Books matching: detroit setting
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- #1
Save:"Break You" by Blake Crouch is a novella in the Andrew Z. Thomas and Luther Kite series, continuing the story of Andrew Thomas who is forced to face his nemesis, Luther Kite. The book explores the transformation of ordinary individuals into killers, with vivid descriptive passages painting a surreal picture of the Detroit setting known as the Concrete Barrens. Readers are taken on a thrilling journey through empty factories and car assembly graveyards, as the characters are tested and pushed to new levels in a dark and twisted narrative.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Andrew Z. Thomas/Luther Kite ) - #2
Save:Elmore Leonard's 'City Primeval' is a gritty crime novel set in Detroit, featuring a cat and mouse game between a killer named Clement Mansell and the determined homicide detective Raymond Cruz. The story unfolds with a modern western showdown vibe, showcasing contrasting characters like the loud and showy Mansell against the quiet and steady Cruz. The plot moves swiftly with excellent dialogue, bringing the 1980s setting to life and highlighting the seedy side of Detroit.
The narrative follows Mansell, a killer who believes he can get away with murder, and Cruz, who is determined to bring him to justice after a senseless act of violence. The story is structured like a tense, high-stakes confrontation, cycling between the perspectives of various characters involved in the pursuit of Mansell, creating a suspenseful and engaging read.
ONE OF THE valet parking attendants at Hazel Park Racecourse would remember the judge leaving sometime after the ninth race, about 1:00 A.M., and fill in the first part of what happened. With the judg... - #3
Save:The Snowman's Children by Glen Hirshberg is a gripping novel that intricately weaves together mystery, frustration, and lyrical writing. The story follows the protagonist, Mattie, as he delves into the past, unraveling a tale of love, mental illness, and the consequences of childhood decisions. Set against the backdrop of Detroit, the novel explores the fallout of a tragic event that affected the lives of many, without providing a clear solution but offering a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engrossed.
Hirshberg's writing style seamlessly transitions between time sequences, creating a multi-layered narrative that alternates between Mattie's childhood experiences and his adult struggles. The author's deft use of language and characters adds depth to the story, while his attention to detail and imagery immerse the reader in the setting. Despite the absence of closure in the characters' lives, the novel conveys a message of coming to terms with the past and appreciating the present, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read.
- #4
Save:In Lauren Beukes' 'Broken Monsters', the story unfolds in a broken Detroit, intertwining the lives of a diverse set of characters including a detective, her daughter, a failed journalist, a church worker, and a disturbed artist. As a young boy's mutilated body is discovered, the narrative delves into a complex web of events involving a supernatural element, online journalism, teenage friendships, and the dark desires of a killer artist. Beukes expertly weaves together multiple storylines, exploring themes of urban decay, media saturation, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
The writing style in 'Broken Monsters' is described as engaging, fast-paced, and gripping, with vividly real characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers hooked. Beukes' narrative approach immerses the reader in the haunting setting of Detroit, painting a vivid picture of a city in turmoil while exploring dark themes such as mental illness, misogyny, and the destructive power of social media. The book blends elements of crime thriller, horror, and social commentary, offering a multifaceted portrayal of a city grappling with darkness and decay.
Jonno is yanked from sleep’s deepest tar pits by an elbow to the jaw. He comes up flailing and disoriented, only to find himself fighting bed sheets. The girl from last night—Jen Q—rolls over, her arm... - #5
Save:'The Rosary Murders' by William X. Kienzle follows the intriguing plot of Father Koesler, a delightful hero who unexpectedly becomes a skilled detective. The story is a well-written whodunit that captures a time in society and the Catholic Church in the late 70s, portraying a mixture of hope and anger. The plot keeps readers guessing and engaged with its clever twists and turns, while also providing insights into the Catholic Church's practices and changes since Vatican II.
It was another of those Michigan days that couldn’t make up its mind whether to be winter or spring. The best that could be said was that it wasn’t snowing. But it was bitter cold, with the bite that ... - #6
Save:Swag by Elmore Leonard is a classic crime novel that follows the story of two men, Frank and Stick, who team up to become armed robbers, pulling off heists without causing harm. The book delves into their partnership, their gradual descent into bigger scores, and the complications that arise when they get involved in a major robbery scheme. Set in Detroit, the writing style is described as spare and efficient, with clear characterizations done through dialogue and action. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, suspense, and realistic portrayals of the criminal underworld in the 1970s.
THERE WAS A PHOTOGRAPH OF Frank in an ad that ran in the Detroit Free Press and showed all the friendly salesmen at Red Bowers Chevrolet. Under his photo it said Frank J. Ryan. He had on a nice smile,... - #7
Save:MOTOR CITY BLUE introduces readers to the hard-boiled detective Amos Walker, who is hired to find the missing adopted daughter of an elderly former member of the Purple Gang in Detroit. The plot, while not overly complex, follows Walker's investigation, intertwined with themes of organized crime, nostalgia for the 1970s, and the portrayal of Detroit as a setting heavily influenced by film noir. The writing style of the book is described as reminiscent of classic noir authors like Raymond Chandler, with a mix of engaging dialogue and descriptive prose that aims to capture the essence of the private eye genre.
My lesson began while I was setting fire, or rather trying to set fire, to a Winston in just about the only place where it’s still legal to do so, a public street corner. Specifically, it was the corn... - #8
Save:'Every Brilliant Eye' by Loren D. Estleman is a solid mystery featuring the tough Detroit PI, Amos Walker. The book is set in a gritty and dangerous Detroit, where Walker navigates through a dark and desperate city full of vivid neighborhoods. The writing style of the book is reminiscent of the classic hard-boiled detective mysteries popularized by authors like Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. The story is filled with parsed tense dialogue, historical references, and clever quips that add depth to the narrative.
(Also, see 27 recommendations for the series Amos Walker ) - #9
Save:American Street by Ibi Zoboi is a powerful and emotional story following Fabiola, a Haitian immigrant, as she navigates life in Detroit after her mother is detained by immigration officers upon entering the United States. The novel explores themes of family, love, resilience, and the challenges faced by immigrants in a new country. Through Fabiola's eyes, readers witness the struggles of adapting to a new culture, dealing with inner-city life, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of the American dream.
IF ONLY I could break the glass separating me and Manman with my thoughts alone. On one side of the glass doors are the long lines of people with their photos and papers that prove that they belong he... - #10
Save:Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye, the first book in the series by Victoria Laurie, follows the story of Abby, a professional psychic intuitive who gets entangled in a murder investigation after one of her clients is killed. The plot revolves around Abby's unique psychic abilities, her interactions with the police, especially Detective Dutch Rivers, and her efforts to solve the mystery while facing potential danger. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of mystery, comedy, and a touch of romance, making it a light and fun read with a paranormal twist.
My basic philosophy is simple: People are like ice cream. Take me, for instance. You'd think that by my profession alone—professional psychic—I'd be a ringer for Nutty Coconut, but the reality is that...
