Books matching: noir detective mystery
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:A classic noir mystery with heart, style, and memorable characters - The Fabulous Clipjoint is a must for lovers of old-school crime fiction and literary coming-of-age tales. Worth tracking down!
The Fabulous Clipjoint by Fredric Brown is a classic noir mystery set in post-war Chicago, following the investigation into the murder of Ed Hunter's father. Ed, along with his 'carnie' uncle Ambrose, sets out to solve the mystery of his father's death, uncovering dark secrets and navigating the gritty underworld of Chicago. The book is a blend of crime thriller and coming-of-age story, as Ed matures into an adult while seeking justice for his father's murder. Brown's writing style is described as atmospheric and evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era of carnies, gangsters, smokey bars, and jazz music.
The Central Mutual turned out to be a moderate−sized branch office of a company whose headquarters were in St. Louis. It was a break for us; the smaller the office the more likely they were to remembe...1947•192 pages - #2
Save:For noir fans and lovers of sharp dialogue, The Big Sleep is an essential read - gritty, witty, and a masterpiece of the genre, even if the plot’s a bit of a maze.
'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...1939•237 pages - #3
Save:A clever, action-packed urban fantasy romp that gets better as the series grows. Gritty, witty, and wildly entertaining - just be ready to weather some rough, trope-heavy early chapters if you’re starting from book one.
Storm Front, the first book in Jim Butcher's acclaimed *Dresden Files* series, introduces us to Harry Dresden, the only wizard listed in the Chicago phone book, who works as a private investigator. The plot weaves together supernatural elements with classic detective noir, as Harry tackles mysteries involving vampires, werewolves, and other fantastical creatures. The writing is engaging and humorous, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked. Though the early books have been critiqued for simplistic characterization, especially concerning female characters, they improve as the series progresses, showcasing Butcher's growth as a writer and the development of a richly layered world filled with magical politics and compelling story arcs.
1997•337 pages - #4
Save:A cornerstone of noir fiction - gritty, clever, and still influential, though its old-school style and hard-boiled attitude may not be for everyone.
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...1929•241 pages - #5
Save:A moody, thoughtful start to a classic detective series - more about character and atmosphere than nail-biting suspense. Perfect for fans of noir and flawed antiheroes.
'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...1960•208 pages - #6
Save:A witty, cleverly-plotted vintage mystery with memorable characters - perfect for classic whodunit fans willing to roll with a few old-fashioned quirks.
"Fer-de-Lance" by Rex Stout introduces readers to the eccentric detective Nero Wolfe and his smart sidekick Archie Goodwin in their first mystery together. Set in 1930s New York, the plot revolves around Wolfe being asked to find a missing Italian immigrant, which leads to the investigation of the murder of a college president on a golf course. The story is narrated through Archie's witty and wise-cracking perspective, highlighting the dynamic between the two characters as they solve the case with a touch of humor and clever deduction. The writing style captures the essence of the time period and sets the stage for a series of engaging mysteries with unique characters and intriguing plotlines.
There was no reason why I shouldn’t have been sent for the beer that day, for the last ends of the Fairmont National Bank case had been gathered in the week before and there was nothing for me to do b...1934•294 pages - #7
Save:A richly-detailed, charming Roman mystery with atmosphere and heart - slightly imperfect, but highly enjoyable for history and whodunit fans alike.
Search the Seven Hills by Barbara Hambly is a historical mystery novel set in ancient Rome, revolving around a young philosopher's search for his kidnapped lover, who is the daughter of a Roman official. The plot delves into the treacherous world of imperial Rome, where the prime suspects are the notorious religious group known as Christians. The story unfolds with intricate pacing, unveiling a city's underbelly while showcasing well-developed characters and a vivid portrayal of the Eternal City.
He [Nero] inflicted the most exquisite tortures on this class well hated for their abominable practices and called Christians by the mob. Christus (who gave them their name) was put to death in Tiberi...1983•332 pages - #8
Save:A grimy, razor-sharp cross between crime thriller and fantasy - Low Town is a must for fans of noir antiheroes and dark, atmospheric worlds, but may not win over those hunting for epic adventure or optimistic tales.
In "Low Town" by Daniel Polansky, readers are introduced to a gritty urban fantasy world where the main character, Warden, navigates the criminal underworld as a drug dealer and part-time user. When he is drawn into investigating a murder that the authorities want to ignore, he finds himself entangled in a larger, sordid plan. The book combines elements of crime novel and fantasy, with a touch of noir, creating a unique and captivating story that keeps readers engaged with its dark and compelling atmosphere.
The writing style in "Low Town" is described as smart, gritty, and entertaining, with a blend of fantasy and noir that works surprisingly well. Polansky's narrative weaves together elements of classic pulps, vivid violence, and morally complex characters, resulting in a story that is both darkly atmospheric and engaging. The book offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre by incorporating noir elements and a realistic portrayal of a city where crime and violence reign, making it a standout in the genre.
In the opening days of the Great War, on the battlefields of Apres and Ives, I acquired the ability to abandon slumber with the flutter of an eyelid. It was a necessary adaptation, as heavy sleepers w...August 2011•375 pages - #9
Save:A brilliantly original urban mystery with a wild concept that lingers in your mind, but be ready for more ideas and atmosphere than action or heart.
'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...May 2009•384 pages - #10
Save:Moody, masterful, and full of unforgettable lines - 'The Long Goodbye' is essential reading for noir lovers, but its meandering style and darker tone may not be for everyone.
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...
