Books matching: humor in crime narrative
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- #1
Save:The Switch by Elmore Leonard follows the story of Louis Gara and Ordell Robbie, who plan a kidnapping that goes awry. The plot involves a crooked land developer's wife, Mickey Dawson, being held for ransom. The book is noted for its witty dialogue, well-rounded characters, and unexpected twists. Readers will appreciate the intricate development of nefarious characters and the engaging storyline filled with surprises and humor.
Frank, holding the door open, said, “Get in the car, okay?” He wasn’t going to say anything else. He handed her his golf trophy to hold, walked around and tipped the club parking boy a dollar. Mickey ... - #2
Save:'The Getaway Man' by Andrew Vachss is a crime fiction story that revolves around Eddie, a kid with a passion for driving from a young age. Despite getting into trouble for joyriding, Eddie eventually finds his true calling as a getaway driver. The story follows his journey through juvie camps, adult prison, and his evolution into a skilled criminal, all while maintaining a sense of innocence. The narrative is told from Eddie's viewpoint, providing a unique and engaging perspective on his criminal exploits. The writing style is described as lean and gaunt, with a strong focus on Eddie's naivety and loyalty, reminiscent of classic pulp fiction novels.
I learned that when I was just a kid, when I first started getting locked up. Once that happens the first time, it’s like that’s your destiny. They let you out, but they know you’re coming back, and y... - #3
Save:African Psycho by Alain Mabanckou delves into the life of Grégoire Nakobomayo, a young man dreaming of notoriety and media fame by following in the footsteps of his hero, Angoualima, a real-life figure who aimed to create an African version of what he perceived Europe and the West represented. The novel follows Grégoire's twisted plan to achieve fame through criminal activities, with a satirical and humorous narrative style that portrays the underbelly of a disarrayed industrial city.
Grégoire's internal monologue reflects on his criminal tendencies, his disdain for societal inadequacies, and his idolization of Angoualima, a notorious serial killer. Mabanckou's writing style matches the meanderings of Grégoire's mind, using expressive and blunt language to paint a vivid picture of a violent and hopeless environment, filled with dark humor and absurdity.
- #4
Save:Killer Triggers by Joe Kenda is a compelling true crime exploration that presents real-life cases and their chilling details through Kenda's insightful lens. Written with a mixture of honesty and dark humor, the book guides readers through the complexities of crime investigation, showcasing Kenda's unique storytelling style which resembles his captivating TV presence. Through strong characterizations and vivid recollections, Kenda allows readers to understand the psychological weight carried by law enforcement while uncovering the motivations behind the crimes.
- #5
Save:The Moving Toyshop is a humorous and farcical mystery novel set in Oxford, where a poet named Richard Cadogan stumbles upon a murder in a toyshop that mysteriously disappears the next day. Teaming up with his friend, Oxford don Gervase Fen, the duo embarks on a quirky investigation filled with literary references, comic mishaps, and eccentric characters. The plot offers a blend of action, witty dialogue, and a touch of surrealism, all set against the backdrop of Oxford University in the 1930s.
The writing style of The Moving Toyshop is characterized by its humor, clever wordplay, and fast-paced narrative. The book features a unique blend of comedy and mystery, with a narrative that often breaks the Fourth Wall, engaging readers with its playful tone and astute literary references. The characters, particularly Gervase Fen, add depth to the story with their eccentricities and intellectual banter, making for an entertaining and engaging read.
Richard Cadogan raised his revolver, took careful aim and pulled the trigger. The explosion rent the small garden and, like the widening circles which surrounded a pebble dropped Into the water, creat...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Gervase Fen ) - #6
Save:In "The Fourth Bear" by Jasper Fforde, readers are taken on a whimsical journey into the Nursery Crime Division where Detective Jack Spratt and his partner Mary Mary investigate a series of bizarre and comical crimes involving nursery rhyme characters. From the murder of Goldilocks to the escape of the Gingerbread Man, the story is filled with puns, wordplay, and clever references to classic tales. Fforde's writing style combines fantasy, mystery, and humor, creating a unique blend of storytelling that keeps readers entertained and engaged throughout the book.
The plot unfolds in a world where nursery rhymes come to life, intertwining with reality to create a delightful and humorous narrative. As Jack and Mary delve into the mysteries surrounding the Gingerbread Man's killing spree and the illegal porridge black market, readers are treated to a mix of intricate plotting, engaging characters, and witty dialogue. Fforde's ability to blend elements of crime fiction with fantastical elements results in a story that is both entertaining and clever, appealing to fans of quirky and imaginative storytelling.
Last known regional post-code allocation: Obscurity, Berkshire, Pop.: 35. Spotted by an eagle-eyed official and allocated in April 1987, the post-code allocation (RD73 93ZZ) was a matter of such impor...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Nursery Crime ) - #7
Save:Infamous by Ace Atkins is a historical novel that delves into the life of George 'Machine Gun' Kelly, a notorious bank robber of the 1930s. The book provides a captivating and well-researched account of Kelly's final adventures in Oklahoma, shedding light on his colorful co-conspirators and the crimes he was accused of. Atkins skillfully fleshes out the erratic nature of Kelly, portraying him as a complex character who was influenced by his wife, Kathryn Thorne. The writing style of Atkins immerses the reader in the world of gangsters and historical events, making it a comfortable yet informative read.
The narrative of Infamous takes the reader on a journey through the dark and intriguing world of crime in the early 20th century, focusing on the legendary figure of Machine Gun Kelly and the myths surrounding his criminal activities. Atkins weaves together a story that not only entertains but also educates about the historical context of the time period, showcasing his ability to blend real events with fiction seamlessly.
They’d barely made it out of Arkansas alive after nabbing Frank “Jelly” Nash inside the White Front Café, a known hangout for grifters, thieves, and assorted hoodlums vacationing in Hot Springs. At fi... - #8
Save:'Fog of Doubt' by Christianna Brand revolves around the mysterious murder of Belgian Raoul Vernet, leading to a tangled web of confessions and false leads within the Evans' family and their inner circle. The plot is intricately woven, with Cockrill from Scotland Yard untangling the case amidst a thick London fog, setting up and eliminating seven suspects in a row. The writing style combines elements of emotional sentimentality with a dense plot, creating an atmosphere filled with memorable characters and red herrings.
THE dank grey fog was like an army blanket, held pressed against the windows of the car. It seemed an age before Tedward returned from his reconnaissance, his yellow wash-leather glove looming up star... Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets by David Simon is a gripping true crime book that follows a journalist embedded with the homicide unit of the Baltimore Police Department for the entire year of 1988. The book provides an uncensored look into the inner workings of the murder police, showcasing the complexities of detective work, interactions with criminals and the criminal justice system. Readers are taken on a gritty journey through actual detective work that is far from the easily solvable cases often portrayed in police dramas, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the harsh realities faced by detectives in solving murders.
Pulling one hand from the warmth of a pocket, Jay Landsman squats down to grab the dead man’s chin, pushing the head to one side until the wound becomes visible as a small, ovate hole, oozing red and ...- #10
Save:The Killer Wore Leather by Laura Antoniou is a murder mystery set in the world of a BDSM Leather event, where the previous title holder is found murdered. The story is told in third person, shifting points of view among many characters, including a lesbian detective and a reporter. Over the course of the weekend, the police work to solve the crime amidst the backdrop of the leather lifestyle convention. Antoniou cleverly weaves a plot filled with colorful characters, witty dialogue, and a fresh setting, providing insights into the human nature beneath the costumes and kink.
was buzzing with arrivals lining up at the registration desks and at the purple and black draped tables still being set up before the main elevator banks. Five people wearing black Tshirts emblazoned ...
