Books matching: los angeles underbelly
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- #1
Save:A refreshing shot of urban fantasy noir - brutal, witty, and addictive. Perfect for fans of gritty anti-heroes, inventive magic, and stories that never pull their punches.
'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...February 2013•305 pages A grungy, darkly funny modern noir that’s equal parts crime caper and messy self-redemption story. Not for the faint of heart, but if gallows humor and razor-sharp banter are your thing, this book will win you over.
'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...December 2008•348 pages- #3
Save:Visceral, authentic, and not for the faint of heart - No Beast So Fierce is essential for fans of crime fiction and literary grit, but its darkness and uncompromising realism won't suit every reader.
"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...1972•332 pages - #4
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.
2023•430 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harry Bosch Universe ) - #5
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.
January 2023•359 pages - #6
Save:A brutal, brilliantly crafted slice of L.A. noir with heaps of grime and grit - if you can handle the darkness, it’s a must-read in the crime genre.
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...January 1988•481 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series L.A. Quartet ) - #7
Save:Unfiltered, messy, and occasionally brilliant - Bukowski's short stories aren't for the faint of heart, but if you like your literature with a shot of something strong, this is a collection worth sampling.
Tales of Ordinary Madness is a collection of short stories by Charles Bukowski that delves into themes of self-pity, disgust, excessive drinking, and poor behavior. The stories feature characters living on the fringe of society in Los Angeles, engaging in activities like gambling, drinking, writing, and struggling to exist. Bukowski's writing style is described as profane, gritty, poignant, and raw, with stories that are both explosive and violent, portraying a low-down truth of life.
Duke had this daughter, Lala, they named her, she was 4. it was his first child and he had always been careful not to have children, fearing that they would murder him somehow, but now he was insane a...1978•239 pages - #8
Save:The Enchanters by James Ellroy is a gripping novel set in the early 1960s, featuring Freddy Otash, a complex character navigating the world of Hollywood sleaze, bent LA cops, and private eyes. The book delves into the dark underbelly of Los Angeles, mixing historical accuracy with fictional elements to craft a compelling narrative. Ellroy's writing style is described as immersive, with compressed and stylized language that vibrates with action and sensation, providing readers with an intense reading experience.
September 2023•706 pages - #9
Save:Raw, disturbing, and expertly written - Morrison nails a grungy Hollywood nightmare that’ll linger long after you finish. Absolutely not for everyone, but if you like your fiction dark and daring, it’s worth the plunge.
'Along the Path of Torment' by Chandler Morrison is a gritty and raw exploration of the dark underbelly of Los Angeles, focusing on the main character Ty Seward, a self-centered and nihilistic individual. The book delves into heavy subjects such as cancer, survivor's guilt, eating disorders, and the destructive nature of Hollywood, all handled with a strong artistic hand. The story follows Ty's complex relationship with Beatrice, a wise and enigmatic character, as they navigate a fatalistic noir world where extreme elements and shocking events unfold, reminiscent of a noir thriller rather than a traditional horror novel.
Chandler Morrison's writing style is described as captivating and engrossing, making the readers feel dirty yet entertained while reading his work. Despite the morally reprehensible actions of the characters, particularly Ty, Morrison skillfully creates a narrative that evokes empathy from the readers, drawing them into a world where sleaze and glamour collide in the backdrop of Hollywood. The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, pushing boundaries and challenging readers' perceptions, ultimately leaving them glued to the pages, unable to put the book down.
August 2020•255 pages - #10
Save:Clever, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt, "Crashed" is a refreshing spin on the detective genre - perfect for readers who like their mysteries snappy and full of personality.
Timothy Hallinan's 'Crashed' introduces us to Junior Bender, a career criminal who gets caught in a game of double-cross and triple-cross while trying to steal a painting. The book is a funny and witty crime caper set in the Los Angeles underworld, with a motley crew of characters reminiscent of Carl Hiaasen and Raymond Chandler. Junior Bender is portrayed as a smart and humorous protagonist who navigates through complex situations, including protecting a former sitcom star from being kidnapped or murdered, all while dealing with his own personal struggles.
The plot of 'Crashed' follows Junior Bender as he is forced to work for a local crime boss to troubleshoot the production of a pornographic film. Despite the comedic elements, the book delves into serious themes such as addiction and complex human relationships. Junior Bender's character is portrayed as a multi-faceted individual, balancing his roles as a burglar, detective, father, and scholar, adding depth to the storyline and engaging the reader in a suspenseful and thrilling narrative.
But the expressionists don’t do anything for me, don’t even make my palms itch. And Klee especially doesn’t do anything for me. My education, spotty as it was, pretty much set my Art Clock to the fift...2010•394 pages
