Books matching: los angeles underbelly
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- #1
Save:Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper is a gripping noir novel set in the corrupt underbelly of Los Angeles. The story follows Mae Pruett, a skilled publicist, and Chris, a disgraced former cop, as they navigate through a world of power, corruption, and deadly excess. The narrative unfolds with twists and turns, showcasing the characters' moral compromises, intricate plotting, and atmospheric prose that captures the essence of the city as a living, breathing entity.
'The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death' by Charlie Huston follows the story of Web, a down-and-out protagonist who takes up a job cleaning up after dead bodies in Los Angeles. As Web navigates through a turf war between rival cleaners and gets entangled with questionable characters, the book presents a blend of dark humor, fast-paced dialogue, and a protagonist who is flawed yet sympathetic. The writing style is described as witty, emotional, and engaging, with a focus on exploring the underbelly of Los Angeles through a unique lens.
I'm not sure where one should expect to find the bereaved daughter of a wealthy Malibu suicide in need of a trauma cleaner long after midnight, but safe to say a trucker motel down the 405 industrial ...- #3
Save:'Dead Things' in the 'Eric Carter' series by Stephen Blackmoore is a dark urban fantasy novel that follows the protagonist, Eric Carter, a necromancer with a troubled past. The story delves into a gritty and violent world of magic, where Eric navigates through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles to investigate the brutal murder of his sister. The writing style is described as intense, brutal, and engaging, reminiscent of a thriller, with a blend of noir and urban fantasy elements that create a morbidly enchanting atmosphere.
When I pull up to the bar, the truck kicking up dust and gravel behind me, I know it’s already too late to help anyone. Of the eight or nine cars in the parking lot, two of them are Texas State Troope... - #4
Save:"No Beast So Fierce" by Edward Bunker is a gripping crime novel that follows the story of Max Dembo, a career criminal released from prison and attempting to live a straight life, only to be pulled back into the world of crime due to various tensions and circumstances. The book delves into the dark and gritty reality of a criminal's mindset, vividly portraying violence, drugs, sex, money, and the consequences of bad decisions. Bunker's writing style is described as tough, visceral, and authentic, providing readers with a realistic and detailed insight into the life of a professional criminal in the United States.
The narrative of "No Beast So Fierce" is praised for its intense portrayal of a criminal's perspective, with a focus on the protagonist's struggles to navigate a world that is constantly pushing him towards criminal activities. The story unfolds in a dark and emotionally charged manner, exploring themes of violence, betrayal, and revenge, all set against the backdrop of Los Angeles' seedy underbelly. Bunker's writing is commended for its authenticity and character depth, creating a compelling and unforgettable reading experience that offers a glimpse into the mind of a hardened criminal.
I SAT on the lidless toilet at the rear of the cell, shining the hideous, bulb-toed shoes that were issued to those being released. Through my mind ran an exultant chant, “I’ll be a free man in the mo... - #5
Save:Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly is a captivating legal thriller that brings together two iconic characters, Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch. The story follows Haller and Bosch as they team up to uncover the truth behind a seemingly impossible case involving a woman imprisoned for murdering her ex-husband. The book is a blend of courtroom drama, police procedural, and mystery, with intricate legal battles and a deep dive into the underbelly of Los Angeles. Connelly's writing style is praised for its authenticity, suspenseful nature, and attention to detail, making it a page-turner that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harry Bosch Universe ) - #6
Save:A thrilling novel that weaves its way through plot lines, characters, events, and discovery. The story revolves around the 50's red scare and a number of murders in LA, told from three different police officers' points of view. It delves into the dark side of 1950s Los Angeles, exploring themes of police corruption, serial murder, Communist witch hunts, and the underworld of homosexual prostitution.
Thundershowers hit just before midnight, drowning out the horn honks and noisemaker blare that usually signalled New Year’s on the Strip, bringing 1950 to the West Hollywood Substation in a wave of h...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series L.A. Quartet ) - #7
Save:'Notes of a Dirty Old Man' by Charles Bukowski is a collection of essays, stories, and rantings compiled from columns he wrote for the underground L.A. newspaper Open City in the 1960s. The writing style is twisted, outrageous, and genius, capturing the essence of Bukowski's life filled with drinking, gambling, fighting, infidelities, and sex with women. offers a glimpse into Bukowski's mind through autobiographical pieces that range from angry rants to humorous recollections, all woven together with a stream of consciousness reminiscent of authors like Henry Miller.
some son of a bitch had held out on the money, everybody claiming they were broke, card game finished, I was sitting there with my buddy Elf, Elf was screwed-up as a kid, all shriveled, he used to lay... - #8
Save:"Slouching Towards Bethlehem" by Joan Didion is a collection of essays that provide a captivating insight into the author's experiences and observations, particularly focusing on 1960s California. Didion's writing style is described as lyrical, mysterious, and engaging, requiring careful reading to fully appreciate the imagery she conveys. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from personal reflections on self-respect and keeping a notebook to societal issues such as the cultural milieu of California during that era.
this book is called Slouching Towards Bethlehem because for several years now certain lines from the Yeats poem which appears two pages back have reverberated in my inner ear as if they were surgicall... - #9
Save:'She Rides Shotgun' by Jordan Harper is a gripping crime fiction novel that follows Nate McClusky and his eleven-year-old daughter, Polly, as they navigate a dangerous world of violence and crime after Nate becomes the target of a dangerous gang. The story is fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with gritty settings like LA, Stockton, and the desert. The relationship between Nate and Polly is at the heart of the novel, showcasing their journey of survival and bonding amidst chaos and danger.
The book explores themes of family, survival, and the lengths a father would go to protect his daughter. Harper's writing style is described as masterful, with a blend of raw emotions, intense action sequences, and well-developed characters that keep readers engaged from start to finish. The narrative unfolds through a series of adrenaline-pumping adventures, making it a compelling and unforgettable read.
Gunfighter eyes just like her dad, her mom would tell her, usually after a few whiskey pops when Mom could talk about her ex-husband without the anger she carried for him poisoning her. She’d crunch i... - #10
Save:The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West is a novel set in Hollywood in the 1930s, exploring the dark side of the entertainment industry through the eyes of various characters. The book delves into themes of decadence, desperation, and disillusionment, portraying a world where individuals are driven to ruin by their pursuit of fame and fortune. The writing style is described as skillful and precise, with vivid descriptions that bring the characters and setting to life, even though the plot may seem disjointed at times.
Around quitting time, Tod Hackett heard a great din on the road outside his office. The groan of leather mingled with the jangle of iron and over all beat the tattoo of a thousand hooves. He hurried t...
