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.
If you liked A Hell of a Woman, here are the top 52 books to read next:
- #1
Save: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.
It was a tall, pistachio-colored building along the scenic ridge outside of town. The lobby was covered with mirrors and tall, potted plants. There was an automatic elevator with a carpet in it and wh... - #2
Save:'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.
There were no street lamps, no lights at all. It was a narrow street in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. From the nearby Delaware a cold wind came lancing in, telling all alley cats they'd b... - #3
Save: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.
Much later, as he sat with his back against an inside wall of a Motel 6 just north of Phoenix, watching the pool of blood lap toward him, Driver would wonder whether he had made a terrible mistake. La... - #4
Save:'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.
Sailor and Lula lay on the bed in the Cape Fear Hotel listening to the ceiling fan creak. From their window they could see the river as it entered the Atlantic Ocean and watch the fishing boats naviga... - #5
Save:'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.
It was good standing there on the promontory overlooking the evening sea, the fog lilting itself like gauzy veils to touch his face. There was something in it akin to flying; the sense of being lifted... - #6
Save: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.
LATER, the things I would think about. Things like this: My brother never wore hats. When we were young, he wouldn’t wear one even to church and my mother and then grandmother would force one on his h... - #7
Save:'After Dark, My Sweet' by Jim Thompson is a noir crime novel that follows the story of William Collins, a former boxer and escaped mental patient, who gets involved in a kidnapping plot orchestrated by a femme fatale named Fay and her uncle, a con artist. The plot unfolds with dark and gritty elements, filled with unredeemable characters and a sense of impending doom. The narrative is told from Collins' unreliable point of view, keeping the reader on edge with its unpredictable and violent nature. Thompson's writing style delves into the twisted minds of the characters, creating a warped and crazy world where trust is a rare commodity.
The book is known for its gripping and engaging storyline that keeps the reader's interest until its final, unpredictable ending. Thompson's mastery of the noir genre shines through in his portrayal of morally complex characters and the dark atmosphere he creates. The plot, filled with double-crosses and tension, is complimented by the author's skillful writing that immerses the reader into the paranoid and violent world of the protagonist.
I rode a streetcar to the edge of the city limits, then I started to walk, swinging the old thumb whenever I saw a car coming. I was dressed pretty good—white shirt, brown slacks and sport shoes. I’d ... - #8
Save: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 the room, just darkness, broken by the squared outline of a moonlit window, with its spectral complement lying flat upon the floor beneath it. Outside, silence, a countryside asleep under a star-pu... - #9
Save:'Savage Night' by Jim Thompson is a dark and surreal 'noir' classic that follows the story of Carl Bigelow, a contract killer sent to a small town to eliminate a court informer. The book delves into the twisted world of small-town intrigue, amoral characters, and a protagonist who slowly loses grip on reality as he becomes entangled in a love triangle. Thompson's writing style is described as gritty, atmospheric, and filled with unexpected twists, culminating in a violent and bizarre ending that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
I'd caught a slight cold when I changed trains at Chicago; and three days in New York—three days of babes and booze while I waited to see The Man—hadn't helped it any. I felt lousy by the time I arriv... - #10
Save:'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.
Well, sir, I should have been sitting pretty, just about as pretty as a man could sit. Here I was, the high sheriff of Potts County, and I was drawing almost two thousand dollars a year—not to mention...
