Books matching: noir elements
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- #1
Save:A punchy, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant urban fantasy for fans of queer noir and magical mysteries - short, stylish, and bittersweet, but may feel a tad rushed for some.
'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.
November 2022•138 pages - #2
Save:A unique, ambitious, and timely dystopian mystery - brilliant world-building and thought-provoking ideas, but be prepared for some narrative twists that might not land for everyone.
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...January 2019•348 pages - #3
Save:A heady, ambitious blend of horror and noir, Lord of Illusions is a fascinating ride for fans of the weird, occult, and gritty detective tales - just be ready for some wild, unconventional storytelling.
Lord of Illusions by Clive Barker blends hard-boiled detective fiction with supernatural horror. The story revolves around Harry D'Amour, a private investigator hired to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of magician Philip Swann. The plot thickens as D'Amour discovers that Swann, instead of just being a mere illusionist, wields real magic connected to a cult and its powerful leader, Nix, who seeks revenge following his resurgence from the grave.
The writing style is distinctively Barker, known for his imaginative storytelling and complex characters. The narrative dives deep into character backgrounds and motivations that differ from the movie adaptation, providing a rich and captivating experience. Barker's prose creates vivid imagery and suspense, immersing readers in a world where reality and illusion intertwine, making it both a thrilling read and a unique exploration of human desires and fears.
1994•218 pages - #4
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... - #5
Save:A fun, sharp, and inventive detective romp that brings a much-needed modern twist to the genre - perfect for cozy mystery fans and anyone ready for a fresh female duo.
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...October 2020•348 pages - #6
Save:Stormblood by Jeremy Szal is a military sci-fi story following Vakov Fukasawa, an ex Reaper bio-enhanced soldier imbued with addictive alien tech. Set in the space station Compass, Vakov is cornered by Harmony, the organization that made him a Reaper, to uncover the murderer of his former comrades, starting with his estranged brother, Artyom. The book explores themes of family, addiction, and the impact of drugs on individuals and society, all within a gritty space station setting filled with intense action and dense worldbuilding.
Jeremy Szal combines elements of space opera, SF noir, and military sci-fi to deliver a unique reading experience that is action-packed, heart-pounding, and immersive. The writing style transitions seamlessly between a detective thriller and military sci-fi fantasy, creating an atmosphere of suspense while delivering intense firefights and exploring the sense of camaraderie essential to the protagonist's character.
Not that it had ever been a good idea, of course. When you boil it down, there’re two types of plans: the ones that get you killed, and the ones that don’t. When you’re in the business of stealing ill...June 2020 - #7
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 - #8
Save:Smart, fast-paced, and packed with bookish charm - this is a must-read cozy-noir mashup for mystery lovers and die-hard bibliophiles alike!
In 'Booked to Die', Cliff Janeway, a Denver cop, transitions from police detective to rare book dealer after a series of events lead him to follow his dream. The novel delves into the world of book collecting, intertwined with a murder mystery involving a book scout. Readers are taken on a journey through the twists and turns of the plot, exploring the complexities of the characters and the book trade industry. John Dunning's writing style expertly weaves together elements of mystery, book talk, and character development, keeping readers engaged till the very end.
The narrative in 'Booked to Die' follows Cliff Janeway as he navigates the challenges of solving a murder case while immersing himself in the world of rare books. The story unfolds with intricate details about book collecting, intertwined with a gripping mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. John Dunning's storytelling is enriched with references to literature, creating a compelling blend of crime, book trade, and character-driven plot that captivates readers from start to finish.
Normally I am a light sleeper, but that night I was down among the dead. I had just finished a thirteen-hour shift, my fourth day running of heavy overtime, and I hadn’t been sleeping well until tonig...1992•392 pages - #9
Save:A trailblazing genre mashup that’s moody, pulpy, and imaginative - worth a read if you’re interested in the roots of supernatural fiction, but may feel a bit creaky to modern sensibilities.
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...1940•288 pages - #10
Save:Hard-boiled, brutal, and uncompromising, Red Harvest is a landmark of noir fiction - a bloody chess game in a town with no real winners. Essential reading if you want to see where gritty American crime fiction began.
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...January 1929•231 pages
