Books matching: gritty crime fiction
37 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Force' by Don Winslow is a gritty crime fiction novel that delves into the corrupt world of the NYPD, focusing on Detective Sergeant Denny Malone and his elite task force in Manhattan North. The story follows Malone's descent from a respected cop to a dirty officer involved in corruption, drugs, and violence. The plot unfolds through flashbacks, showcasing the blurred lines between good and bad, as well as the impact of corruption on individuals and the system. The writing style is described as detailed, compelling, and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the seedy underbelly of New York City.
Malone turns around and indulges in the hot water pounding on the back of his neck and shoulders. Running down the tattooed sleeves of his arms. It feels good, he could stand there all day, but he has... - #2
Save:Bangkok 8 is a noir detective story set in Bangkok following the investigation of an American Marine's murder by a group of crazed snakes. The protagonist, Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep, navigates the seedy underbelly of Thailand, delving into corruption, prostitution, and the clash between Eastern and Western cultures. The writing style combines elements of gritty crime fiction with touches of magical realism, exploring themes of Buddhism, karma, and social commentary on globalization.
The African American marine in the gray Mercedes will soon die of bites from Naja siamensis, but we don’t know that yet, Pichai and I (the future is impenetrable, says the Buddha). We are one car behi... - #3
Save:Total Chaos by Jean-Claude Izzo is the first installment in the Marseilles trilogy, following Detective Fabio Montale as he returns to his hometown to investigate the deaths of his childhood friends, Manu and Ugo. The book is set in Marseilles, where Montale navigates through criminal factions, corruption within his department, and personal danger while exploring themes of loyalty, racial tensions, and cultural complexities. Izzo's writing style paints a vivid picture of Marseilles, portraying the city as a character in itself with its mix of beauty, crime, and inherent contradictions.
The novel delves into the gritty and dark side of Marseilles, showcasing the complexities of the city through the eyes of Montale as he unravels the truth behind the murders of his friends. The plot is fast-paced and intriguing, with detailed descriptions of the city, its inhabitants, and the challenges faced by Montale, creating a compelling narrative that blends elements of noir crime fiction with social commentary and character exploration.
Recalling the work and the person of Jean-Claude Izzo will forever remain painful for those who knew him. Izzo was first and foremost a good person. It was impossible not to feel warmth for that sligh... - #4
Save:Relics by Tim Lebbon is a fantasy fiction novel set in current day London, UK, where the protagonist Angela embarks on a quest to find her missing fiance, Vince, delving into a hidden world of mythical creatures and the Fae folk. The plot unfolds with a mix of urban fantasy, crime fiction, and a touch of horror, as Angela navigates through a dark underworld while uncovering secrets about her lover and the hidden world around her. The narrative style is described as fast-paced, thrilling, and engaging, with a blend of mystery and fantasy elements that keep the reader enthralled.
The book is praised for its well-developed characters, particularly the enigmatic Fredrick Fat Freddy Meloy, and the depth of the world-building that brings to life a London filled with mythical creatures like fairies, nymphs, and witches. The story is commended for its sense of wonder, building dread, and thrilling final act that culminates in an action-packed battle between different factions. Lebbon's writing is noted for its ability to blur the lines between good and evil, creating a compelling narrative that mixes elements of gritty crime fiction with a sense of fantasy and wonder.
Angela definitely wasn’t a morning person. Sunlight filtered through the gap between the curtains, traffic noise rumbled outside, the noisy dog from the next street barked to be let in, and barked, an... - #5
Save:"Hot Springs" by Stephen Hunter is a hard-boiled noir novel set in 1946 Hot Springs, Arkansas, where crime boss Owney Madden introduces gambling and prostitution with the help of the Grumley family. The district attorney enlists Earl Swagger, a Medal of Honor winner haunted by his past, to combat the mob's corruption. As casino raids escalate into intense combat, Earl and his team navigate a world of deception, facing off against mobsters and politicians. The story delves into Earl's complex character, his inner turmoil, and his quest for redemption in a post-war era filled with danger and mistrust.
The author paints a vivid picture of 1946 Hot Springs, capturing the celestial beauty and the filthy underbelly of the town with cinematic detail. seamlessly weaves real historical figures such as Bugsy Siegel and Virginia Hill into a fictional narrative, creating a thrilling and immersive tale of redemption, triumph, and hope amidst a backdrop of intrigue and conflict.
Each morning he shaved carefully with a well-stropped razor, buttoned a clean, crackly starched white shirt, tied a black string tie in a bow knot. Then he pulled up his suspenders and put on his blac... - #6
Save:'The Continental Op' by Dashiell Hammett is a collection of short stories featuring the hard-boiled detective known as the Continental Operative. Set in San Francisco in the 1920s, the stories follow the Op as he navigates through various cases involving deception, violence, and intrigue. Hammett's writing style is described as crisp, descriptive, and authentic, drawing from his own experience working for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The plots often involve the Op chasing down leads, solving crimes, and dealing with a cast of characters ranging from devious dames to ham-fisted mugs.
- #7
Save:'The Second Girl' by David Swinson follows the story of Frank Marr, a retired detective turned private investigator with a drug addiction. While breaking into a stash house, he rescues a kidnapped teenage girl and gets entangled in a new missing person case involving another girl. Despite his unconventional methods and drug habit, Frank uses his street smarts to uncover leads the police missed, leading him into the dangerous world of drugs and prostitution in Washington, DC. The plot unfolds swiftly, blending humor and intensity while gradually revealing Frank's complex character and backstory through first-person narration.
I’ve been sitting on the run-down two-story row house on Kenyon Street Northwest off and on for eight days. That’s the longest I’ve had to surveil a location, but it’s worth the effort. I know it’ll b... - #8
Save:'The Real Cool Killers' by Chester Himes is a hard-boiled detective thriller set in Harlem, featuring the dynamic duo of detectives Coffin Ed Johnson and Gravedigger Jones. The plot revolves around a murder investigation in Harlem, where the detectives navigate through a world of violence, racial tensions, and complex criminal activities. Himes' writing style is described as fast-paced, entertaining, and showcasing the real, unapologetic racism of the era, with a touch of absurdity and dark humor.
The book delves into the gritty and realistic portrayal of Harlem street life in the 60s, offering a unique perspective on crime, race, and vigilante justice. Through a series of violent events and unexpected twists, the detectives uncover secrets, encounter low-life criminals, and navigate through a multi-racial and complex urban landscape. The narrative is filled with suspense, sociological observations, and sharp wit, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
A woman leapt from her seat in a booth as though the music had struck her full of tacks. She was a lean black woman clad in a pink jersey dress and red silk stockings. She pulled up her skirt and bega...
(Also, see 59 recommendations for the series Harlem Cycle ) - #9
Save:In the book 'Lullaby' from the '87th Precinct' series by Ed McBain, the detectives are faced with a gruesome crime involving a murdered babysitter and an infant baby. As they investigate, they uncover subplots related to drug deals, rival gangs, and personal struggles of the officers. The story is fast-paced, compelling, and intricately weaves together multiple storylines while providing a realistic portrayal of police work.
The writing style of Ed McBain in 'Lullaby' is praised for infusing humanity into both the investigators and the perpetrators of crimes. The book utilizes police reports and interrogations to add authenticity to the narrative, while also incorporating subtle shifts in scenes and perspectives that, although initially confusing, contribute to the overall enjoyment and depth of the story.
There was a chill in the apartment. It was three o’clock in the morning and in this city most building superintendents lowered the thermostats at midnight. The detectives, the technicians, the medical...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series 87th Precinct ) - #10
Save:Above Suspicion by Lynda La Plante is a gripping police procedural novel that follows young detective Anna Travis as she uses her intelligence and determination to solve the case of a serial murderer targeting women. The book is praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and the development of characters, including the tension within the Murder Squad team. The plot unfolds with clues leading to a handsome actor as the prime suspect, adding an element of suspense and danger to the story.
Sandra Donaldson, aged forty-one, had a similar background to the first victim: a life of abuse, drugs, alcohol, four children all fostered out and a junkie boyfriend. She was first arrested for prost...
