Books matching: hardboiled detective genre
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- #1
'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett is a hard-boiled noir mystery classic that centers on Nick Charles, a former PI, and his wife Nora Charles. The couple is reluctantly pulled into a murder case involving an old client, leading them to investigate a wealthy inventor's disappearance and his secretary's murder. Set in the 1930s New York, the story unfolds through witty banter, dialogue-driven narrative, and a tangled web of clues and half-truths that Nick navigates to solve the mystery. portrays Nick as a streetwise detective with a sophisticated edge, while Nora's character, though underused, adds depth to the storyline.
The narrative captures the essence of the era with its portrayal of speakeasies, parties, hard-nosed cops, and a complex plot that keeps the reader engaged. Despite some dated elements and differences from the movie adaptations, 'The Thin Man' is praised for its clean prose, character development, and the chemistry between Nick and Nora Charles. The novel offers a blend of mystery, comedy, and suspense, providing a fast-paced and entertaining read that showcases Hammett's skill in crafting a classic detective story with a unique twist.
1 I was leaning against the bar in a speakeasy on Fifty-second Street, waiting for Nora to finish her Christmas shopping, when a girl got up from the table where she had been sitting with three other ... - #2
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 ) - #3
The Hot Spot by Charles Williams is a noir novel that follows the story of Harry Madox, a rootless drifter who takes a job as a used car salesman in a small town. The book is filled with dark mood, fatalism, and a femme fatale, as Madox finds himself entangled in a world of deception, blackmail, and a perfect crime. The narrative is fast-paced and intense, capturing the raw mood and atmosphere with precision, keeping readers engaged with twists and surprises along the way.
The plot of the book revolves around Madox's descent into a world of inescapable torment as he falls in love with an innocent young girl, setting himself up for a series of events that lead to a strangely appropriate yet unsatisfying ending. The author, Charles Williams, expertly develops solid characters and a richly detailed setting, immersing readers in a claustrophobic atmosphere filled with small-town deception and suspenseful events unfolding along Main Street, at the car dealership, and in the woods.
I was working on commission, and there wasn’t any percentage in that kind of stuff. I’d just started to tell him to get somebody else to run his errands when I saw the girl come in and changed my mind... - #4
James Crumley's novel, THE LAST GOOD KISS, is a hard-boiled mystery set in the 1970s following C.W. Sughrue, a private investigator, on a journey across Montana, Colorado, Oregon, and California to find two missing persons. The story unfolds through a haze of cigarette smoke and alcohol, introducing readers to a cast of unique characters including a beer-drinking dog, a runaway porn actress, and an alcoholic writer. Crumley's writing style captures the essence of the era and intricately weaves together a gripping plot filled with twists and turns, creating a dark and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.
The narrative is driven by Sughrue's complex investigation, his encounters with various intriguing characters, and the unraveling of dark secrets surrounding the missing individuals. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Crumley paints a vivid picture of the American West, while delving into themes of betrayal, cynicism, and the impact of war on veterans. The book's plot is fueled by alcohol-fueled escapades, unexpected revelations, and a sense of existential dread, culminating in a compelling and intense reading experience that delves deep into the psyche of its flawed characters.
When I finally caught up with Abraham Trahearne, he was drinking beer with an alcoholic bulldog named Fireball Roberts in a ramshackle joint just outside of Sonoma, California, drinking the heart righ... - #5
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 ) - #6
'The Plutonium Blonde' in the series 'Nuclear Bombshell Book' by Lawrence Ganem and John Zakour is a satirical take on classic fiction genres like hard-boiled private detective and cyberpunk. The story follows Zachary Nixion Johnson, the last private investigator on earth, who teams up with his AI brain chip companion to track down a superpowered android femme fatale named the Plutonium Blonde. The plot is a mix of noir pulp, science fiction, and surreal humor, making it a fun and fast-paced read with elements of future tech and superpowers.
The writing style of the book is described as humorous, well-conceived, and reminiscent of a blend between Dashiell Hammett and Douglas Adams. The narrative combines elements of detective fiction with sci-fi, creating a unique and entertaining story that appeals to readers who enjoy funny detective tales set in a futuristic world.
My name is Zachary Nixon Johnson. I am the last private detective on earth. I’ll get to the whys and wherefores of that a little later and, as you’ll see, it’s not exactly one hundred percent true, bu... - #7
'1Q84' by Haruki Murakami is a contemporary novel that delves into an alternative reality with elements of magical realism. The book follows two main characters, Aomame and Tengo, who were in love during their school days and now find themselves in a mysterious and suspenseful situation as adults. The plot is intricate, combining elements of fantasy, mystery, romance, and suspense, all woven together with Murakami's signature writing style that is described as meticulous, detailed, and engaging. The narrative explores themes of fate, love, morality, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction, creating a world that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
The taxi’s radio was tuned to a classical FM broadcast. Janáček’s Sinfonietta—probably not the ideal music to hear in a taxi caught in traffic. The middle-aged driver didn’t seem to be listening very ... - #8
'A is for Alibi' by Sue Grafton introduces readers to private investigator Kinsey Millhone who is hired by Nikki Fife to investigate the murder of her husband, for which Nikki was recently released from prison. The story unfolds with Kinsey navigating through the case, revealing twists and turns as she delves deeper into the investigation. The writing style is described as quick and easy to read, with a mix of suspense, humor, and a historical feel due to the lack of modern technology in the storyline.
My name is Kinsey Millhone. I'm a private investigator, licensed by the state of California. I'm thirty-two years old, twice divorced, no kids. The day before yesterday I killed someone and the fact w...