Books matching: noir detective story
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- #1
Save:'Thin Air' by Richard K. Morgan is a hardboiled noir thriller set on a colonized Mars, following the story of Hakan Veil, an ex-government corporate killer trying to navigate the corrupt power structures of the Martian society. The plot is filled with violence, double-crosses, and political intrigue, reminiscent of a classic detective story but with a futuristic twist. The narrative style is gritty and dark, with minimal exposition and a focus on immersive world-building that transports readers to a bleak and brutal version of Mars.
The protagonist, Hakan Veil, finds himself entangled in a complex web of Martian and colonial politics, facing challenges ranging from illegal activities to high-level investigations. The book explores themes of corruption, power struggles, and morality in a setting that combines elements of science fiction, dystopia, and classic noir storytelling. Morgan's writing style is characterized by its realism, lack of exposition, and immersive depiction of a future world devoid of idealism and filled with gritty realism.
IT WAS EARLY evening when I hit the Mariner Strip, and up in the Lamina they were trying again for rain. With limited success, I’d say. Got this thin, cold stop-start drizzle weeping down out of a pap... - #2
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... - #3
Save:"March Violets" in the series "Bernard Gunther" by Philip Kerr follows the story of Bernie Gunther, a German detective, set in Berlin before, during, and after World War II. The plot revolves around Gunther navigating the complexities of Nazi Germany, dealing with moral ambiguities, and facing challenges in a noir-style setting. The author's writing style is described as detailed and immersive, providing a glimpse into the day-to-day struggles of living in a time of changing societal climates.
This morning, at the corner of Friedrichstrasse and Jäger-strasse, I saw two men, S A men, unscrewing a red Der Stürmer showcase from the wall of a building. Der Stürmer is the anti-Semitic journal th... - #4
Save:Cory Doctorow's 'Red Team Blues: A Martin Hench Novel' is a propulsive read that delves into the world of forensic accounting and cryptocurrency crime, set in Silicon Valley. The book follows a smart middle-aged protagonist navigating through financial crimes with bleeding edge technology, bringing awareness to the negatives of technology while incorporating elements of a noir detective story.
The writing style of 'Red Team Blues' is sharp, fast-paced, and intelligent, with a perfect pacing that keeps the reader engaged. Doctorow weaves in social commentary seamlessly, showcasing a clash of power in the world of blockchain corruption and the challenges faced by individuals caught in the middle of technological advancements and criminal activities.
- #5
Save:Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan is a futuristic noir thriller set in a world where human consciousness can be digitized and transferred to different bodies. The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, an ex UN envoy who is hired to investigate a suspicious suicide, leading him into a complex murder mystery. The book explores themes of power, immortality, and societal inequality in a gritty, cyberpunk setting. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and reminiscent of classic hardboiled detective novels, with a focus on action and intricate world-building.
In the Envoy Corps they teach you to let go before storage. Stick it in neutral and float. It’s the first lesson and the trainers drill it into you from day one. Hard-eyed Virginia Vidaura, dancer’s b... - #6
Save:TekWar by William Shatner is a science fiction novel set in the future where the main character, Jake Cardigan, a former cop, is released from suspended animation after being sentenced for dealing in a drug called Tek. The story follows Cardigan as he navigates the criminal world of Tek while working for a private detective agency, uncovering mysteries and getting drawn into dangerous situations. The writing style of the book is described as reminiscent of a noir detective story with elements of classic noir stories and a touch of T.J. Hooker, moving at a brisk pace with a brainless yet fun and entertaining plot.
Up in the orbiting penal colony he slept, unaware of anything. Time had passed, days and weeks and then months and years, and he kept sleeping that long sleep. Suspended in a coffinlike plastic cubicl... - #7
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 ... - #8
Save:'Storm Front' in 'The Dresden Files' series by Jim Butcher follows the protagonist Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator in Chicago. The story combines elements of noir detective mystery with urban fantasy, as Harry navigates through supernatural events while solving crimes and facing challenges from both human and magical worlds. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and humorous, with a blend of classic detective storytelling and paranormal elements that keep readers entertained.
I heard the mailman approach my office door, half an hour earlier than usual. He didn’t sound right. His footsteps fell more heavily, jauntily, and he whistled. A new guy. He whistled his way to my of... - #9
Save:A drifter named Frank becomes entangled in a stormy affair with a married woman named Cora, leading them to plot a murder. The narrative unfolds in a hard-boiled detective style without the mystery element, focusing on the characters' hardened nature and their willingness to do anything to fulfill their desires. The story is set in a depression-era America, showcasing dark and violent themes with spare descriptions and authentic dialogues.
The plot revolves around obsession, passion, murder, and violence set in a prosaic roadside gas station cafe. The characters, Frank and Cora, are portrayed as morally revolting yet compelling, leading to a shocking and abrupt conclusion akin to a hangman's noose. The book is described as a classic piece of noir fiction, exploring the dark tragedy of the human heart with a narrative that unfolds with a feeling of inevitability and moral logic.
They threw me off the hay truck about noon. I had swung on the night before, down at the border, and as soon as I got up there under the canvas, I went to sleep. I needed plenty of that, after three w... - #10
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...
