Books matching: noir crime novel
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:The Maltese Falcon is a classic noir novel set in San Francisco, revolving around private detective Sam Spade who takes on a case involving a valuable black statuette of a bird. As the mystery unfolds, Spade navigates through a web of lies and deceit while dealing with dangerous adversaries and mysterious motives. The writing style is described as gritty, fast-paced, and filled with witty dialogue, creating a world where characters like Spade and the femme fatale Brigid O'Shaughnessy come to life in a story that explores themes of obsession, loyalty, and justice.
Samuel Spade’s jaw was long and bony, his chin a jutting v under the more flexible v of his mouth. His nostrils curved back to make another, smaller, v. His yellow-grey eyes were horizontal. The v mot... - #2
Save:'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic noir detective story set in Los Angeles. The book follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he navigates through a complex web of blackmail, murder, and intrigue while dealing with shady characters and dangerous situations. The writing style is characterized by snappy dialogue, witty descriptions, and vivid details of the city of Los Angeles, creating a gritty and atmospheric setting reminiscent of classic detective movies.
The story unfolds with Marlowe being hired by a wealthy man to handle a blackmail case involving his daughter, which quickly escalates into a series of events leading to multiple deaths and a deeper mystery. As Marlowe delves deeper into the case, the plot becomes more intricate and the stakes higher, showcasing Chandler's talent for creating suspenseful and engaging narratives that keep readers hooked until the final revelation.
IT WAS ABOUT ELEVEN O’CLOCK in the morning, mid October, with the sun not shining and a look of hard wet rain in the clearness of the foothills. I was wearing my powder-blue suit, with dark blue shirt... - #3
Save:'The Sins of the Fathers' by Lawrence Block follows the story of Matthew Scudder, a former cop turned private investigator, as he delves into the murder of a young prostitute and her suspected killer, the son of a minister. Set in New York City, the plot uncovers sleaze, corruption, and phoney religious cults as Scudder navigates through the city's underbelly to unravel the truth behind the murders. The writing style is described as fast-paced, gritty, and lean, with a focus on character development and a dark, noir atmosphere that captures the essence of 1970s New York.
He was a big man, about my height with a little more flesh on his heavy frame. His eyebrows, arched and prominent, were still black. The hair on his head was iron gray, combed straight back, giving hi... - #4
Save:The Black Echo revolves around LAPD detective Harry Bosch who is drawn into a murder investigation involving a fellow Vietnam veteran. As Bosch delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex plot tied to a bank robbery, all while navigating challenging relationships with his superiors and an FBI partner. The book is praised for its impressive police procedural elements, well-developed characters, and gritty details that immerse readers into the heart of Los Angeles and Bosch's past in Vietnam.
The smoke carried up from the Cahuenga Pass and flattened beneath a layer of cool crossing air. From where Harry Bosch watched, the smoke looked like a gray anvil rising up the pass. The late afternoo... - #5
Save:In 'Five Decembers' by James Kestrel, readers are taken on a gripping journey alongside Detective Joe McGrady in 1940s Honolulu, as he investigates a gruesome double murder involving a college student and a young woman of Japanese heritage. The story unfolds against the backdrop of WWII, with McGrady's determination to solve the case leading him on a harrowing journey across the Pacific, ultimately culminating in a showdown with the mastermind behind the crimes.
James Kestrel, the pen name of author Jonathan Moore, expertly weaves together elements of noir, mystery, historical fiction, and romance, creating a multi-layered narrative that keeps readers immersed from start to finish. The book intricately balances the historical events of WWII with a compelling mystery, offering a unique perspective on the era and delivering a truly unforgettable reading experience.
- #6
Save:'The City & The City' by China Mieville is a unique murder mystery set in two intertwined cities, Beszel and Ul Qoma, where the residents are required to unsee each other despite sharing the same physical space. Inspector Tyador Borlu investigates a murder that blurs the boundaries between the cities, leading to a complex and intriguing narrative. The writing style is described as immersive and atmospheric, reminiscent of classic detective noir novels but with a fantastical twist that challenges the reader's perspective.
I COULD NOT SEE THE STREET or much of the estate. We were enclosed by dirt-coloured blocks, from windows out of which leaned vested men and women with morning hair and mugs of drink, eating breakfast ... - #7
Save:In the book "The Yiddish Policemen's Union" by Michael Chabon, readers are taken on a journey through an alternate history where Jews settled in Alaska after the failure of Israel in 1948. The story follows Detective Meyer Landsman as he investigates a murder in Sitka, Alaska, uncovering a complex web of government conspiracy, personal tales of loss, and the use of chess as a metaphor throughout the narrative. Chabon's writing style is described as rich with metaphor, featuring frequent use of Yiddish words, and showcasing a unique blend of noir elements and hard-boiled detective fiction.
The novel delves into themes of religion, chess, and the diverse population within the Jewish district of Sitka, Alaska. Chabon's intricate plot intertwines murder mystery elements with a deep exploration of character motivations, government intrigue, and the complexities of a society on the brink of change. The book is praised for its detailed world-building, engaging writing style, and the way it seamlessly blends elements of speculative fiction, detective fiction, and alternate history.
Nine months Landsman's been flopping at the Hotel Zamenhof without any of his fellow residents managing to get themselves murdered. Now somebody has put a bullet in the brain of the occupant of 208, a... - #8
Save: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 ) - #9
Save:'The Moving Target' by Ross Macdonald introduces readers to private investigator Lew Archer, who is hired to find a missing millionaire, Ralph Sampson. As Archer tracks Sampson through post-war Southern California, the case evolves from a potential divorce situation to a true kidnapping, revealing overlapping love triangles and dark family dynamics. The writing style is reminiscent of classic hardboiled detective novels, with vivid descriptions of characters and settings, complex dialogue, and a plot filled with twists and turns.
The scrub oak gave place to ordered palms and Monterey cypress hedges. I caught glimpses of lawns effervescent with sprinklers, deep white porches, roofs of red tile and green copper. A Rolls with a d... - #10
Save:The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross is a blend of high-tech espionage, Lovecraftian horrors, and bureaucratic satire. The story follows Bob Howard, a civil servant operative working for a secret British government agency known as The Laundry, dedicated to protecting the world from supernatural threats using mathematics and computer science. The book features a mix of horror, humor, and spy thriller elements, with a dash of wry humor and a dollop of horror, making it a compelling and entertaining read for fans of geeky, tech-heavy narratives.
“THE ATROCITY ARCHIVE” IS A SCIENCE FICTION novel. Its form is that of a horror thriller with lots of laughs, some of them uneasy. Its basic premise is that mathematics can be magic. Its lesser premis...
