Books matching: noir elements
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- #1
Save:'Even Though I Knew the End' by C.L. Polk is a sapphic urban fantasy noir novella set in 1930s Chicago. The story follows a magic protagonist who is tempted into investigating a series of ritually killing by the 'White City Vampire.' The book builds beautifully to a heartbreakingly hopeful ending, focusing on themes of love, sacrifice, and second chances. The plot is described as a voicey noire tale with dynamic characters, a well-built world, and a magic system that seamlessly blends supernatural elements with urban fantasy. Readers praise the detective vibe, the love story, and the fundamental unfairness portrayed in the story.
- #2
Save:In the future world of 'Golden State' by Ben H. Winters, California has become a country where truth is the ultimate law, and lying is considered a grave crime. The protagonist, Laszlo Ratesic, works as a speculator, a truth enforcer who investigates crimes based on the concept of truth. As he delves into a seemingly accidental death, he uncovers anomalies that lead to a complex and dangerous investigation. The novel combines elements of a crime thriller with a dystopian setting, exploring themes of reality, truth, and the consequences of living in a society built on absolute truth.
'Golden State' presents a unique world where lying is forbidden, and every action is monitored to maintain the truth. The story follows Laszlo's journey as he navigates a society where fiction is unknown, and all aspects of life are recorded. The novel weaves together a mystery plot with thought-provoking questions about truth, society, and the nature of reality, creating a compelling narrative that challenges readers' perceptions.
The extraordinary events detailed herein were either experienced firsthand by the author or, when relayed second- or thirdhand, have been double-checked (triple-, where possible), verified, and certif... - #3
Save:In "Nova Swing" by M. John Harrison, readers are transported to the world of Saudade, where pieces of the Kefahuchi Tract have fallen, causing a strange and dangerous zone within the city. The story follows characters like Vic Serotonin, a tour guide who takes people into the zone, and Lens Aschemann, a detective in Site Crime, as they navigate the mysterious events unfolding in this surreal and noir-inspired setting. The book delves into themes of decay, transformation, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination, all set against the backdrop of a city shaped by alien enigmas and cosmic anomalies.
Harrison's writing style in "Nova Swing" is described as surreal, poetic, and noir, fusing elements of science fiction with a dark and atmospheric narrative. The book offers a unique blend of unconventional storytelling, innovative science fiction concepts, and complex characterization, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience for those intrigued by strange worlds and enigmatic mysteries.
Vic Serotonin sat in a bar on Straint Street, just outside the aureole of the Saudade event, in conversation with a fat man from another planet who called himself Antoyne. They had been playing dice a...
(Also, see 47 recommendations for the series Kefahuchi Tract ) - #4
Save:Happy-Go-Lucky by L.H. Cosway is a delightful romance novel set in a private investigation firm where the heroine, Maisie, and the hero, Cameron, work together. The story revolves around Maisie's infectious positivity and kindness as she slowly breaks down Cameron's grumpy exterior. The book combines elements of romance, mystery, and personal growth as Maisie and Cameron navigate their budding relationship while solving intriguing cases together. The writing style is described as light, enjoyable, and reminiscent of old Hollywood mystery romances, with a touch of humor and quirky characters adding to the charm of the story.
They said it was due to my perpetually sunny disposition. I also had a natural inclination to be extra nice to everyone I met. On the surface that might seem like a good thing, but deep down, I knew i... - #5
Save:'The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse' by Robert Rankin is set in Toy City, where toys come to life and nursery rhyme characters are local celebrities. The story follows Jack, a young man who teams up with a teddy bear detective named Eddie to solve the murders of nursery rhyme characters, including Humpty Dumpty. The plot is described as weird, quirky, and humorous, with a dark and seedy undertone reminiscent of Roger Rabbit. The writing style is playful, wry, and full of wordplay and puns, making it an enjoyable romp through nursery rhyme land.
'And there you have it.' The farmer grinned, exposing golden teeth. 'Nothing ever changes in these parts. Nothing. Nor will it ever. And so much the better for that, says I. Though so much the worse, ... - #6
Save:In 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett, the Continental Op is summoned to Personville, a town overrun by corruption and violence. Upon arrival, he finds his client murdered and embarks on a mission to clean up the town by manipulating the various criminal factions to turn against each other. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with brutal action, double-crosses, and a high body count, all set in a gritty and corrupt environment. The writing style is hard-boiled and direct, with sharp language and a focus on the relentless pursuit of justice amidst a morally bankrupt society.
I first heard Personville called Poisonville by a red-haired mucker named Hickey Dewey in the Big Ship in Butte. He also called his shirt a shoit. I didn’t think anything of what he had done to the ci... - #7
Save:'The Little Sleep: A Novel' by Paul Tremblay follows the story of Mark Genevich, a thirty-year-old private investigator with narcolepsy resulting from a car accident. Despite his disability, Mark tries to make a living solving mysteries while dealing with his condition and the emotional toll it takes on him. The plot is described as convoluted yet close to the bone, with everything having consequences and nothing being overlooked. The writing style is noted for being immediately readable, with sharp and witty dialogue, weird and wacky characters, and a mix of classic noir elements with unique twists.
It’s about two o’clock in the afternoon, early March. In South Boston that means a cold hard rain that ruins any memories of the sun. Doesn’t matter, because I’m in my office, wearing a twenty-year-ol... - #8
Save:Darker Than You Think by Jack Williamson is a classic horror novel that delves into the world of shapeshifters and werewolves. The story follows Will Barbee, a newspaper writer, as he unravels a mysterious murder and discovers his own connection to the supernatural events unfolding around him. Set in the 1940s, the novel weaves elements of folklore, anthropology, archeology, and quantum physics into a gripping narrative that blurs the lines between reality and madness. Williamson's writing style captures the essence of a bygone era, creating a dark and atmospheric tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The girl came up to Will Barbee while he stood outside of the glass-and-stucco terminal building at Trojan Field, Clarendon's new municipal airport, hopefully watching the leaden sky for a glimpse of ... - #9
Save:Burke is a detective and con artist in New York City with a soft spot for cases involving abused children. When a mysterious woman named Flood hires him to track down a child killer for revenge, Burke delves into the gritty streets filled with memorable characters like The Mole and street corner prophets. Written in a hard-boiled noir style, "Flood" by Andrew Vachss follows Burke's journey through the dark underbelly of the city, tackling themes of child abuse and vigilantism.
I GOT TO the office early that morning-I think it was about ten o’clock. As soon as the dog saw it was me, she walked over to the back door and I let her out. I went outside with her as far as the fir... - #10
Save:In the mid-1940s in New York City, the book "Fortune Favors the Dead" follows the story of Lillian Pentecost, a middle-aged private detective with multiple sclerosis, and her young assistant, Willowjean Will Parker. Together, they are hired to solve the murder of Abigail Collins, the wife of an industrialist. As they delve into the case, they encounter a mix of mundane and spectacular mysteries, including a classic locked room mystery that piques their interest. The narrative is told through the engaging first-person voice of Will, who brings sass and spark to the story, making it a captivating read with a hint of noir, dash of humor, and intriguing characters.
I had scored a few shifts working guard duty at a building site on West Forty-second. A lot of the crew on Hart and Halloway’s Traveling Circus and Sideshow picked up gigs like that whenever we rolled...
