Books matching: noir mystery
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- #1
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... - #2
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... - #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: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 ) - #5
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... - #6
Save:'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett is a hard-boiled noir mystery classic that centers on Nick Charles, a former PI, and his wife Nora Charles. The couple is reluctantly pulled into a murder case involving an old client, leading them to investigate a wealthy inventor's disappearance and his secretary's murder. Set in the 1930s New York, the story unfolds through witty banter, dialogue-driven narrative, and a tangled web of clues and half-truths that Nick navigates to solve the mystery. portrays Nick as a streetwise detective with a sophisticated edge, while Nora's character, though underused, adds depth to the storyline.
The narrative captures the essence of the era with its portrayal of speakeasies, parties, hard-nosed cops, and a complex plot that keeps the reader engaged. Despite some dated elements and differences from the movie adaptations, 'The Thin Man' is praised for its clean prose, character development, and the chemistry between Nick and Nora Charles. The novel offers a blend of mystery, comedy, and suspense, providing a fast-paced and entertaining read that showcases Hammett's skill in crafting a classic detective story with a unique twist.
1 I was leaning against the bar in a speakeasy on Fifty-second Street, waiting for Nora to finish her Christmas shopping, when a girl got up from the table where she had been sitting with three other ... - #7
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... - #8
Save: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... - #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: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...
