Books matching: post war los angeles
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- #1
Save:'In a Lonely Place' by Dorothy B. Hughes is a classic noir psychological thriller set in post-war Los Angeles, narrated from the point of view of a serial killer named Dix Steele. The story follows Dix, a disturbed and misogynistic man, as he navigates his relationships with his old army friend turned detective, Brub Nicolai, Brub's wife Sylvia, and his new girlfriend Laurel. As the city is terrorized by a serial killer, the reader is taken on a suspenseful journey through Dix's twisted mind and dark actions, all while experiencing the vividly described Los Angeles setting of the 1940s.
The book is praised for its gripping plot, expertly crafted characters, and the unique perspective of being told from the killer's point of view. Dorothy B. Hughes' writing style is commended for its terse and hardboiled prose, effectively portraying Dix's psychological state, toxic masculinity, and the postwar male loneliness and rage prevalent throughout the narrative.
It was good standing there on the promontory overlooking the evening sea, the fog lilting itself like gauzy veils to touch his face. There was something in it akin to flying; the sense of being lifted... - #2
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... - #3
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 )
