Perlman follows the story of Simon, a man obsessed with his ex-lover Anna. In a moment of madness, Simon's actions change their lives, leading to seven different viewpoints on the events from various characters. The novel delves into complex themes of ambiguity, human nature, and relationships, narrated through a tight plot and tension that keeps the reader engaged. Perlman's writing style intricately weaves together different perspectives, creating a multi-dimensional picture of the characters and their motivations, ultimately exploring the humanity and interconnectedness of the individuals involved.
3. It is quite well understood that a clinically depressed person will show little, if any, interest in constructive activity concerning future events or outcomes. In this respect, Simon has only flir... - #10
Save:'I, Claudia' is a Roman mystery novel set in 13 BC Rome, following the main protagonist Claudia Seferius, an ex-prostitute now married to a wine merchant. Claudia finds herself entangled in a series of murders involving her clients being gruesomely murdered, leading her to work alongside investigator Marcus Cornelius Orbilio. The book offers a mix of mystery, romance, and ancient Roman history, with a touch of humor and wit. The plot unfolds with Claudia navigating a love-hate relationship with Marcus while trying to solve the case and save herself from losing more than just her extra income.
