Books matching: cynical investigator
14 result(s)
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- #1
Save:'Poison City' by Paul Crilley is an urban fantasy and mystery novel set in South Africa, following detective Gideon Tau who works in the Delphic Division of the South African Police, investigating supernatural events. The book combines elements of crime fiction and fantasy, with a focus on Gideon's personal quest for justice as he navigates a world filled with magical powers, supernatural creatures, and a complex plot involving a supernatural plot to destroy humanity.
The writing style of 'Poison City' is described as a mix between Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and crime fiction, with a touch of humor and sharp insights into Durban and South Africa. The book features detailed world-building, a diverse cast of characters including Gideon's spirit guide, a humorous dog, and a blend of serious reflections on life with plenty of action and gore-filled fight scenes.
He stares at me, the colour of his eyes shifting between jaundiced yellow and soul-of-a-serial-killer black. He knows I hate that. It’s his lazy-ass way of saying, ‘You open that mouth it better be to... - #2
Save:'Titanium Noir' by Nick Harkaway is a fast-paced noir science fiction novel that follows the story of Cal Sounder, a private investigator, as he delves into a murder case involving Titans, superhumans who have undergone extreme gene therapy. The book seamlessly blends classic noir elements with a gritty sci-fi world, creating a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked. The writing style is described as snappy and enjoyable, with intriguing characters and a complex plot that unfolds through dramatic fight scenes and twisty challenges.
Cal Sounder is portrayed as a disillusioned yet humane protagonist who navigates the dark underbelly of a society divided between the ultra-rich Titans and the sub-super humans. As the investigation progresses, the collision of these two worlds poses delicate problems and ethical dilemmas, adding layers of depth to the story. The novel explores themes of power, wealth, immortality, and the redefinition of humanity in a near-future setting where gene therapy blurs the lines between superhumans and baseline humans.
- #3
Save:Equoid, a novella in the Laundry Files series by Charles Stross, delves into the dark horrors of eldritch creatures lurking in the UK countryside. Stross masterfully combines mythology, Lovecraftian weirdness, and government bureaucracy to reveal the truth behind the unicorn legend. Through a blend of modern storytelling and literary homage, the book follows protagonist Bob Howard as he navigates through a world filled with action, gore, and pop culture references, all while uncovering the unsettling secrets of the unicorn phenomenon.
Stross intricately weaves together past and present narratives, drawing from sources like H.P. Lovecraft and pop culture references to create a gripping tale that explores the biological underpinnings of the unicorn myth. Equoid stands out as a worthy addition to the Laundry Files series, showcasing the author's unique writing style that seamlessly blends horror, humor, and sheer terror, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Those thirteen words never bode well—although coming from my new manager, Iris, they’re less doom-laden than if they were falling from the lips of some others I could name. In the two months I’ve been...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Laundry Files ) - #4
Save:"Leviathan Wakes" is a space opera set in a future where humanity has colonized the Moon, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt. The story follows the crew of the Rocinante as they become entangled in a conspiracy involving Earth, Mars, and the Belters. The narrative is fast-paced, featuring elements of political intrigue, alien encounters, zombie horror, and epic space battles. The writing style is described as compelling, with realistic physics and vivid world-building that explores the complex relationships between humans living in different regions of the solar system.
A hundred and fifty years before, when the parochial disagreements between Earth and Mars had been on the verge of war, the Belt had been a far horizon of tremendous mineral wealth beyond viable econo... - #5
Save:Set in Moscow during the Cold War, 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith follows Chief Investigator Arkady Renko as he delves into a triple murder case in Gorky Park. The novel weaves a compelling mystery story with scenes of life inside the Soviet Union, highlighting the complexities of Russian society during that era. As Renko navigates through the investigation, he faces challenges from various enemies and uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that leads him to New York, adding layers of intrigue to the plot. The writing style captures the nuances of Soviet and Russian humor while providing insights into the daily life and politics of Russia at the height of the Cold War.
The van jacked, stalled and quit on a drift, and the homicide team got out, militia officers cut from a pattern of short arms and low brows, wrapped in sheepskin greatcoats. The one not in uniform was... - #6
Save:Disciple of the Dog by R. Scott Bakker follows the story of Disciple Manning, a private investigator with a unique ability to remember everything he has ever experienced. The plot revolves around a mysterious case in which a young woman has gone missing in a rural town, leading Manning to navigate through a web of religious fanatics and bizarre cults. The writing style of the book is described as witty, clever, and filled with insightful commentary on various aspects of life, from the human condition to humor.
- #7
Save:The Red Files by Lee Winter is a contemporary thriller that follows the story of two investigative journalists, Catherine Ayers and Lauren King, who are forced to work together on a story of national impact. As they investigate further, they uncover a conspiracy that leads them into jeopardy while also realizing there is something more between them than just snark. The book combines elements of journalism, politics, romance, and mystery, creating a fast-paced and engaging plot that keeps readers guessing until the end. The writing style is described as witty, sarcastic, intelligent, and humorous, with well-developed characters and a satisfying slow-burn romance between the caustic Catherine and the ambitious Lauren.
Lauren was tired of staring at her bedroom ceiling. She’d been brooding for hours now. Well, two weeks if you wanted to get technical. Now it was D-day, and time to face whatever had been done to the ... - #8
Save:'The Pale Criminal' by Philip Kerr is the second book in the Bernie Gunther series, set in Berlin in 1939, during the rise of Nazi Germany. The plot follows Bernie Gunther, a private investigator turned temporary Berlin police officer, as he investigates the murders of young teenage girls in the midst of Nazi control and impending World War II. The novel delves into the claustrophobic atmosphere of the time, depicting the challenges faced by Gunther as he navigates the dangerous political landscape of Nazi Germany, dealing with high-ranking Nazi officials and the Gestapo.
The story unfolds with Gunther's mission to capture a sadistic serial killer targeting blonde, blue-eyed Aryan girls, under the pressure of high-ranking Nazi officials like Heinrich Himmler and Reinhard Heydrich. As Gunther delves deeper into the investigation, he must maneuver through the corrupt and hypocritical atmosphere of Nazi Germany, facing moral dilemmas and dangerous adversaries in his pursuit of justice.
My stomach sank as it sensed another of my partner’s profound analogies to do with the Nazis. ‘Yes, of course,’ I said firmly, hoping that my show of total comprehension would deter him from a more de...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bernard Gunther ) - #9
Save:'The Monkey's Mask' by Dorothy Porter is an Australian lesbian erotic murder mystery novel written in verse. The story follows private investigator Jill Fitzpatrick as she delves into the death of a young poet named Mickey, becoming deeply entangled in the investigation. The book is divided into 12 chapters consisting of 186 poems, each carrying a fast-paced narrative that combines raucous and contemplative elements. Through vivid poetic hues and Australian local color and slang, Porter infuses the conventions of a hard-edged detective novel with the intensity of poetry.
- #10
Save:The Millionaire Marquess by Scarlett Scott is a captivating historical romance novel that follows the story of Grey, the Marquess of Greymoor, and Francesca Beasley, a mysterious housekeeper hiding a dark past. Grey offers Francesca a proposition that leads to a passionate and complex relationship filled with secrets, lies, and a deep emotional connection. As their illicit month together unfolds, Grey and Francesca are forced to confront their inner demons and navigate the challenges of their unconventional romance while unraveling the mysteries of Francesca's past.
(Also, see 6 recommendations for the series Unexpected Lords )
