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Books matching: detective noir

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Night Film by Marisha Pessl
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    'Night Film' by Marisha Pessl is a psychological thriller that delves into the mysterious death of Ashley Cordova, daughter of famous filmmaker Stanislas Cordova. The story follows journalist Scott McGrath as he investigates Ashley's apparent suicide, leading him into the dark world of the occult, magic, and the underbelly of New York City. The book weaves a complex narrative filled with twists and turns, incorporating elements of horror and suspense, keeping the reader engaged throughout its over 600 pages.

    The writing style of 'Night Film' is described as intense, colorful, and intriguing, with a dark and atmospheric tone that adds to the overall suspense of the story. The book includes multimedia elements such as photos, newspaper clippings, and online content, enhancing the reader's experience and creating a sense of immersion in the world of Stanislas Cordova's films and mysteries.

    A large chandelier showered golden light on the crowd as I surveyed the party in the bronze mirror over the mantel. I was startled to spot someone I barely recognized: myself. Blue button-down, sports...

  2. #2

    Later by Stephen King
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    Later by Stephen King tells the story of Jamie Conklin, a young boy with the ability to see dead people. Raised by a single mother who urges him to keep his gift secret, Jamie finds himself entangled in a dangerous situation when a police officer asks for his help in solving a case. As Jamie navigates the complexities of trust and the consequences of using his supernatural ability, the novel unfolds in Jamie's voice from childhood to young adulthood, offering a mix of crime and horror elements reminiscent of classic Stephen King storytelling.

    The book delves into themes of childhood and adolescence, presenting Jamie as a prodigious character grappling with the weight of his unique talent. With references to popular culture and technology, Later explores the paranormal through Jamie's perspective, as he faces challenges that force him to confront the darkness within himself and the world around him, ultimately leading to a tale filled with tension and suspense.

    I was coming home from school with my mother. She was holding my hand. In the other hand I clutched my turkey, the ones we made in first grade the week before Thanksgiving. I was so proud of mine I wa...

  3. #3

    Century Rain by Alastair Reynolds
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    'Century Rain' by Alastair Reynolds is a science fiction novel set in a future where Earth has been destroyed by a technological catastrophe known as the Nanocaust. The story follows Verity Auger, an archaeologist exploring the wastelands of Paris, who becomes involved in a dangerous mission involving time travel and alternate realities. The book combines elements of noir romance, transhumanism, and space technology, creating a complex and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Reynolds' writing style is described as smooth, with deft characterizations and a tone that seamlessly shifts between different timelines and settings.

    The river flowing sluggishly under Pont de la Concorde was flat and grey, like worn-out linoleum. It was October and the authorities were having one of their periodic crackdowns on contraband. They ha...

  4. #4

    Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk
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    'Even Though I Knew the End' by C.L. Polk is a sapphic urban fantasy noir novella set in 1930s Chicago. The story follows a magic protagonist who is tempted into investigating a series of ritually killing by the 'White City Vampire.' The book builds beautifully to a heartbreakingly hopeful ending, focusing on themes of love, sacrifice, and second chances. The plot is described as a voicey noire tale with dynamic characters, a well-built world, and a magic system that seamlessly blends supernatural elements with urban fantasy. Readers praise the detective vibe, the love story, and the fundamental unfairness portrayed in the story.


  5. #5
    Swing Shift
    Book 1 in the series:Swing Shift

    Swing Shift - Swing Shift by William D. Arand
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    Gus, a paranormal detective known as the Boogieman, is tasked with preventing a paranormal terrorist group from exposing the supernatural world to humans. The story unfolds with a mix of action, magic, and intriguing characters, leading to a global conspiracy involving various supernatural beings and a high-stakes showdown. The writing style is described as dynamic, detailed, and refreshing, with well-developed female characters, a grounded plot, and a protagonist who is not all-powerful.

    His reddish-brown hair reflected oddly in the poor excuse for a mirror. Reaching up with one hand, he fingered the two inches of length before letting go to run a hand over his face and stare into his...

  6. #6
    Thraxas
    Book 1 in the series:Thraxas

    Thraxas - Thraxas by Martin Scott
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    'Thraxas' by Martin Scott is a fantasy novel set in the city-state of Turai, following the adventures of the protagonist Thraxas, a private investigator with a penchant for beer, food, and gambling. The plot revolves around Thraxas being hired to recover incriminating letters for Princess Du Akai, which leads him into a web of political intrigue, magic, and mystery. The story is filled with colorful characters like Makri, a former gladiator with mixed ancestry, and Gurd, the owner of the Avenging Axe where Thraxas resides and works.

    The writing style of 'Thraxas' is described as a blend of fantasy and comedy, reminiscent of Terry Pratchett, with a focus on character-driven narratives and witty dialogue. introduces readers to a seedy and degenerate fantasy world, where Thraxas navigates through investigations, confrontations, and humorous escapades while showcasing his skills as a fighter and investigator.

    Turai is a magical city. From the docks at Twelve Seas to Moon Eclipse Park, from the stinking slums to the Imperial Palace, a visitor can find all manner of amazing persons, astonishing items and uni...

  7. #7

    Zoo City by Lauren Beukes
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    'Zoo City' by Lauren Beukes is a unique urban fantasy novel set in a near-future Johannesburg where individuals, known as "animalled," are linked to an animal companion due to past criminal acts. The protagonist, Zinzi December, is linked to a sloth and possesses the ability to find lost objects. Reluctantly roped into a search for a missing child pop star, Zinzi uncovers a series of murders and delves into the criminal underworld. The book combines elements of urban fantasy, true crime, and magical realism, offering a fresh and edgy portrayal of a wired, gritty Johannesburg.

    The novel explores themes of guilt, identity, and the consequences of past actions through a hard-hitting and humanistic lens. The world-building is vivid and immersive, depicting a corrupt and dingy future South Africa where criminals have acquired animal familiars, reminiscent of Philip Pullman's dæmons. The plot twists and turns, weaving a complex narrative that delves into the criminal underworld and the protagonist's personal struggles, culminating in a fast-paced and shocking conclusion.

    Shielding my eyes – morning has broken and there's no picking up the pieces – I yank back the sheet and peel out of bed. Benoît doesn't so much as stir, with only his calloused feet sticking out from ...

  8. #8

    Golden State by Ben H. Winters
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    In the future world of 'Golden State' by Ben H. Winters, California has become a country where truth is the ultimate law, and lying is considered a grave crime. The protagonist, Laszlo Ratesic, works as a speculator, a truth enforcer who investigates crimes based on the concept of truth. As he delves into a seemingly accidental death, he uncovers anomalies that lead to a complex and dangerous investigation. The novel combines elements of a crime thriller with a dystopian setting, exploring themes of reality, truth, and the consequences of living in a society built on absolute truth.

    'Golden State' presents a unique world where lying is forbidden, and every action is monitored to maintain the truth. The story follows Laszlo's journey as he navigates a society where fiction is unknown, and all aspects of life are recorded. The novel weaves together a mystery plot with thought-provoking questions about truth, society, and the nature of reality, creating a compelling narrative that challenges readers' perceptions.

    The extraordinary events detailed herein were either experienced firsthand by the author or, when relayed second- or thirdhand, have been double-checked (triple-, where possible), verified, and certif...

  9. #9
    Quarantine
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Subjective Cosmology

    Quarantine - Subjective Cosmology by Greg Egan
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    Greg Egan's 'Quarantine' is a sci-fi detective story set in the year 2067, where the protagonist, Nick Stavrianos, investigates a kidnapping mystery in a world where Earth is quarantined by an impenetrable gray shield. The plot delves deep into quantum mechanics, eigenstates, and the implications of humans observing reality, all woven into a complex narrative that challenges the reader's understanding of physics and consciousness. Egan's writing style is described as a blend of hard science fiction and noir elements, with detailed exploration of futuristic technologies like nanobots for brain modifications and quantum computing.

    Of course, nobody wants a sensitive call electronically decoded and flashed up on the screen of an ordinary videophone; even if the room isn’t bugged, radio-frequency spillage from the unscrambled sig...

  10. #10

    Lovecraft's Monsters by Ellen Datlow, Neil Gaiman, Joe R. Lansdale
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    'Lovecraft's Monsters' edited by Ellen Datlow is an anthology of short stories, poems, and novellas inspired by the early master of horror, HP Lovecraft. The collection features a variety of tales that reimagine Lovecraft's universe of cosmic horror, each written by renowned authors such as Neil Gaiman, Elizabeth Bear, and Nick Mamatas. The stories range from eerie goings-on to full-on Lovecraftian horror, taking readers on a journey through different time periods and locations, all while invoking a sense of cosmic dread and helplessness.

    The writing style in 'Lovecraft's Monsters' is praised for its ability to capture the essence of Lovecraft's work while adding a fresh perspective to his mythos. Readers appreciate the diverse range of stories that explore Lovecraftian themes in unique settings such as Indonesia, California's Gold Rush, and a future with only a few human survivors on Earth. The anthology offers a blend of familiarity and novelty, breathing new life into Lovecraft's monstrous creations and cosmic horror.

    Cthulhu! Yog-Sothoth! Azathoth! Shub-Niggurath! Nyarlathotep! Are there any more provocatively named beings in horror fiction? The very spelling of their names suggests the alien and the outré. The to...

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