Books matching: hardboiled detective
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'Fadeout' by Joseph Hansen follows the story of Dave Brandstetter, an insurance investigator dealing with the loss of his long-time partner. Set in Southern California, the novel presents a mystery where Brandstetter must uncover the truth behind a local celebrity's disappearance to validate a life insurance claim. Through tight, expressive prose, the author unravels buried secrets, relationships, and prejudices within the small town, all while depicting Brandstetter's own journey of grief and investigation. The writing style effectively sets up a bleak atmosphere, intertwining the detective's personal struggles with the mystery he is trying to solve.
Fog shrouded the canyon, a box canyon above a California ranch town called Pima. It rained. Not hard but steady and gray and dismal. Shaggy pines loomed through the mist like threats. Sycamores made w... - #2
Save:'Expiration Date' by Duane Swierczynski is a fast-paced, twisty time travel mystery novel that follows the protagonist, Mickey Wade, who discovers pills in his grandfather's medicine cabinet that allow him to travel back in time to 1972. As Mickey navigates between the present and the past, he uncovers family mysteries, including the premature death of his father, and gets entangled in a complex web of events that challenge his understanding of fate and consequences. The narrative blends elements of science fiction and noir, with a frenetic pace that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the next twist in the plot. Swierczynski's writing style is described as hardboiled crime pulp, featuring fully fleshed characters and a setting in a depressed area of NE Philadelphia, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
I was sitting on my front stoop, drinking a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. At eleven bucks a six-pack, Sierra’s a splurge beer, so I tried to savor every sip. I’d probably be drinking pounder cans of Pabst B... - #3
Save:'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic noir detective story set in Los Angeles. The book follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he navigates through a complex web of blackmail, murder, and intrigue while dealing with shady characters and dangerous situations. The writing style is characterized by snappy dialogue, witty descriptions, and vivid details of the city of Los Angeles, creating a gritty and atmospheric setting reminiscent of classic detective movies.
The story unfolds with Marlowe being hired by a wealthy man to handle a blackmail case involving his daughter, which quickly escalates into a series of events leading to multiple deaths and a deeper mystery. As Marlowe delves deeper into the case, the plot becomes more intricate and the stakes higher, showcasing Chandler's talent for creating suspenseful and engaging narratives that keep readers hooked until the final revelation.
IT WAS ABOUT ELEVEN O’CLOCK in the morning, mid October, with the sun not shining and a look of hard wet rain in the clearness of the foothills. I was wearing my powder-blue suit, with dark blue shirt... - #4
Save:Set in 1949, 'One Good Deed' follows Aloysius Archer, a WWII veteran wrongly imprisoned, as he navigates the small town of Poca City after his release. The story unfolds with Archer being hired to collect a debt, which leads him into a complex web of murder and intrigue. The plot is characterized by gritty realism, snappy dialog, and unexpected twists, all set against the backdrop of post-WWII America.
The mechanical whoosh and greasy smell of the opening bus doors greeted Aloysius Archer, as he breathed free air for the first time in a while. He wore a threadbare single-breasted brown Victory suit ... - #5
Save:Disciple of the Dog by R. Scott Bakker follows the story of Disciple Manning, a private investigator with a unique ability to remember everything he has ever experienced. The plot revolves around a mysterious case in which a young woman has gone missing in a rural town, leading Manning to navigate through a web of religious fanatics and bizarre cults. The writing style of the book is described as witty, clever, and filled with insightful commentary on various aspects of life, from the human condition to humor.
- #6
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 ... - #7
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... - #8
Save:Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan is a futuristic noir thriller set in a world where human consciousness can be digitized and transferred to different bodies. The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, an ex UN envoy who is hired to investigate a suspicious suicide, leading him into a complex murder mystery. The book explores themes of power, immortality, and societal inequality in a gritty, cyberpunk setting. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and reminiscent of classic hardboiled detective novels, with a focus on action and intricate world-building.
In the Envoy Corps they teach you to let go before storage. Stick it in neutral and float. It’s the first lesson and the trainers drill it into you from day one. Hard-eyed Virginia Vidaura, dancer’s b... - #9
Save:Yours Until Death by Gunnar Staalesen is a gripping novel that follows the private investigator Varg Veum as he navigates a chaotic world filled with love, betrayal, and murder. The plot revolves around Varg accepting a case from an eight-year-old boy to retrieve his stolen bicycle, leading him to uncover a dangerous gang of teenage thugs terrorizing a housing estate. As Varg delves deeper into the case, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit and violence, ultimately risking his life to prove the innocence of a woman accused of murder. Written in a tough-talking style with elements of hardboiled American detective fiction, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced narrative and engaging storytelling.
- #10
Save:Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler is the second book in the Philip Marlowe series, featuring the hardboiled detective Philip Marlowe. The plot revolves around Marlowe's task of tracking down Moose Malloy, a man who has recently killed a black nightclub owner. The story is described as intricate, with red herrings scattered throughout, leading to a cat and mouse game. The writing style is praised for its noir elements, sparse yet descriptive language, and the portrayal of a classic detective story set in 1940s Los Angeles.
IT WAS ONE OF THE MIXED BLOCKS over on Central Avenue, the blocks that are not yet all Negro. I had just come out of a three-chair barber shop where an agency thought a relief barber named Dimitrios A...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Philip Marlowe )
