Books Like...
The Digger's Game by George V. Higgins follows the story of a degenerate gambler and his brother, a man of the cloth, as the former digs himself into a deep hole with a loan shark and plans a robbery for insurance money. Set in 70s Boston and other locations, the book delves into themes of gambling, debt, family issues, criminal elements, and the complex relationships between the characters. Higgins' writing style is characterized by gritty dialogue-driven storytelling, with conversations playing a central role in driving the narrative forward.
The plot of The Digger's Game weaves through various locations and characters, portraying a world of criminals, enforcers, chancers, and family dynamics. The book's focus on dialogue, flawed characters, and morally questionable individuals creates a rich and realistic portrayal of Boston's less reputable social circles during the seventies. Higgins' unique approach to storytelling, where characters are studied through their interactions and conversations, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a compelling read for those interested in character-driven crime fiction.
If you liked The Digger's Game, here are the top 4 books to read next:
- #1
Save:I hate the little bastard, John Roscommon thought after their meeting. Roscommon had said that aloud on many occasions when there was nobody around but other State cops. “That little bastard,” Roscomm...A riveting, blistering novel about the shady side of the law and the business side of the Boston underworld by the one and only George V. Higgins.
Jerry Fein is a small-time lawyer, occasional booking agent, and full-time slumlord. But he's nobody's
... - #2
Save:'Cogan's Trade' by George V. Higgins is a crime novel set in Boston's underworld, revolving around an armed robbery at a high-stakes poker game under mob protection. The plot follows hitman Cogan as he is tasked with seeking retribution for the robbery. The book is praised for its realistic depiction of hoods and hitmen, using authentic street slang and dialogue to bring the characters and their criminal activities to life.
The writing style of 'Cogan's Trade' is heavily dialogue-driven, with most of the story unfolding through conversations between characters. The book provides a gritty and detailed look into the day-to-day lives of mobsters, discussing topics such as marriages, criminal activities, and the challenges of earning money in the criminal underworld. The plot weaves multiple threads together, building towards an inevitable conclusion, all while maintaining a sense of realism and authenticity in its portrayal of organized crime.
AMATO IN A GRAY SUIT with a muted red stripe, textured pink shirt with his initials on the left French cuff, a maroon and gold tie, sat at the kidney-shaped, walnut veneer desk and stared. “I got to g... - #3
Save:'The Friends of Eddie Coyle' by George V. Higgins is a hard-boiled crime novel set in Boston in the 1970s. The story revolves around Eddie Coyle, a small-time crook who is facing trial for stealing a truckload of whiskey. The novel primarily focuses on dialogue, providing a gritty and realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld, with characters engaging in gunrunning and bank robbing activities. As the plot unfolds, readers witness the intricate relationships between criminals, cops, lawyers, and informants, showcasing the trade-offs and betrayals that occur within these circles.
Higgins' writing style is characterized by crisp and authentic dialogue, reminiscent of the slang used in the 1970s Boston underworld. The narrative is mainly driven by conversations among characters, offering a claustrophobic and noir atmosphere akin to classic crime fiction. Despite the predictable nature of the plot, the novel impresses with its execution, dark humor, and the way characters are developed through their interactions and dialogues, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
Jackie Brown at twenty-six, with no expression on his face, said that he could get some guns. “I can get your pieces probably by tomorrow night. I can get you, probably, six pieces. Tomorrow night. In... - #4
Save:'The Power of the Dog' by Don Winslow is a dark and gripping novel that delves into the morally conflicted world of the American Drug War, specifically focusing on the drug trade between Mexico and the United States. The book spans over several decades, following the rise of brutal Mexican drug lords, the pursuit by dedicated DEA agents, and the intertwining of various criminal elements including the Mafia, CIA, and corrupt government officials. The writing style is described as compelling, gripping, and expertly crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its themes of fate, vengeance, power, and the consequences of individual decisions.
Winslow's novel is praised for its epic sweep through the complexities of the drug trade, delivering a heart-thumping page-turner that resonates long after the final page. The characters created by Winslow are lauded for their depth and realism, with readers finding themselves emotionally invested in their journeys. The book skillfully weaves together history and crime fiction, offering a raw and violent portrayal of the Mexican drug cartels and the futile war on drugs, while also shedding light on the political and economic aspects of the conflict.
Campesinos—Mexican peasant farmers—trot in front of the flames, clutching the few possessions they could grab before the soldiers put the torch to their village. Pushing their children in front of the...
