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Books matching: hard boiled writing style

29 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 29 
  1. #1

    The Long Goodbye - Philip Marlowe by Raymond Chandler
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    In "The Long Goodbye," private detective Philip Marlowe gets entangled in a mystery involving a friend accused of murder and suicide. The plot twists and turns as Marlowe navigates through conflicts, deceit, and corruption in California's upper class society, all while maintaining his tough exterior and showcasing his softer side through chess and poetry. The writing style is described as hard-boiled and descriptive, with a mix of world-weary insights, tender moments, and atmospheric scenes that keep readers engaged till the surprising end.

    The first time I laid eyes on Terry Lennox he was drunk in a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith outside the terrace of The Dancers. The parking lot attendant had brought the car out and he was still holding th...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Philip Marlowe )

  2. #2
    Tennison
    Book 1 in the series:Jane Tennison

    Tennison - Jane Tennison by Lynda La Plante
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    TENNISON is a prequel to the Prime Suspect series, focusing on Jane Tennison's early career as a probationary police officer in 1973 London. The book delves into the challenges faced by a young female officer in a male-dominated police force, showcasing Jane's determination, intuition, and intelligence as she navigates through investigations, discrimination, and personal struggles. The writing style is described as fast-paced, with a well-crafted plot that immerses readers into the gritty atmosphere of Hackney, highlighting the societal issues of the era such as sexism, racism, and crime.


  3. #3

    Double Indemnity by James M. Cain
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    In 'Double Indemnity', insurance salesman Walter Huff becomes entangled with the femme fatale Phyllis Nirdlinger, leading to a plot to murder her husband for the insurance money. The story unfolds with intricate murder plots, double crosses, and a dark, twisted tale of crime set in 1930s Los Angeles. Written in a hard-boiled style, the book delves into themes of murder, betrayal, revenge, and questions about human nature, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

    I drove out to Glendale to put three new truck drivers on a brewery company bond, and then I remembered this renewal over in Hollywoodland. I decided to run over there. That was how I came to this Hou...

  4. #4
    Red Harvest
    Book 2 in the series:Continental Op

    Red Harvest - Continental Op by Dashiell Hammett
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    In 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett, the Continental Op is summoned to Personville, a town overrun by corruption and violence. Upon arrival, he finds his client murdered and embarks on a mission to clean up the town by manipulating the various criminal factions to turn against each other. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with brutal action, double-crosses, and a high body count, all set in a gritty and corrupt environment. The writing style is hard-boiled and direct, with sharp language and a focus on the relentless pursuit of justice amidst a morally bankrupt society.

    I first heard Personville called Poisonville by a red-haired mucker named Hickey Dewey in the Big Ship in Butte. He also called his shirt a shoit. I didn’t think anything of what he had done to the ci...

  5. #5

    They Shoot Horses, Don't They? by Horace McCoy
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    'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' by Horace McCoy is a dark and grim novella set during the Great Depression that follows the story of Robert and Gloria, two young individuals trying to break into Hollywood. They team up to enter a marathon dance competition in hopes of gaining recognition and financial stability. The book delves into themes of desperation, exploitation, and disillusionment, all set against the backdrop of a grueling dance marathon that becomes a metaphor for the struggles of the era. The narrative is framed around a hearing, with flashbacks revealing the events leading up to a tragic outcome, creating a suspenseful and tension-filled storytelling style.

    IT WAS FUNNY THE way I met Gloria. She was trying to get into pictures too, but I didn’t know that until later. I was walking down Melrose one day from the Paramount studios when I heard somebody holl...

  6. #6
    The Guards
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Jack Taylor

    The Guards - Jack Taylor by Ken Bruen
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    'The Guards' by Ken Bruen follows the story of Jack Taylor, an alcoholic ex-cop turned private investigator who is hired to look into the questionable suicide of a young girl. While the plot revolves around solving the case, the focus is more on Jack's turbulent life, his struggles with addiction, and his introspective journey. The writing style is described as hard-boiled, poetic, and atmospheric, with elements of Irish noir that delve deep into Jack Taylor's psyche and his morally ambiguous world.

    It’s a serious place for serious drinking. No bouncers with intercoms on the door. Not an easy pub to find. You head up Shop Street, skip Garavan’s, turn into a tiny alley and you’re home. If not free...

  7. #7
    The Long Fall
    Book 1 in the series:Leonid McGill

    The Long Fall - Leonid McGill by Walter Mosley
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    'The Long Fall' in the Leonid McGill series by Walter Mosley introduces us to the reformed crook, Leonid McGill, an African American private investigator working in New York. McGill is a former boxer, former criminal, and hopeless romantic living in a marriage where his wife is consistently unfaithful. The plot revolves around McGill being hired to discover the identity of four young men, leading him into a complex web of mystery and danger. The writing style is reminiscent of classic noir crime novels, with a focus on McGill's moral dilemmas and the murky demi world he navigates.


  8. #8

    A Hell of a Woman by Jim Thompson
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    'A Hell of a Woman' by Jim Thompson is a dark and twisted tale following the life of door-to-door salesman Frank Dillon as he becomes entangled with a troubled young woman and her manipulative aunt. The story delves into themes of greed, lust, and murder, showcasing the protagonist's descent into his own personal hell. Thompson's writing style is described as hard-boiled and gritty, providing a disturbing contrast to the shocking narrative of the book. The unconventional storytelling method used by Thompson helps reveal the dark underbelly of humanity, making the book a recommended read for those unafraid of exploring the seamier side of life.

    The plot of the book is fast-paced and engaging, starting with Dillon encountering the woman who will be his undoing in the first sentence. As the story progresses, the reader witnesses Dillon's mental state deteriorate, adding to the tension and darkness of the narrative. Despite some mixed opinions on certain aspects of the book, such as the experimental elements and occasional clumsiness in the plot, 'A Hell of a Woman' is praised for its gripping storytelling and the way Thompson peels back the layers of the protagonist to reveal his rotten core.

    I'D GOTTEN out of my car and was running for the porch when I saw her. She was peering through the curtains of the door, and a flash of lightning lit up the dark glass for an instant, framing her face...

  9. #9
    The Shop
    Book 1 in the series:Cyril Landry

    The Shop - Cyril Landry by J. Carson Black
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    'The Shop' by J. Carson Black in the 'Cyril Landry' series is a hair-raising thriller that follows the intertwining investigations of Cyril Landry, a paid government assassin, and Jolie Burke, a Florida law enforcement deputy. As they delve into the mysterious death of a local sheriff, a fatal hostage situation, and the disappearance of a young homosexual male, they uncover dark political ties that connect their cases. The story culminates in an explosive finale with gunfire and a complex web of connections that leave no one unscathed.

    The plot of 'The Shop' is fast-paced and filled with action, intrigue, and suspense. The writing style keeps readers engaged with well-developed characters like Cyril Landry and Jolie Burke, who navigate through a series of murders, government conspiracies, and personal dilemmas while trying to unravel the mysteries surrounding the deaths and disappearances in Aspen, Colorado, and the Florida Panhandle.


  10. #10

    Bad Boy by Jim Thompson
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    Bad Boy by Jim Thompson is an autobiographical account of the author's early years, from boyhood to early adulthood. It delves into Thompson's shenanigans during his schooldays, his adventures in various early jobs, and his experiences working as a bellboy in a midwestern hotel in the early 1920s. The book provides insights into Thompson's upbringing, his struggles with poverty, and his journey towards fulfilling his passion for writing fiction. Through short chapters, Thompson paints a vivid picture of his colorful early life, laying the foundation for many of the characters and themes that would later appear in his novels.

    The narrative in Bad Boy is described as raw, humorous, and occasionally tender. Thompson's writing style is commended for its honesty and lack of pretension, offering readers a glimpse into his formative years with vivid and detailed descriptions of the people and events that shaped him. The book is praised for its entertainment value, addictive quality, and the way it sheds light on the origins of Thompson's dark and twisted storytelling.


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