Books matching: noir setting
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon is a humorous and retro cool novel set in 1960s Los Angeles, following the adventures of Doc Sportello, a stoner private investigator. The story revolves around a missing land developer who was living with Doc's ex-girlfriend, leading Doc on a trail filled with crooked property developers, phony rock groups, and a mysterious crime ring known as the Golden Fang. The plot spirals into a complex web of paranoia involving the FBI, LAPD, and other shadowy organizations, all while capturing the essence of the countercultural revolution of the era.
Pynchon's writing style in Inherent Vice is described as funny, erudite, and inventive, blending elements of hard-boiled detective noir with a psychedelic twist. The novel features a large cast of characters, pop culture references, and explores themes of drug culture, countercultural movements, and the changing landscape of 1970s California, all presented through Pynchon's signature convoluted yet engaging storytelling.
SHE CAME ALONG THE ALLEY AND UP THE BACK STEPS THE WAY she always used to. Doc hadn’t seen her for over a year. Nobody had. Back then it was always sandals, bottom half of a flower-print bikini, faded... - #2
Save:'Sweet Silver Blues' in the 'Garrett P.I.' series by Glen Cook is a fantasy noir novel featuring a hard-boiled Private Eye named Garrett who is hired to investigate the disappearance of an old war buddy's heiress. Set in a world filled with gnomes, elves, dwarves, vampires, and unicorns, the story unfolds as Garrett delves into a complex mystery involving a hidden horde of silver, a missing heiress, and dangerous adversaries. The writing style is described as straightforward and matter-of-fact, with elements of humor to lighten the mood as the investigation uncovers more than just a simple missing persons case.
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 ... - #3
Save:Walter Mosley's 'Devil in a Blue Dress' introduces readers to the character Easy Rawlins, a black war veteran in 1948 Los Angeles who gets entangled in a web of mystery and danger when he is hired to find a missing woman. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, the novel explores themes of corruption, racism, and societal struggles through the eyes of Easy Rawlins as he navigates the seedy underbelly of the city. The plot is described as twisty and hard-boiled, filled with well-drawn characters and a strong sense of time and place that immerses readers in the noir atmosphere of the story.
Mosley's writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, fast-paced narrative, and flavorful dialogue that captures the essence of 1940s Los Angeles. The book is commended for its depiction of the black experience during that era, offering a fresh perspective on the classic private eye novel by presenting a black protagonist, Easy Rawlins, in a genre typically dominated by white detectives. Despite some readers finding the plot convoluted, the novel is lauded for its social commentary on race relations and its ability to transport readers to a different time and place through compelling storytelling.
I had spent five years with white men, and women, from Africa to Italy, through Paris, and into the Fatherland itself. I ate with them and slept with them, and I killed enough blue-eyed young men to k... - #4
Save:The Grand Dark by Richard Kadrey is a science fiction urban fantasy novel set in a gritty city post-war, focusing on the life of Largo, a bicycle courier struggling with his job, drug addiction, and entanglements. The story delves into a world of unequal social classes, frivolity concealing despair, political machinations, and the looming threat of a new war. The writing style captures a steampunk noir vibe with elements of decadence, hedonism, and political intrigue.
Near dawn, Largo Moorden pedaled his bicycle through the nearly deserted streets of Lower Proszawa. It was exactly one week since his twenty-first birthday. Fog from the nearby bay and smoke from the ... - #5
Save:In 'The Dirty Streets of Heaven,' Tad Williams crafts a noir urban fantasy where angels and demons battle for the souls of the dead. The protagonist, Bobby Dollar, is an angel advocate navigating a corrupt world filled with threats and mysteries. The story follows Bobby's journey as he uncovers a conspiracy involving missing souls, facing a mix of gritty urban fantasy elements and classic detective tropes.
I WAS JUST stepping out of the elevator on the 43rd floor of the Five Page Mill building when the alarms began going off—those nightmarish, clear-the-building kind like the screams of tortured robots—... - #6
Save:In an alternate reality where magical abilities emerged in the 1800s, 'Hard Magic' by Larry Correia follows the story of Jake Sullivan, a former World War I hero turned private investigator with gravity-manipulating powers. Recruited by J. Edgar Hoover to combat magic-related crime, Jake finds himself entangled in a much larger conflict involving evil wizards, powerful magical abilities, and a battle against an unstoppable force. Set in the early 1900s with a blend of noir detective fiction, urban fantasy, and alternate history, the narrative unfolds with a mix of action-packed sequences, well-developed characters, and a unique magic system that intertwines with a world on the brink of chaos.
We now have over a thousand confirmed cases of individuals with these so-called magical abilities on the continent alone. The faculty has descended into a terrible uproar over the proper nomenclature ... - #7
Save:'Bloodlist' in the series 'Vampire Files' by P.N. Elrod follows the story of Jack Fleming, a former investigative reporter who wakes up as a vampire and sets out to solve his own murder in the seedy underbelly of 1930s Chicago. The plot revolves around Jack's encounters with mobsters, his newfound vampire abilities such as turning into mist and hypnotism, and his journey into the world of vampires and detectives. The writing style is described as a mix of classic vampire lore and detective noir, creating a fast-paced, mysterious, and entertaining narrative set in a unique historical backdrop.
It was a well-engineered accident, involving no small skill on the part of the driver. A body, depending on its size and weight in relation to the speed and position of the car usually does two things... - #8
Save:'Sandman Slim' is a gritty and dark fantasy novel that follows the story of James Stark, also known as Sandman Slim, who returns to Los Angeles after surviving eleven years in Hell. Seeking revenge on those who betrayed him and killed his girlfriend, Stark navigates a world filled with monsters, demons, angels, and magic. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with dark humor, making it a thrilling and engaging read for fans of urban fantasy and modern noir.
Personally, I don’t have anything against shroud eaters. They’re just another kind of addict in a city of addicts. Since most of them started out as civilians, the percentage of decent vampires to com... - #9
Save:'Bloodlines' by Chris Wraight is a detective story set in the Warhammer 40k universe, focusing on a normal human detective navigating the complexities of crime and corruption in a hive city. The book offers a fresh perspective by delving into the ordinary citizenry and underworld crime within the grim future setting, providing a break from the usual focus on Space Marines and Xenos. The plot is intriguing, with twists that keep readers engaged and hints of a larger, darker world beyond the city's borders.
The writing style in 'Bloodlines' is praised for its masterful execution, excellent pacing, and well-developed characters. Readers appreciate the noir-style storytelling and the opportunity to explore a more relatable side of the 40k universe through the eyes of an engaging protagonist. While some find the characters somewhat lacking in depth, the overall reception is positive, with a desire for more stories featuring the main character and hopes for a sequel to further explore the world Chris Wraight has created.
Down, down below, down under the flyovers and the transit arches, down to where the lumens floated on wheezing suspensors and the windows were steamed with condensation. People packed in on all sides,... - #10
Save:In the rich and corrupt oil-driven city of Titanshade, a disgraced cop named Carter is called upon to solve the murder of a powerful squib ambassador. As Carter delves into the mystery, he uncovers a world filled with magic, different races, and a dwindling resource called manna. Teaming up with a rookie detective named Ajax, the duo navigates through a gritty and noir setting to unravel the murder case that has major consequences for their universe. The book expertly combines elements of noir, fantasy, and urban magic genres, creating a unique and compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked with intense action and unexpected plot twists.
IT WAS THE BACK SIDE of Friday and I sat at the bar of Mickey the Finn’s. My hands laced around a cup of warm joe as I kept silent time to the jukebox, eyes fixed on the clock where it hung by a singl...
