Books Like...

'Falling Angel' by William Hjortsberg is a noir mystery novel set in 1950s New York City, following private detective Harry Angel as he is hired to search for a missing pop singer. The story unfolds with elements of horror, voodoo, and black magic, leading to a chilling and suspenseful plot that keeps readers engaged until the unexpected twist at the end.

The book combines the genres of hard-boiled detective fiction and horror, creating a unique blend of supernatural elements within a gritty noir setting. The narrative is filled with intricate details of mid-20th century New York City, vividly bringing the bustling streets, seedy haunts, and mysterious characters to life as Harry Angel delves deeper into the dark and sinister world surrounding the missing singer.

'The Bat' in the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbø follows the Norwegian detective Harry Hole as he investigates a murder in Sydney, Australia. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing Harry's struggles with alcoholism, his damaged past, and his interactions with the Australian police and local culture. The narrative combines elements of Australian mythology, dark crime thriller, and a touch of eeriness, culminating in a captivating final pursuit that keeps the reader engaged until the end.

In Lauren Beukes' 'Broken Monsters', the story unfolds in a broken Detroit, intertwining the lives of a diverse set of characters including a detective, her daughter, a failed journalist, a church worker, and a disturbed artist. As a young boy's mutilated body is discovered, the narrative delves into a complex web of events involving a supernatural element, online journalism, teenage friendships, and the dark desires of a killer artist. Beukes expertly weaves together multiple storylines, exploring themes of urban decay, media saturation, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

The writing style in 'Broken Monsters' is described as engaging, fast-paced, and gripping, with vividly real characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers hooked. Beukes' narrative approach immerses the reader in the haunting setting of Detroit, painting a vivid picture of a city in turmoil while exploring dark themes such as mental illness, misogyny, and the destructive power of social media. The book blends elements of crime thriller, horror, and social commentary, offering a multifaceted portrayal of a city grappling with darkness and decay.

'Relic' in the 'Agent Pendergast' series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is a thrilling techno thriller set in the Museum of Natural History in New York. The story follows FBI agent Pendergast investigating a series of murders linked to a terrifying creature lurking in the museum's subbasements. The plot combines elements of science fiction, horror, and mystery, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative. The writing style is described as fast-paced, well-researched, and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

In Blood Standard, Laird Barron introduces us to Isaiah Coleridge, a former mob enforcer from Alaska who finds himself in upstate New York investigating a disappearance. The book seamlessly blends elements of noir and crime fiction, showcasing Barron's talent for creating vivid settings and complex characters. As Isaiah delves into the mystery, his unique skill set and contemplative nature are put to the test, leading to a thrilling narrative filled with action, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The writing style is described as lyrical and atmospheric, with a focus on character development and immersive world-building that sets it apart from traditional thrillers.

"Rules of Prey" by John Sandford follows the story of Lucas Davenport, a tough and unconventional police lieutenant, as he hunts down a psycho serial killer in the Twin Cities. The killer leaves behind notes with 'Rules' for other serial killers, creating a cat and mouse game with Davenport. The book is a gritty and action-packed police procedural that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending suspense with a complex character like Lucas Davenport who is both a brilliant detective and a womanizer.

The writing style of "Rules of Prey" is described as fast-paced, taunt, and engrossing, with a well-developed setting and a plot that keeps the tension high as Davenport races against time to catch the killer. The book introduces readers to a range of fascinating characters within the Minneapolis police department and sets the stage for a series filled with thrilling crime-solving adventures.

Legacies in the Repairman Jack series by F. Paul Wilson follows Repairman Jack as he takes on various cases involving mysteries, family secrets, and dangerous adversaries. The book introduces Dr. Alicia Clayton, who seeks Jack's help in uncovering the truth behind her inheritance and the dark forces at play. Jack's character is portrayed as a skilled problem solver with a unique sense of justice, navigating through a thrilling storyline filled with action and suspense.

Legacies delves into themes of family dynamics, childhood trauma, and the pursuit of justice amidst a backdrop of greed and manipulation. The plot unfolds with intricate layers of mystery, as Jack unravels the secrets hidden within Alicia's inherited house and faces off against formidable enemies. Wilson's writing style combines elements of thriller, mystery, and action, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged with its fast-paced storytelling and dynamic characters.

The Black Echo revolves around LAPD detective Harry Bosch who is drawn into a murder investigation involving a fellow Vietnam veteran. As Bosch delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex plot tied to a bank robbery, all while navigating challenging relationships with his superiors and an FBI partner. The book is praised for its impressive police procedural elements, well-developed characters, and gritty details that immerse readers into the heart of Los Angeles and Bosch's past in Vietnam.

'The Outsider' by Stephen King is a gripping mystery thriller that begins with the horrific murder of an eleven-year-old boy in Flint City. All evidence points towards Terry Maitland, a well-respected teacher and coach, who is arrested in a very public manner. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Terry may have been in two places at once, leading to a supernatural twist in the plot. Detective Ralph Anderson, along with a team of characters, delves deep into the case, uncovering chilling details and facing the possibility of otherworldly elements influencing the events. The story is suspenseful, with vivid attention to detail and well-developed characters that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

King's writing style in 'The Outsider' is described as haunting and suspenseful, keeping readers guessing and invested in the storyline. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, blending elements of crime, detective work, and the supernatural seamlessly. addresses themes of innocence, guilt, human nature, and the dark side of society, while also showcasing King's talent for character development and intricate storytelling.

In 'The Devil You Know' by Mike Carey, readers are introduced to Felix Castor, a charming exorcist in London who navigates a world where ghosts and supernatural entities coexist with the living. The plot revolves around Felix being hired to exorcise a ghost haunting an archive museum, leading him into a complex mystery involving prostitution and a web of villains. The story is fast-paced with many twists, satisfying both fans of sci-fi paranormal and detective mysteries.