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One Good Deed - Archer by David Baldacci
One Good Deed
Book 1 in the series:Archer

Set in 1949, 'One Good Deed' follows Aloysius Archer, a WWII veteran wrongly imprisoned, as he navigates the small town of Poca City after his release. The story unfolds with Archer being hired to collect a debt, which leads him into a complex web of murder and intrigue. The plot is characterized by gritty realism, snappy dialog, and unexpected twists, all set against the backdrop of post-WWII America.

If you liked One Good Deed, here are the top 25 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 25 
  1. #1

    The Life We Bury - Detective Max Rupert by Allen Eskens
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    "The Life We Bury" by Allen Eskens follows the story of Joe Talbert, a college student assigned to write a biography for his class. Joe chooses to interview Carl Iverson, a dying convict who was incarcerated for a crime he claims he did not commit. As Joe delves into Carl's past, he uncovers layers of complexity surrounding the murder case, intertwined with his own family struggles, including an alcoholic mother and an autistic brother. The plot is a mix of mystery, redemption, and family dynamics, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged till the end.

    The narrative style of the book alternates between suspenseful mystery and heartfelt storytelling, weaving together the lives of Joe, Carl, and other characters in a compelling manner. The author skillfully tackles themes of responsibility, love, and the search for truth, creating a multi-layered narrative that explores the impact of past actions on present lives. Through the exploration of Joe's journey to uncover the truth about Carl's past, the book offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the quest for redemption.

    I remember being pestered by a sense of dread as I walked to my car that day, pressed down by a wave of foreboding that swirled around my head and broke against the evening in small ripples. There are...

  2. #2

    Black Wings Has My Angel by Elliott Chaze
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    Black Wings Has My Angel by Elliott Chaze is a noir crime novel set in the 1950s that follows the story of an escaped convict named Tim Sunblade who teams up with a call girl named Virginia for a daring heist. The plot delves into their passionate yet volatile relationship, as they plan to make a massive score while battling their inner demons and societal expectations. The writing style of Chaze is described as sharp, witty, and slicing away at post-war American reality, highlighting themes of greed, desperation, and the destructive nature of human desires.

    I’D BEEN roughnecking on a drilling rig in the Atchafayala River for better than sixteen weeks, racking the big silver stems of pipe, lugging the sacks of drilling mud from barge to shore, working wit...

  3. #3

    And on the Eighth Day - Ellery Queen Detective by Ellery Queen, Avram Davidson
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    'And on the Eighth Day' is a unique and intriguing novel in the Ellery Queen Detective series that delves into a puzzling mystery set in a hidden community in the Southwest. The plot revolves around Ellery Queen's involvement with a group of highly peaceful and religious hermits, leading to a far greater puzzle than just a murderous mystery to be solved. The writing style of the book is non-formulaic, insightful, and dynamic, presenting a storyline that is different from the typical period mystery associated with Ellery Queen.

    SOMEWHERE SAGEBRUSH WAS BURNING, but on neither side of the road could Ellery see smoke. Once he thought he saw fire. It turned out to be an ocotillo shrub in flaming flower. Either the spring rains h...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ellery Queen Detective )

  4. #4
    Noir
    Book 1 in the series:Sammy and the Cheese

    Noir - Sammy and the Cheese by Christopher Moore
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    'Noir' by Christopher Moore is a comedic, science fiction twist on American Noir Literature set in 1947 San Francisco. The story follows Sammy Tiffin, a bartender who falls in love with a woman named Stilton and gets entangled in a series of unfortunate events involving a poisonous snake, an air force general, secretive men in black, and a secretive club of rich men. The novel is a zany, action-packed, and extremely entertaining send-up of post-war noir, filled with humor, absurdity, and lively characters.

    The writing style of 'Noir' is described as a blend of noir elements with comedic spoofs, featuring outrageous metaphors, witty dialogue, and a mix of mystery, sci-fi, and humor. The book captures the essence of post-war San Francisco, with memorable characters, engaging plot twists, and a unique twist on the traditional noir genre, making it a fun and enjoyable read for fans of Christopher Moore's work.

    She had the kind of legs that kept her butt from resting on her shoes—a size-eight dame in a size-six dress and every mug in the joint was rooting for the two sizes to make a break for it as they watc...

  5. #5

    Double Indemnity by James M. Cain
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    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.

    I drove out to Glendale to put three new truck drivers on a brewery company bond, and then I remembered this renewal over in Hollywoodland. I decided to run over there. That was how I came to this Hou...

  6. #6

    Excellent Women by Barbara Pym
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    'Excellent Women' by Barbara Pym is a charming story set in post-World War II England, focusing on the life of Mildred Lathbury, a single clergyman's daughter who is considered one of the excellent women of her time. The book delves into the everyday work Mildred undertakes in the church, her interactions with a variety of characters in her neighborhood, and her observations on relationships and societal expectations. Through a first-person narrative, the author portrays a bittersweet portrayal of loneliness and conformity, capturing the nuances of parish life and the struggles faced by women like Mildred in the 1950s.

    The novel is praised for its character-driven plot, detailed portrayal of post-war England, and the author's keen eye for social satire. Barbara Pym's writing style is described as witty, subtle, and engaging, with a focus on the everyday lives of the characters, making it an immersive and insightful read into the life of an 'excellent woman' navigating societal norms and personal desires.

    ‘Ah, you ladies! Always on the spot when there’s something happening!’ The voice belonged to Mr Mallett, one of our churchwardens, and its roguish tone made me start guiltily, almost as if I had no ri...

  7. #7
    The Big Sleep
    Book 1 in the series:Philip Marlowe

    The Big Sleep - Philip Marlowe by Raymond Chandler
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    'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic noir detective story set in Los Angeles. The book follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he navigates through a complex web of blackmail, murder, and intrigue while dealing with shady characters and dangerous situations. The writing style is characterized by snappy dialogue, witty descriptions, and vivid details of the city of Los Angeles, creating a gritty and atmospheric setting reminiscent of classic detective movies.

    The story unfolds with Marlowe being hired by a wealthy man to handle a blackmail case involving his daughter, which quickly escalates into a series of events leading to multiple deaths and a deeper mystery. As Marlowe delves deeper into the case, the plot becomes more intricate and the stakes higher, showcasing Chandler's talent for creating suspenseful and engaging narratives that keep readers hooked until the final revelation.

    IT WAS ABOUT ELEVEN O’CLOCK in the morning, mid October, with the sun not shining and a look of hard wet rain in the clearness of the foothills. I was wearing my powder-blue suit, with dark blue shirt...

  8. #8

    The Roman Hat Mystery - Ellery Queen Detective by Ellery Queen
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    The Roman Hat Mystery by Ellery Queen is the debut novel in the series, featuring the detective Ellery Queen and his father, Inspector Queen. The story revolves around the murder of a sleazy lawyer, Monte Field, during a Broadway show at the Roman Theater. The setting in the 1920s, the missing top hat of the victim, and the intricate plot involving various suspects from the theater's audience and cast create a classic mystery atmosphere. The book is known for its fair play approach, providing readers with all the clues needed to solve the murder before the big reveal, along with Ellery Queen's signature Challenge to the Reader.

    The writing style of The Roman Hat Mystery is described as reflective of its time, with elements that may be considered dated by modern standards, such as racial references and character portrayals. The authors, Dannay and Lee, were still honing their craft when they wrote this novel, evident in the detailed list of characters, theater map, and the Challenge to the Reader included in the foreword. Despite some criticisms of the plot's memorability and character development, the book offers an engaging mystery that showcases Ellery Queen's logical deduction skills and sets the stage for the series to come.

    DJUNA HAD just cleared the table of the dinner dishes and was serving coffee to the two Queens at six-thirty that evening when the outer doorbell rang. The little man-of-all-work straightened his tie,...

  9. #9

    The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett
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    'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett is a hard-boiled noir mystery classic that centers on Nick Charles, a former PI, and his wife Nora Charles. The couple is reluctantly pulled into a murder case involving an old client, leading them to investigate a wealthy inventor's disappearance and his secretary's murder. Set in the 1930s New York, the story unfolds through witty banter, dialogue-driven narrative, and a tangled web of clues and half-truths that Nick navigates to solve the mystery. portrays Nick as a streetwise detective with a sophisticated edge, while Nora's character, though underused, adds depth to the storyline.

    The narrative captures the essence of the era with its portrayal of speakeasies, parties, hard-nosed cops, and a complex plot that keeps the reader engaged. Despite some dated elements and differences from the movie adaptations, 'The Thin Man' is praised for its clean prose, character development, and the chemistry between Nick and Nora Charles. The novel offers a blend of mystery, comedy, and suspense, providing a fast-paced and entertaining read that showcases Hammett's skill in crafting a classic detective story with a unique twist.

    1 I was leaning against the bar in a speakeasy on Fifty-second Street, waiting for Nora to finish her Christmas shopping, when a girl got up from the table where she had been sitting with three other ...

  10. #10

    The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
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    The Maltese Falcon is a classic noir novel set in San Francisco, revolving around private detective Sam Spade who takes on a case involving a valuable black statuette of a bird. As the mystery unfolds, Spade navigates through a web of lies and deceit while dealing with dangerous adversaries and mysterious motives. The writing style is described as gritty, fast-paced, and filled with witty dialogue, creating a world where characters like Spade and the femme fatale Brigid O'Shaughnessy come to life in a story that explores themes of obsession, loyalty, and justice.

    Samuel Spade’s jaw was long and bony, his chin a jutting v under the more flexible v of his mouth. His nostrils curved back to make another, smaller, v. His yellow-grey eyes were horizontal. The v mot...

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