Books matching: dark urban environment
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- #1
Burke is a detective and con artist in New York City with a soft spot for cases involving abused children. When a mysterious woman named Flood hires him to track down a child killer for revenge, Burke delves into the gritty streets filled with memorable characters like The Mole and street corner prophets. Written in a hard-boiled noir style, "Flood" by Andrew Vachss follows Burke's journey through the dark underbelly of the city, tackling themes of child abuse and vigilantism.
I GOT TO the office early that morning-I think it was about ten o’clock. As soon as the dog saw it was me, she walked over to the back door and I let her out. I went outside with her as far as the fir... - #2
In "Skin Trade," a novella by George R.R. Martin, the story follows Willie Flambeaux, a debt collector who is also a werewolf, as he teams up with private investigator Randi Wade to solve a series of brutal murders in an American city where werewolves secretly rule. The plot unfolds with a mix of horror and urban fantasy elements, showcasing a unique take on the werewolf myth where transformations are not moon-dependent, but rather at will, adding a new layer of intrigue to the narrative. As the duo delves deeper into the investigation, they uncover a dark conspiracy involving a group of werewolves with influence in crucial places, leading to a suspenseful and action-packed conclusion.
The writing style of "Skin Trade" is described as skillful and engaging, with a slow buildup that intensifies the tension throughout the story. The alternating points of view between the two main characters, Willie and Randi, provide a well-rounded perspective of the unfolding events, keeping the readers hooked and eager to discover the mysteries hidden within the narrative.
- #3
'Heart of Malice' is an urban fantasy novel in the 'Alice Worth' series by Lisa Edmonds. The story follows Alice Worth, a powerful magic user and private investigator, who gets entangled in a dangerous case involving a missing magical artifact that could have catastrophic consequences if it falls into the wrong hands. As Alice navigates through this perilous investigation, she enlists the help of a ghost and an attractive werewolf, all while trying to stay hidden from a dangerous crime syndicate and a federal agency monitoring supernatural beings. The book combines elements of noir with urban fantasy, showcasing a world where magic, vampires, werewolves, and dark forces collide, while Alice grapples with her troubled past and struggles to do good despite her history.
I set my glass on the bar and looked up. He was dark-haired, gorgeous, and tall, dwarfing me by almost a foot—and at five-six plus heels, I wasn’t exactly short. I took a moment to savor the close-up ... - #4
'A Dozen Black Roses' by Nancy A. Collins is a gripping tale following Sonja Blue, a half-human, half-vampire heroine who navigates a world filled with evil vampires and supernatural beings. The story delves into a blood war between rival vampire clans, where Sonja finds herself entangled in complex manipulations and power struggles. The writing style is described as energetic and splatterpunk, with a refreshing take on the protagonist's enjoyment of violence and lack of remorse.
The city was founded over two hundred and sixty years ago by those who fled the intolerance of their various homelands. It sits at the head of an estuary, a stone's throw from the huge bay that first ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sonja Blue ) - #5
In "The Crown Tower," readers are taken on an adventure delving into the origins of the partnership between Hadrian, the invincible swordsman, and Royce, the cunning assassin. The narrative weaves together the parallel story of Gwen, a character facing her own struggles. The book is praised for its enjoyable and page-turning nature, set in a world with hints of fantasy but primarily focused on the dynamic between the central characters. Readers find themselves engrossed in the delightful tale that leads to the events in the Riyria Revelations series.
The book is described as a fun and light read, offering readers a glimpse into the initial meeting of Royce and Hadrian and their first adventure together. With well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot, "The Crown Tower" is recommended for those looking for an entertaining fantasy novel with engaging storytelling and intriguing character dynamics.
The bag—his only bag—was torn from his hand. He never even saw the thief. Hadrian couldn’t see much of anything in the lantern-lit chaos surrounding the pier, just a mass of faces, people shoving to g... - #6
The Killing Lessons by Saul Black is a dark and intense crime thriller that follows the investigation of a serial killer by troubled homicide detective Valerie Hart. The story intertwines the lives of various characters, including the killers, victims, and law enforcement, as they navigate through brutal murders and psychological turmoil. The narrative is gripping and suspenseful, delving into the minds of the characters and offering disturbing glimpses into the dark and twisted motivations behind the crimes.
The book is structured with multiple interrelated stories that culminate towards a chilling end, showcasing the meticulous planning and execution of the crimes by the killers, the relentless pursuit of justice by Valerie Hart, and the impact of the murders on the victims and those involved in the investigation. Saul Black's writing style is described as gritty, gruesome, and gut-wrenching, with well-drawn characters and a spellbinding plot that keeps the suspense at a breakneck pace, making it a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers.
The instant Rowena Cooper stepped out of her warm, cookie-scented kitchen and saw the two men standing in her back hallway, snow melting from the rims of their boots, she knew exactly what this was: h... - #7
"Kiss of Midnight" by Lara Adrian follows the story of Lucan Thorne, a complicated male breed warrior, and Gabrielle Maxwell, a human breedmate. The plot revolves around their instant physical attraction, leading to a passionate romance amidst a world filled with violent and sensual elements. introduces a new world that is both intriguing and addictive, with a mix of action-oriented scenes and hot romantic moments. Despite the similarities to other paranormal romance series, the book captures readers' attention with its unique take on vampires as descendants of space aliens.
Her baby wouldn‟t stop crying. She‟d started fussing at the last station, when the Greyhound bus out of Bangor stopped in Portland to pick up more passengers. Now, at a little after 1 A.M., they were ... - #8
Lola, the protagonist in 'Shadowed Heart,' is a complex character who turns into a killer known as the Night Slayer after the death of her parents. Her life takes a dark turn when she mistakenly kills the son of a crime lord, leading her to be kidnapped by the Luciano family. Despite her murderous tendencies, Lola finds herself fitting into the crime family and becoming involved in their criminal activities. The book delves into themes of violence, twisted relationships, and the blurred lines between good and evil, drawing readers into a dark and gory narrative.
The story follows Lola's journey as she navigates her past trauma, her interactions with the Luciano family, and the complexities of her relationships with the main male characters. With a writing style that explores dark and disturbing themes such as hate sex, violence, and murder, 'Shadowed Heart' offers a gripping and twisted tale of a protagonist battling her inner demons while entangled in a world of crime and vengeance.
With a strapless, tiny as hell black dress plastered to my body like spray paint, I was any man’s home run for the night. My blonde hair was neatly tucked into a brown wig, my whole face dolled up lik... - #9
'Blood to Dust' by L.J. Shen is a dark and action-packed romance novel that follows the journey of two complex characters, Nate and Prescott. They are depicted as individuals who have faced hardships in life and are seeking redemption and love amidst chaos and violence. The story is filled with unexpected twists, heart-pounding scenes, and a unique writing style that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book delves into themes of revenge, survival, and the unlikely connection between two souls from different worlds.
Pointy nose, non-existent lips, delicate frame and pasty skin, wired with blue and purple veins. He sways his hips when he walks, his fingers long and thin like a ballerina’s. Likes: flamboyant suits,... - #10
'Notice' by Heather Lewis is a hard-hitting and intense read that delves deep into the complexities of human psyche and emotions. The book follows an unnamed narrator who presents a harrowing story with detached yet affecting narration, exploring themes of dissociation, self-destruction, and internal struggles. The writing style is straightforward and raw, providing a clear and explicit depiction of the main character's painful life experiences.
For the longest time I didn’t call it turning tricks. When I’d leave work, cross the street to the train station and, if some guy – man, I guess really you’d call him – had come off the train, was on ...