Books matching: debt and crime
11 result(s)
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- #1
Tara, a human abducted from Earth, finds herself on an alien planet where she must hide her identity to survive. In debt to the alien mob boss, she attempts to steal from Rok, an alien warrior. Despite initial misunderstandings, Tara and Rok are forced to work together to achieve their goals, leading to a slow-burn romance and a deepening bond. The book combines elements of romance, adventure, and sci-fi, with well-developed characters and a steamy romance that keeps readers engaged throughout.
- #2
The Book of Evidence by John Banville is a dark and introspective novel following the protagonist Freddie Montgomery, a complex and morally ambiguous character who finds himself in a downward spiral of debt and crime. The book delves into Freddie's psyche, his amoral actions, and his descent into murder, all narrated in exquisite and dense prose that captivates readers with its rich vocabulary and intricate storytelling. The narrative unfolds as Freddie recounts his life story and the events that lead to his arrest for the brutal killing of a servant girl, blurring the lines between truth and fiction, leaving readers questioning the reliability of the narrator.
MY LORD, when you ask me to tell the court in my own words, this is what I shall say. I am kept locked up here like some exotic animal, last survivor of a species they had thought extinct. They should... - #3
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... - #4
The Rat Catcher's Daughter by KJ Charles is a charming novella set in the Lilywhite Boys series, focusing on the sweet and tender romance between Miss Christiana, a musical hall singer and female impersonator, and Stan, the Lilywhite Boys' fence. The story follows Christiana's struggle with a debt owned by a gang leader, Kammy, and Stan's unwavering support and admiration for her, leading to a heartwarming connection between the two characters. KJ Charles's writing style is described as impeccable, with an exciting plot, endearing characters, and a focus on LGBTQ representation, making it a delightful and engaging read for fans of the series.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lilywhite Boys ) - #5
'Devil?s Lair' in the series 'Molotov Obsession' by author Anna Zaires is a romantic suspense novel that follows the story of Chloe, a young woman on the run from dangerous men who have already killed her mother. Seeking refuge, she takes a job as a live-in tutor for Nikolai Molotov's son at a secluded compound in Idaho. As Chloe and Nikolai navigate their attraction and the secrets they both hold, the story unfolds with elements of danger, mystery, intense chemistry, and unexpected twists. The dual POV narrative allows readers to delve into the characters' complexities and the unfolding drama, creating a captivating and suspenseful read.
Written in a medium burn style with a focus on character development and atmospheric storytelling, 'Devil?s Lair' captures readers with its intense romance, intriguing plot, and well-executed suspense. introduces a cast of interesting characters, including Chloe, Nikolai, and Slava, Nikolai's son, each adding depth and dynamics to the narrative. The author, Anna Zaires, weaves a story that blends drama, secrets, and steamy encounters, keeping readers engaged and invested in the unfolding relationship between the protagonists.
My legs feel like rubber as I step out of the car, clutching my empty water bottle. I need a bathroom, water, food, and gas, in that order—and ideally a new vehicle, as they might’ve gotten my Toyota’... - #6
'Something from the Nightside' by Simon R. Green is a dark fantasy novel that follows the protagonist, John Taylor, as he navigates the mysterious underworld of the Nightside, a hidden part of London where the supernatural and the bizarre coexist. John, a private investigator with a unique talent for finding things, gets drawn back into the Nightside after five years to solve a case involving a missing girl. As he delves deeper into the dark and dangerous world of the Nightside, he uncovers secrets, encounters strange creatures, and faces unexpected challenges. combines elements of fantasy, horror, and hardboiled detective fiction, creating a fast-paced and immersive story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style of 'Something from the Nightside' is described as engaging, with a good balance of humor, horror, and mystery. The author, Simon R. Green, introduces readers to a vividly imagined world filled with unique characters and imaginative settings. The novel is fast-paced, with a mix of dark and light moments, and features a smartass main character, John Taylor, who adds a layer of wit and charm to the narrative. Green's storytelling weaves together elements of noir detective fiction with supernatural elements, creating a compelling and atmospheric read that transports readers to a world where the line between reality and fantasy blurs.
Private eyes come in all shapes and sizes, and none of them look like television stars. Some do insurance work, some hang around cheap hotels with camcorders hoping to get evidence for divorce cases, ... - #7
'Dead Angler' by Victoria Houston is the first entry in the 'Loon Lake Mystery' series. It follows Dr. Paul Osborne, a retired dentist in Loon Lake, Wisconsin, who unexpectedly becomes a widower and struggles with grief and alcoholism after his wife's death. When a body is found during a fishing trip, Osborne gets involved in a murder investigation led by Lew Ferris, the local Chief of Police. The story unfolds with a focus on ethics, family dynamics, and small-town secrets, all intertwined with the mystery of the murder. The writing style is characterized by a gradual buildup of characters' personalities, ethical dilemmas, and the integration of fly fishing techniques with police work.
- #8
'Ruthless King' in the 'Mount' series by Meghan March follows the story of Keira Kilgore, who finds herself in a precarious situation after her husband's death leaves her in debt to the ruthless King of New Orleans, Lochlan Mount. As Keira struggles to pay off the debt, she is faced with the ultimatum of becoming Mount's possession. delves into power dynamics, dark romance, and the intense relationship between Keira and Mount, set against the backdrop of New Orleans.
With a gripping plot filled with suspense, mind games, and unexpected twists, 'Ruthless King' captures the readers' attention from the very first page. Meghan March's writing style expertly builds up sexual tension and emotional attraction between the characters, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover what unfolds next in Keira and Mount's tumultuous relationship.
My employees wouldn’t dare. They know my office is off-limits. And my parents are seven hundred miles away in Florida, living it up as retirees on the monthly payments I send them from the dismal prof... - #9
All She Was Worth by Miyuki Miyabe is a Japanese mystery novel that follows police inspector Shunsuke Honma as he investigates a missing person case tied to issues of consumer debt, personal bankruptcy, and identity theft in late 20th century Japan. The story delves into the complexities of Japanese society, including family registers and cultural norms, while exploring themes of materialism, credit systems, and the impact of the economic bubble on the middle class. Through a methodical unraveling of clues, Honma uncovers a web of lies and deception that leads to a shocking revelation about the missing woman and a murder.
The book is praised for its insightful portrayal of day-to-day life in Tokyo, the multi-layered characters, and the slow unraveling of a police procedural that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by independent young women in Japan. With a focus on the detective's personal struggles, family dynamics, and societal pressures, All She Was Worth offers a compelling narrative that combines elements of suspense, social commentary, and cultural immersion.
The rain started just as the train pulled out of Ayase Station. An icy rain. No wonder his knee had been aching all day. Shunsuke Honma stood by the train door, looking out, one hand on the handrail, ... - #10
Set in 1949, 'One Good Deed' follows Aloysius Archer, a WWII veteran wrongly imprisoned, as he navigates the small town of Poca City after his release. The story unfolds with Archer being hired to collect a debt, which leads him into a complex web of murder and intrigue. The plot is characterized by gritty realism, snappy dialog, and unexpected twists, all set against the backdrop of post-WWII America.
The mechanical whoosh and greasy smell of the opening bus doors greeted Aloysius Archer, as he breathed free air for the first time in a while. He wore a threadbare single-breasted brown Victory suit ...