Books matching: hired killers
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- #1
'The Hawkline Monster' by Richard Brautigan is a surreal and odd novel that blends elements of gothic and western storytelling. The story follows two guns for hire, Greer and Cameron, as they are hired by an Indian girl named Magic Child to kill a monster in an old house in Eastern Oregon at the start of the 20th century. The mansion, known as Hawkline Manor, is built over ice caves and holds a dark secret involving a malevolent and supernatural force that plays games with reality. Brautigan's writing style is described as whimsical, quirky, and unique, with a touch of humor and surrealism that keeps readers engaged.
“How do we figure into this?” Greer said. “Why didn’t you go for the marshal and have him come out here and take a look into this? He seems to be a good man and he has a lot of interest in one of you.... - #2
The Sisters Brothers follows the journey of two hired killers, Eli and Charlie Sisters, in the Wild West during the California Gold Rush era. The narrative is presented in a first-person perspective by Eli, who reflects on their violent lifestyle as they travel from Oregon City to California on a mission to assassinate a prospector named Hermann Kermit Warm. The book combines elements of dark comedy, gritty Western settings, and unexpected plot twists, all wrapped in a narrative style that is both charming and authentic.
The story delves into themes of brotherhood, redemption, and self-discovery as Eli grapples with his desire for a different life while remaining loyal to his bloodthirsty brother, Charlie. The novel captures the essence of the Old West with vivid characterizations, engaging dialogues, and a blend of humor and melancholy that keeps the reader entertained and emotionally invested in the characters' journey.
I was sitting outside the Commodore's mansion, waiting for my brother Charlie to come out with news of the job. It was threatening to snow and I was cold and for want of something to do I studied Char... - #3
In a rural Tennessee town in the 1950s, 'Twilight' by William Gay tells the story of a teen brother and sister seeking revenge on an undertaker who desecrates the dead. The siblings discover the undertaker's dark secret and attempt to blackmail him, leading to a twisted chain of events involving hired killers and a chase through the Harrikin, a heavily wooded area. The prose in the book is described as having a Southern Gothic style, with a lack of punctuation for dialogue adding to the stark and dark atmosphere of the narrative.
They came up through the stand of cypress that shrouded the graveyard, the pickup hidden off the road in a chertpit clottedwith inkblot bowers of honeysuckle. There were two of them, a young woman and... - #4Toxinby:
'Toxin' by Robin Cook is a gripping medical thriller that delves into the dark side of the food industry. The plot revolves around the dangers of food contamination, particularly focusing on E. coli outbreaks and the risks associated with consuming meat and fast food. The story is filled with suspense, tragedy, and excitement, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Robin Cook's writing style is described as graphic, detailed, and accurate, providing a realistic portrayal of the food industry and its potential hazards.
The sky was an immense, inverted bowl of gray clouds that arched from one flat horizon to the other. It was the kind of sky that hovered over the American Midwest. In the summer the ground would be aw... - #5
"The Pelican Brief" by John Grisham is a legal thriller that follows a young law student named Darby Shaw who writes a brief speculating on the assassination of two Supreme Court justices. As she delves deeper into her theory, she becomes the target of hired killers and the White House chief of staff. With the help of a journalist, Darby tries to stay ahead of her pursuers while uncovering a conspiracy involving senior government figures. The book is described as a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and engaging storytelling.
HE SEEMED INCAPABLE of creating such chaos, but much of what he saw below could be blamed on him. And that was fine. He was ninety-one, paralyzed, strapped in a wheelchair, and hooked to oxygen. His s... - #6
"Tricky Business" by Dave Barry is a humorous novel set in South Florida, revolving around a casino ship hijacking during a tropical storm. The story is filled with funny dialogues, a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and a serious mystery, as well as a surprisingly good plot with controlled silliness. The novel follows a chaotic sequence of events involving a drug deal double-cross on a gambling ship, a sleazy character buying the boat, and a crew including aging garage band members caught up in the madness.
The writing style of Dave Barry in "Tricky Business" is described as a rare mix of hysterical laughter and a serious mystery, with the author showcasing his comedic genius in creating outrageous and entertaining situations. Readers find the book to be a fun and fast-paced adventure, filled with humorous insights into the cruise industry in Florida and cleverly crafted plot twists that keep the readers engaged throughout the story.
“That’s where you’re wrong,” said the captain. “If we go out, we got customers. These people, they’re crazy. They don’t care about weather, they don’t care about anything. They just want to get out th... - #7
The Cold Six Thousand, the second book in the Underworld USA series by James Ellroy, delves into the dark, amoral underbelly of America, portraying gratuitous violence, corruption, and conspiracy theories. The novel intricately weaves together historical events such as the turmoil following JFK's assassination, the Vietnam War, and the rise and fall of Martin Luther King, all while showcasing morally repugnant characters that readers end up caring about. Ellroy's unique writing style, with clipped sentences and a rhythm akin to poetry, propels the plot forward at a relentless pace, creating a complex and enthralling narrative that covers crime fiction, conspiracy theories, and American history.
“Let’s try nigger lover. Let’s try you chauffeur Sonny Liston around when he comes to Vegas, ’cause the PD’s afraid he’ll get himself in trouble with liquor and white women, and you like him, but you ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Underworld USA ) - #8
In 'Reaper Man' by Terry Pratchett, Death finds himself out of a job when the auditors of reality decide he has developed too much of a personality. As a result, Death becomes mortal and must experience life among humans until the new Death arrives. With the Discworld temporarily without a Death, chaos ensues as things cannot die properly and excess life force accumulates, leading to strange occurrences like inanimate objects coming to life. The book humorously explores Death's journey of living in the real world and facing the consequences of his forced retirement.
The plot of 'Reaper Man' follows Death adjusting to life on Discworld, helping out on a farm and experiencing the joys and challenges of being mortal. Meanwhile, the story delves into the repercussions of Death's absence, such as the buildup of life energy causing unusual phenomena and the struggle to find a replacement Death. Through witty writing and clever storytelling, Terry Pratchett weaves together themes of life, death, and the importance of balance in the universe with a touch of humor and philosophical musings.
It is danced under blue skies to celebrate the quickening of the soil and under bare stars because it’s springtime and with any luck the carbon dioxide will unfreeze again. The imperative is felt by d...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld ) - #9
'The Intern's Handbook' by Shane Kuhn follows the story of John Lago, an assassin who poses as an unpaid intern to get close to his targets. The company he works for, Human Resources, Inc., specializes in assassinations of rich and powerful individuals by training young men and women to insinuate themselves into the confidence of the target before eliminating them. The narrative is a mix of action, humor, and a touch of humanity, presented in a wry and entertaining style that keeps readers engaged.
If you’re reading this, you’re a new employee at Human Resources, Inc. Congratulations. And condolences. At the very least, you’re embarking on a career that you will never be able to describe as dull... - #10
In a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has been devastated by nuclear war, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with tracking down and 'retiring' rogue androids who have escaped from Mars back to Earth. The novel explores themes of empathy, identity, and the essence of humanity as Deckard grapples with distinguishing between androids and humans in a society where owning real animals is a symbol of status and worth. Dick weaves a dark and thought-provoking narrative that questions what it truly means to be human in a world filled with synthetic beings and dwindling life forms.
The book delves into a dystopian future where technology blurs the lines between real and artificial life, leading readers on a journey that challenges traditional notions of humanity and morality. Through Deckard's internal struggles, the narrative unfolds with a mix of action-packed sequences and philosophical reflections, creating a compelling exploration of the impact of advanced technology on society and individual identity.
A merry little surge of electricity piped by automatic alarm from the mood organ beside his bed awakened Rick Deckard. Surprised—it always surprised him to find himself awake without prior notice—he r...