Books matching: double crosses
92 result(s)
- #1
Save:Ross Thomas' 'Out on the Rim' is a thrilling tale of espionage, betrayal, and deception set in the post-Marcos Philippines. The story follows Booth Stallings, a terrorism expert, who is tasked with delivering 5 million dollars to a rebel fighter. However, Stallings quickly becomes entangled in a web of cons and schemes as he plots to keep the money for himself. With a team of con men led by Otherguy Overby, including familiar characters like Arthur Wu and Quincy Durant, the reader is taken on a wild ride of twists, double-crosses, and unexpected alliances. The plot unfolds with a mix of mystery, action, and intricate character dynamics, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style of 'Out on the Rim' is praised for being elegant, perfectly paced, and engaging. Readers highlight the well-drawn characters, witty dialogue, and the author's ability to craft a complex plot filled with surprises. The book is described as a blend of spy thriller, crime novel, and expert storytelling, reminiscent of the works of Elmore Leonard but on an international scale.
At three in the afternoon they summoned Booth Stallings, the terrorism expert, to the library in the foundation’s seven-story building just east of Dupont Circle on Massachusetts Avenue and fired him ...
(Also, see 6 recommendations for the series Arthur Case Wu ) - #2
Save:Funeral in Berlin by Len Deighton is a spy thriller following the nameless hero on a mission to secure the defection of a top Soviet scientist, Semitsa. Set during the mid-sixties Cold War paranoia, the protagonist navigates through double-crosses and hidden agendas while trying to uncover the truth behind the game of bluff and double bluff. The plot is complex, filled with twists and turns, and keeps the reader engaged with its swift pace and intriguing characters like Colonel Stok, Samantha Steel, and Johnnie Vulkan. Deighton's writing style includes short chess rules quotations at the beginning of each chapter, adding a unique touch to the narrative.
Saturday, October 5th It was one of those artificially hot days that they used to call ‘Indian summer’. It was no time to be paying a call to Bina Gardens, in south-west London, if there was a time fo...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harry Palmer ) - #3
Save:'Freaky Deaky' by Elmore Leonard is a fast-paced crime novel set in 1980s Detroit. The plot revolves around a group of ex-radicals and bombers who are now involved in scamming a rich individual. The story is filled with twists, extortion, bombings, and double-crossings, all intricately woven together. Leonard's writing style is described as precise, intricate, and quick, with every character feeling alive and believable. is known for its ironic humor, engaging dialogues, and a web of crime that enmeshes all the characters.
What happened, a guy by the name of Booker, a twenty-five-year-old super-dude twice-convicted felon, was in his Jacuzzi when the phone rang. He yelled for his bodyguard Juicy Mouth to take it. “Hey, J... - #4
Save:'The Holcroft Covenant' by Robert Ludlum revolves around Noel Holcroft, the American son of a high-ranking Nazi officer who gets entangled in a complex web of deceit and conspiracy. Unveiling an elaborate plan involving Nazi loot, hidden armies, and secret organizations, Holcroft is presented with a document that could have far-reaching consequences for the world's security. As he navigates through a maze of double crosses and dangerous adversaries, Holcroft must decide whether to sign the document, risking his life to prevent a catastrophic event. The plot combines historical elements with fiction, creating a suspenseful narrative filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged.
The writing style of 'The Holcroft Covenant' has been described as a blend of thriller and suspense, with intricate storytelling that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author constructs a narrative that delves into conspiracy theories, old plans for the future, and the legacy of the Third Reich, offering a thought-provoking read that challenges readers to unravel the mysteries hidden within the pages.
There was no blinding sunlight outside his hotel window now; no golden, oiled bodies of grown-up children playing in the white sands of the Copacabana. Instead, the London streets were mottled with dr... - #5
Save:'The Henchmen of Zenda' by K.J. Charles is a thrilling adventure with romantic elements that follows the cunning narrator, Jasper Detchard, as he navigates a world of plots and schemes to help his friend and mistress, Toni. Set in the quest to dethrone a king, the story is full of action, loyalty, and moral ambiguity, all told through Jasper's sharp and cynical perspective. The book cleverly weaves together elements of heroism, double-crossing, and swashbuckling action, creating a captivating and eventful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Fast One by Paul Cain is a hard boiled noir novel set in the 1930s, featuring a fast-paced plot with twists and turns. The book follows a main character named Kells, a gambler and morphine addict, through a relentless and bleak narrative filled with whiskey, double crosses, murders, greed, and vengeance. The writing style is described as spare and cut to the bone, reminiscent of the early noir pulp era, showcasing a world where no one is noble and the characters are two-dimensional but engaging in their hard-boiled manner.
- #7
Save:'After Dark, My Sweet' by Jim Thompson is a noir crime novel that follows the story of William Collins, a former boxer and escaped mental patient, who gets involved in a kidnapping plot orchestrated by a femme fatale named Fay and her uncle, a con artist. The plot unfolds with dark and gritty elements, filled with unredeemable characters and a sense of impending doom. The narrative is told from Collins' unreliable point of view, keeping the reader on edge with its unpredictable and violent nature. Thompson's writing style delves into the twisted minds of the characters, creating a warped and crazy world where trust is a rare commodity.
The book is known for its gripping and engaging storyline that keeps the reader's interest until its final, unpredictable ending. Thompson's mastery of the noir genre shines through in his portrayal of morally complex characters and the dark atmosphere he creates. The plot, filled with double-crosses and tension, is complimented by the author's skillful writing that immerses the reader into the paranoid and violent world of the protagonist.
I rode a streetcar to the edge of the city limits, then I started to walk, swinging the old thumb whenever I saw a car coming. I was dressed pretty good—white shirt, brown slacks and sport shoes. I’d ... - #8
Save:'Nobody Move' by Denis Johnson is a fast-paced noir thriller set in modern-day California, following a group of low-life losers and gangsters entangled in a convoluted web of violence, double-crosses, and criminal schemes. The story revolves around a likable gambler named Jimmy Luntz who gets caught up in a dangerous game of debts, theft, and betrayal, all while navigating relationships with intriguing characters like a femme fatale and a retired combat nurse. Johnson's writing style is described as crisp, with sharp dialogue and occasional poetic moments, propelling the action-packed plot forward.
JIMMY LUNTZ had never been to war, but this was the sensation, he was sure of that—eighteen guys in a room, Rob, the director, sending them out—eighteen guys shoulder to shoulder, moving out on the or... - #9
Save:'Cuba Libre' by Elmore Leonard is a historical thriller set in 1898 during the Spanish-American War in Cuba. The story follows the protagonist Ben Tyler, who is involved in smuggling guns to Cuba disguised as a horse trader. Along the way, he meets various characters, including a mix of good and bad individuals. Ben Tyler finds himself in jail but is rescued by a young lady named Amelia, who hatches a plan to fake her own kidnapping for ransom money. The plot involves a battle, police intervention, and various parties vying for the money, leading to double-crossings and twists. captures the rough and deadly wartime environment in Cuba, with characters motivated primarily by money rather than idealism or patriotism.
Elmore Leonard's writing style in 'Cuba Libre' is praised for its taut and realistic dialogue, which adds depth to the characters and their interactions. The historical setting during the Spanish-American War provides a rich backdrop for the story, with a mix of Cuban and American characters navigating the turbulent events of the time. The plot starts off strong, with a good mix of action, intrigue, and historical details, but some readers feel that it loses momentum towards the latter part of the book.
TYLER ARRIVED WITH THE horses February eighteenth, three days after the battleship Maine blew up in Havana harbor. He saw buzzards floating in the sky the way they do but couldn't make out what they w... - #10
Save:'Voodoo, Ltd.' by Ross Thomas follows the adventures of private investigators Artie Wu and Quincy Durant as they are hired to find two missing hypnotists in Southern California. The hypnotists are needed to prove the innocence of a Hollywood actress charged with murdering her ex-fiance. The story is described as a high-speed, fun, and humorous romp filled with double-crosses, twists, and witty dialogue. The plot revolves around a grand shaggy dog story, where Wu, Durant, and their associates use every trick in the book to solve the mystery and navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry.
(Also, see 6 recommendations for the series Arthur Case Wu )
