Books Like...

'Whiskey River' by Loren D. Estleman is the first novel in the 'Detroit Crime Series' that delves into the underworld of Detroit during the Prohibition Era to the late 1930s. Through the eyes of journalist Connie Minor, the story unfolds, showcasing the lives of crime bosses, syndicates, police, and politicians in a chaotic and colorful depiction of Detroit's criminal landscape. The narrative is filled with detailed storytelling, intertwined stories, and historical references, providing a vivid portrayal of the era's bootlegging, mobsters, and corruption.

Grave Error by Stephen Greenleaf is the first novel in the John Marshall Tanner series, featuring a hard-boiled detective from San Francisco. The book follows Tanner as he is hired to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance and strange behavior of a well-known consumer advocate, Roland Nelson. As Tanner delves into the case, he uncovers a 20-year-old murder and must navigate through a web of hidden motives that lead back to a small town where the killing occurred. The plot is described as involving, easy to follow, with a great sense of place and some of the best wisecracking in the business, making it a thrilling read for fans of complex mysteries.

The writing style in Grave Error is praised for being well-written and reminiscent of classic hard-boiled detective tales. The story unfolds with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Despite some criticism of the plot's convoluted nature and reliance on coincidences, the book introduces readers to a compelling series character in John Marshall Tanner, whose legal background adds a unique dimension to the story.

Drive by James Sallis is a noir thriller following the story of Driver, a stunt driver for movies by day and a driver for criminals by night. The plot revolves around a criminal job gone wrong, leading to revenge among thieves. The narrative is structured with flash forwards and flashbacks, showcasing non-stop action with cynical dialogue interspersed with literary and music references. Sallis's writing style is described as punchy, concise, and enjoyable, capturing the essence of neo-noir with brutal and beautiful prose.

'I, the Jury' by Mickey Spillane follows the hard-hitting private investigator, Mike Hammer, on a mission to avenge his friend's murder. Set in New York City in the late 1940s, the book is filled with fast-paced action, two-dimensional characters, and an abundance of stereotypes. The writing style is characterized by hard-boiled dialogue, misogyny, racism, and violence, reflecting the era in which it was written.

'The Deep Blue Good-By' is the first novel in the Travis McGee series by John D. MacDonald. Set in Florida, the book follows Travis McGee, a self-described "knight in tarnished armor" and a "retriever" who helps people recover things without involving the police, for a fee. In this particular story, McGee is approached by Cathy, a woman who suspects that an ex-convict named Junior Allen has discovered her father's secret hoard of stolen money. As McGee delves into the case, he uncovers Allen's dangerous and perverted personality while trying to protect vulnerable women like Lois from his schemes. The novel is described as a classic noir crime story with a mix of rough boats, stolen gems, and a thrilling finale.

The writing style of 'The Deep Blue Good-By' is noted for its engrossing narrative, character-driven plot, and timeless quality. Despite being published in 1964, the book's intense sex and violence were considered ahead of its time. The protagonist, Travis McGee, is praised for being a complex and interesting character who delivers pithy ruminations on the human condition, making him a precursor to modern-day vigilante heroes like Jack Reacher. The book is also commended for its balanced portrayal of women, who are depicted as strong-willed and developed characters rather than just sexual props.

In "The Ranger" by Ace Atkins, the story follows Army Ranger Quinn Colson as he returns home to Mississippi for his uncle's funeral, only to uncover a web of crime, corruption, and meth operations in his small town. The plot is described as fast-paced, with sharp dialogue, real characters, and a gritty depiction of the South. The book delves into themes of family, loyalty, and justice, as Quinn navigates through a series of challenges, including investigating his uncle's death and dealing with various criminal elements in the town.

The writing style of "The Ranger" is praised for its authenticity and engaging storytelling. Readers mention the seamless blend of action, mystery, and character development, as well as the vivid portrayal of the setting and the nuanced relationships between the characters. The book is highlighted for its well-crafted plot, intriguing storyline, and the promise of a new series with memorable characters like Quinn Colson and Lillie Virgil.

'Pop. 1280' by Jim Thompson is a dark and cynical novel set in a small southern town, focusing on the sociopathic high sheriff, Nick Corey. The book delves into Corey's manipulative and deceptive nature as he navigates through various relationships and schemes, all while maintaining a facade of laziness and incompetence. The writing style is described as straightforward yet engaging, with a touch of dark humor and unexpected plot twists that keep the reader intrigued and surprised till the end.

In "The Monkey's Raincoat," Elvis Cole, a wisecracking private investigator with a sense of humor and a love for Disney characters, is hired by Ellen Lang to find her missing husband and son. Along with his enigmatic partner Joe Pike, Cole delves into a case that leads them into a world of drugs, sex, and murder in the seamy side of Hollywood. The book is described as a fast-paced detective yarn with snappy dialogue, vivid descriptions of Los Angeles, and a complicated plot that keeps readers engaged.

'The Continental Op' by Dashiell Hammett is a collection of short stories featuring the hard-boiled detective known as the Continental Operative. Set in San Francisco in the 1920s, the stories follow the Op as he navigates through various cases involving deception, violence, and intrigue. Hammett's writing style is described as crisp, descriptive, and authentic, drawing from his own experience working for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The plots often involve the Op chasing down leads, solving crimes, and dealing with a cast of characters ranging from devious dames to ham-fisted mugs.