Books matching: hard boiled detective writing
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- #1
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 The story is filled with parsed tense dialogue, historical references, and clever quips that add depth to the narrative.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 ) - #2
Save:'The City & The City' by China Mieville is a unique murder mystery set in two intertwined cities, Beszel and Ul Qoma, where the residents are required to unsee each other despite sharing the same physical space. Inspector Tyador Borlu investigates a murder that blurs the boundaries between the cities, leading to a complex and intriguing narrative. The writing style is described as immersive and atmospheric, reminiscent of classic detective noir novels but with a fantastical twist that challenges the reader's perspective.
I COULD NOT SEE THE STREET or much of the estate. We were enclosed by dirt-coloured blocks, from windows out of which leaned vested men and women with morning hair and mugs of drink, eating breakfast ... - #3
Save:In "The High Window" by Raymond Chandler, private detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a wealthy widow to recover a stolen gold coin believed to be taken by her daughter-in-law. As Marlowe delves into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit, murder, and hidden motives among a cast of untrustworthy characters. Chandler's writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, sharp dialogue, and captivating storytelling, transporting readers to the gritty and glamorous world of mid-century Los Angeles.
The house was on Dresden Avenue in the Oak Knoll section of Pasadena, a big solid cool-looking house with burgundy brick walls, a terra-cotta tile roof, and a white stone trim. The front windows were ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Philip Marlowe ) - #4
Save:'Brown's Requiem' by James Ellroy is a classic hard-boiled detective novel that showcases the early attempt of the author at crime writing. Set in 1980, the book follows a compelling protagonist who is a recovering alcoholic with a unique perspective on right and wrong. The story is filled with mystery, romance, violence, and a touch of philosophy, keeping readers engaged and wondering as they turn the pages. Ellroy's writing style in this debut novel is described as well-crafted, with a complex plot that moves the story along seamlessly.
- #5
Save:'Perfidia' by James Ellroy is a complex and gritty novel set in Los Angeles in December 1941, just before and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The story revolves around the murder of a Japanese family, with LAPD eager to quickly solve the case amidst a backdrop of corruption, violence, and racial tensions. The book intricately weaves together a wide range of characters, both fictional and real, showcasing a historical perspective on the time period with a mix of intense plotlines and a unique, staccato writing style that sets the tone for a dark and suspenseful narrative.
L.A. Quartet 01 - The Black Dahlia 02 - The Big Nowhere 03 - L.A. Confidential 04 - White Jazz Underworld USA 01 - American Tabloid 02 - The Cold Six Thousand 03 - Blood’s a Rover Second L.A. Quartet ... - #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:Into the Wolves' Den by Jon Athan is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the story of three young girls who fall prey to child predators. As the girls are kidnapped, the novel delves into the father's relentless pursuit to find his daughters, showcasing themes of revenge, fear, and the limits of a father's love. The writing style of Jon Athan is described as gritty, realistic, and plausible, presenting extreme scenes with a careful approach that leaves much to the imagination.
- #8
Save:'The Deep Blue Good-By' is the first novel in the Travis McGee series by John D. MacDonald. Set in Florida, the book follows Travis McGee, a self-described "knight in tarnished armor" and a "retriever" who helps people recover things without involving the police, for a fee. In this particular story, McGee is approached by Cathy, a woman who suspects that an ex-convict named Junior Allen has discovered her father's secret hoard of stolen money. As McGee delves into the case, he uncovers Allen's dangerous and perverted personality while trying to protect vulnerable women like Lois from his schemes. The novel is described as a classic noir crime story with a mix of rough boats, stolen gems, and a thrilling finale.
The writing style of 'The Deep Blue Good-By' is noted for its engrossing narrative, character-driven plot, and timeless quality. Despite being published in 1964, the book's intense sex and violence were considered ahead of its time. The protagonist, Travis McGee, is praised for being a complex and interesting character who delivers pithy ruminations on the human condition, making him a precursor to modern-day vigilante heroes like Jack Reacher. The book is also commended for its balanced portrayal of women, who are depicted as strong-willed and developed characters rather than just sexual props.
IT WAS to have been a quiet evening at home. Home is the Busted Flush, 52-foot barge-type houseboat, Slip F-18, Bahia Mar, Lauderdale. Home is where the privacy is. Draw all the opaque curtains, butto... - #9
Save:In the noir history of Los Angeles, the unsolved murder mystery of Elizabeth Short, also known as the Black Dahlia, takes center stage. The book portrays a fictionalized account of the investigation carried out by LAPD cops Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, delving into the dark and twisted world of post-war Los Angeles. As the detectives navigate through police brutality, corruption, and personal entanglements, the story unfolds with elements of passion, deceit, and psychological tension, capturing the essence of the times and the characters involved.
The narrative follows Bucky Bleichert's relentless pursuit of the truth behind the Black Dahlia murder, intertwining it with his personal struggles and obsessions. Set against the backdrop of a seedy and corrupt Hollywood, the book presents a complex and gritty portrayal of the era, showcasing engaging character development, vivid descriptions, and a compelling plot filled with twists and turns that keep readers enthralled throughout the dark and eerie tale.
I was coming off a long tour of duty spent in a speed trap on Bunker Hill, preying on traffic violators. My ticket book was full and my brain was numb from eight hours of following my eyes across the ... - #10
Save:Max Allan Collins' 'Blood and Thunder' in the Nathan Heller series delves into historical mysteries intertwining the protagonist with notable figures and events from American history. The book presents complex plots and provincial language, creating a depth that captivates readers. Heller, an ex-cop from Chicago, navigates through intricate storylines involving historical figures like Marilyn Monroe, Huey Long, and the Black Dahlia, showcasing the magic of storytelling in a noir setting.
The book is a blend of faction and fiction, with meticulously researched descriptions of characters and accurate settings that bring the tense plots to life. Collins skillfully weaves together historical events with deft storytelling, making the reader open their mind to the twists and turns of American history through Heller's adventures across the country.
