Books Like...

'A Hell of a Woman' by Jim Thompson is a dark and twisted tale following the life of door-to-door salesman Frank Dillon as he becomes entangled with a troubled young woman and her manipulative aunt. The story delves into themes of greed, lust, and murder, showcasing the protagonist's descent into his own personal hell. Thompson's writing style is described as hard-boiled and gritty, providing a disturbing contrast to the shocking narrative of the book. The unconventional storytelling method used by Thompson helps reveal the dark underbelly of humanity, making the book a recommended read for those unafraid of exploring the seamier side of life.

The plot of the book is fast-paced and engaging, starting with Dillon encountering the woman who will be his undoing in the first sentence. As the story progresses, the reader witnesses Dillon's mental state deteriorate, adding to the tension and darkness of the narrative. Despite some mixed opinions on certain aspects of the book, such as the experimental elements and occasional clumsiness in the plot, 'A Hell of a Woman' is praised for its gripping storytelling and the way Thompson peels back the layers of the protagonist to reveal his rotten core.

Set in 1950s Los Angeles, "Die a Little" by Megan Abbott follows the story of Lora, a schoolteacher, whose life is disrupted when her close relationship with her police detective brother, Bill, is threatened by his marriage to the enigmatic Alice. As Lora delves deeper into Alice's mysterious past, she becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets and deception. The novel gradually unravels its layers, revealing complex characters and a noir-inspired plot that keeps readers captivated with its atmospheric setting and suspenseful narrative style.

Queenpin by Megan Abbott is a noir novel that follows a young woman who starts working at a small casino and quickly rises in the underworld using her looks and intelligence. The story delves into the complexities of loyalty, passion, lies, and violence as she navigates her relationships in the criminal world. The book is well-written, with a mysterious unnamed narrator who idolizes a legendary figure in the noir world, Gloria Denton, and aims to prove herself worthy of her mentor's attention.

'Shoot the Piano Player' by David Goodis follows the story of Eddie, a former concert pianist who now plays jazz in a bar. When his brother, Turley, on the run from the mob, seeks his help, Eddie is reluctantly drawn back into a world he tried to escape. The narrative is filled with scenes of pain, brutality, and dark themes, but amidst the darkness, there are glimpses of humanity as characters reach out to help Eddie in small ways, making the story compelling and hard to put down. Goodis intricately weaves a tale of family loyalty, personal tragedy, and the consequences of running away from one's past, creating a gritty and intense noir atmosphere that keeps readers engaged until the end.

'Wild at Heart' by Barry Gifford follows the adventures of Sailor Ripley and Lula Pace as they travel through the South in their Bonneville convertible, encountering eccentric characters and wild adventures. The plot consists of short chapters describing their encounters with lunatic individuals and offbeat experiences, with a focus on unique characters and colorful dialogues. is a collection of conversations between the couple on the run from the girl's overprotective mother, showcasing Gifford's goal of realism over surrealism.

Nightmare Alley by William Lindsay Gresham is a noir novel that delves into the dark world of carnivals, conmen, and spiritual manipulations. The story follows the rise and fall of Stanton Carlisle, a cunning mentalist who uses his skills to deceive and manipulate for personal gain. The book is structured around tarot trumps, reflecting the protagonist's journey through a series of cons and schemes that eventually lead to his downfall. Gresham's writing style captures the gritty atmosphere of the carny underworld, blending vivid descriptions with a mix of stream of consciousness and external observations.

The Bride Wore Black by Cornell Woolrich is a gripping noir novel that follows a mysterious woman on a killing spree targeting men she believes are responsible for her husband's death. The story unfolds in a series of murders, each connected by the presence of a woman, leaving the police and a determined detective, Wagner, to unravel the connections and motives behind the killings. Woolrich's writing style is described as elegant, sophisticated, and compelling, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end.

'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.

"He Died With His Eyes Open" by Derek Raymond is a gritty and atmospheric crime novel set in the bleak underbelly of London. The story follows a nameless protagonist, a sergeant at the Department of Unexplained Deaths, as he investigates the brutal murder of a middle-aged alcoholic. The narrative is compelling and unconventional, with the victim's personal reflections recorded on cassette tapes playing a key role in the investigation. Derek Raymond's writing style pushes boundaries to create a dark and intense study of obsession and evil in Thatcher's London of the mid-1980s.

In 'Double Indemnity', insurance salesman Walter Huff becomes entangled with the femme fatale Phyllis Nirdlinger, leading to a plot to murder her husband for the insurance money. The story unfolds with intricate murder plots, double crosses, and a dark, twisted tale of crime set in 1930s Los Angeles. Written in a hard-boiled style, the book delves into themes of murder, betrayal, revenge, and questions about human nature, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.