Books matching: private detective
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- #1
Save:'Dreaming of Babylon' by Richard Brautigan is a comedic mystery novel that follows the life of a private detective named C. Card in 1942. The book is filled with short, witty chapters that flow seamlessly, making it accessible to new readers. C. Card, a broke detective, embarks on a case without bullets for his gun, frequently getting lost in daydreams about a place called Babylon. The plot revolves around C. Card's misadventures, including solving a murder, encountering absurd situations, and navigating between fantasy and reality.
The writing style of 'Dreaming of Babylon' is characterized by short, humorous chapters that mix zaniness with clever wit. Brautigan's storytelling is unconventional, blending elements of comedy, mystery, and daydreams. The book's structure, with chapters like 'Mustard' and 'Barcelona,' highlights C. Card's penchant for fantasizing and escaping from the mundane world into a realm of imagination.
First, the good news: I found out that I was 4F and wasn’t going off to World War II to be a soldier boy. I didn’t feel unpatriotic at all because I had fought my World War II five years before in Spa... - #2
Save:'Three Mean Streets' in the series 'Markhat Files' by author Frank Tuttle follows the adventures of Markhat, a finder in a magical world, as he solves three separate cases in a noir detective style. Markhat is described as a character with a soft spot for dogs and children, but also possesses the mean streak needed to track down and defeat villains who harm them. The stories are action-packed, filled with quick-paced mysteries involving trolls, vampires, ghosts, and other fantastical creatures, all set in a world where magic and industry coexist.
The writing style in 'Three Mean Streets' is described as fresh, original, and amusing, with a good blend of humor and drama. The stories are engaging and entertaining, with well-written characters and world-building that draws readers into Markhat's world. is praised for its quick action, quirky humor, and unexpected plot twists that keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
(Also, see 23 recommendations for the series Markhat Files ) - #3
Save:'Door Between' by Ellery Queen is a mystery novel featuring Ellery Queen as the lead detective. The story involves a murder mystery with red herrings and twists, typical of Ellery Queen's style. It introduces a new detective named Terry Ring, who accompanies Ellery on the investigation. The novel delves into the psychological elements of the murder, showcasing a shift in Ellery Queen's character towards a more well-rounded personality. The plot is clever and fast-paced, keeping the readers engaged with its intriguing mystery and unexpected revelations.
- #4
Save:Readers describe 'Noir' as a surrealistic and amorphous mystery novel, akin to a vivid dream. The narrative style puts the reader in the driver's seat without providing control, creating an immersive and experiential reading experience. The novel blends the perverse with the beautiful, the serious with the ridiculous, resulting in a stirring, funny, and sometimes horrific journey through a world where characters are defined by their roles rather than their names.
IT WAS LATE AFTERNOON WHEN SHE FIRST TURNED UP AT your office. Blanche had left for the day. Which was fading, the lights dim. Maybe she planned it that way, entering as though bringing on the night. ... - #5
Save:'Legwork' in the Casey Jones series by author Katy Munger follows the adventures of unlicensed private detective Casey Jones who is tasked with solving a murder mystery while working as a bodyguard for a senatorial candidate. The plot unfolds as Casey navigates through the world of politics, society in the old south, lust, and love, using her street smarts and unique characteristics to uncover the truth behind the murder. The writing style is described as witty and humorous, with a mix of sarcasm and clever dialogue that brings the characters to life.
- #6
Save:Dennis Lehane's 'A Drink Before the War' follows private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro as they take on a seemingly simple assignment for a prominent politician: to uncover the whereabouts of a black cleaning woman who has allegedly stolen confidential state documents. However, the investigation quickly escalates, implicating members of the woman's family and rival gang leaders, uncovering extortion, assassination, and child prostitution in the bombed-out ghetto streets of South Boston. The writing style is described as pulsating, gritty, and noirish, capturing the worst human horrors found closest to home, with a plot that keeps readers engaged and on the edge of their seats.
The bar at the Ritz-Carlton looks out on the Public Gardens and requires a tie. I’ve looked out on the Public Gardens from other vantage points before, without a tie, and never felt at a loss, but may... - #7
Save:'In Plain Sight' by Dan Willis is a thrilling fantasy noir novel set in a 1930s New York City where magic is real. The story follows Alex Lockerby, a runewright and private detective, as he untangles multiple cases involving missing persons, mysterious diseases, and powerful sorcerers. The writing style is reminiscent of classic pulp noir detective novels, with a unique magic system that intertwines alchemy, sorcery, and rune magic. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the readers guessing until the last page.
The sign on the frosted glass panel read Lockerby Investigations in gold painted letters. The image of a hexagon with an inverted triangle inside it and an inkwell inside that occupied the bottom righ... - #8
Save:"Everything You Have Is Mine" follows the story of private investigator Lauren Laurano as she navigates through solving murders in New York City's Greenwich Village. The main character is described as witty, quirky, fashion-conscious, and gay, with a fear of insects, computers, and blood. The plot involves intricate family relationships, rapists, killers, and the challenges of city life. The writing style is noted to be relaxed, smooth, funny, serious, and suspenseful, creating an engaging murder mystery narrative with memorable characters.
- #9
Save:'Magpie Murders' by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly crafted mystery novel that presents a story within a story. It follows Susan Ryeland, an editor, as she delves into the mysteries surrounding a manuscript by a popular author, Alan Conway, which goes missing after his suspicious death. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the traditional British whodunit style of Conway's manuscript and the real-life mystery Susan finds herself entangled in, creating a metafictional delight for mystery fans. expertly pays homage to classic detective novels while offering a fresh and inventive take on the genre.
The writing style of 'Magpie Murders' is described as intelligent, classic, and reminiscent of Agatha Christie's works, with intricate plots, well-developed characters, and clever narrative devices. The book's structure, with two interconnected mysteries and a metafictional approach, keeps readers engaged and guessing until the satisfying conclusion. Horowitz's ability to blend different writing styles, explore themes of crime fiction, and deliver unexpected twists and turns throughout the narrative showcases his talent as a mystery writer.
A bottle of wine. A family-sized packet of Nacho Cheese Flavoured Tortilla Chips and a jar of hot salsa dip. A packet of cigarettes on the side (I know, I know). The rain hammering against the windows... - #10
Save:'Gun, With Occasional Music' by Jonathan Lethem is a futuristic noir detective novel set in a dystopian California where evolved animals and mind-altering drugs are the norm. The protagonist, private detective Conrad Metcalf, navigates a world where asking questions is outlawed, and individuals are judged based on their karma points. The book blends elements of classic noir with speculative fiction, creating a darkly humorous and imaginative narrative filled with absurdities like talking kangaroos and rebellious babyheads.
It was two weeks after I'd quit my last case, working for Maynard Stanhunt. The feeling was there before I tuned in the musical interpretation of the news on my bedside radio, but it was the musical n...
