Books Like...
'Shella' by Andrew Vachss is a dark and gritty noir fiction that delves into heavy themes such as child abuse and crime. The story follows a lethal autistic man who finds acceptance and family among a group of brothers. The protagonist, Ghost, a hitman, embarks on a quest to find the woman he loves after being released from jail, resulting in a love story between two deeply traumatized individuals. The writing style is described as descriptive, engaging, and thrilling, capturing the bleak hellscape of the narrative.
If you liked Shella, here are the top 5 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Blue Belle' in the 'Burke' series by Andrew Vachss follows the story of Burke, a private investigator specializing in cases involving child abuse, who is hired to investigate the Ghost Van, a vehicle targeting prostitutes. The novel delves into Burke's world filled with dark characters and the pursuit of justice, with a touch of explicit sex and violence that may not be suitable for all readers. The writing style captures the tough, gritty essence of hard-boiled mysteries, depicting a surreal world that borders on the edge of reality.
I WAS working in a dead–end hotel, but I'd gotten the job in the back seat of a limousine. The customer was a Wall Street lawyer. He dressed the part to perfection, but he didn't have enough mileage o...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Burke ) - #2
Save:'Strega' by Andrew Vachss is the second installment in the Burke series, continuing the story of the anti-hero Burke who operates outside the law to bring down depraved individuals. The novel introduces the character Strega, who seeks Burke's help in solving dark and twisted crimes involving child molestation. Set in the gritty underworld of 1985-87 New York, the story follows Burke and his unconventional team as they navigate through the seedy and violent streets to seek justice for victims of society's worst predators.
The redhead walked slowly up the bridle path, one foot deliberately in front of the other, looking straight ahead. She was dressed in a heavy sweatsuit and carrying some kind of gym bag in her hand. H...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Burke ) - #3
Save:A thrilling novel that weaves its way through plot lines, characters, events, and discovery. The story revolves around the 50's red scare and a number of murders in LA, told from three different police officers' points of view. It delves into the dark side of 1950s Los Angeles, exploring themes of police corruption, serial murder, Communist witch hunts, and the underworld of homosexual prostitution.
Thundershowers hit just before midnight, drowning out the horn honks and noisemaker blare that usually signalled New Year’s on the Strip, bringing 1950 to the West Hollywood Substation in a wave of h...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series L.A. Quartet ) - #4
Save:Burke is a detective and con artist in New York City with a soft spot for cases involving abused children. When a mysterious woman named Flood hires him to track down a child killer for revenge, Burke delves into the gritty streets filled with memorable characters like The Mole and street corner prophets. Written in a hard-boiled noir style, "Flood" by Andrew Vachss follows Burke's journey through the dark underbelly of the city, tackling themes of child abuse and vigilantism.
I GOT TO the office early that morning-I think it was about ten o’clock. As soon as the dog saw it was me, she walked over to the back door and I let her out. I went outside with her as far as the fir... - #5
Save:The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager is a suspenseful thriller that follows Emma, who returns to Camp Nightingale as an art instructor, the place where three girls disappeared 15 years ago. The novel expertly weaves between past and present, revealing secrets and mysteries surrounding the girls' disappearance. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of mystery and suspense that keeps readers captivated until the very end.
Then come the girls, sometimes clustered together, sometimes scattered to far-flung corners of the canvas. I put them in white dresses that flare at the hems, as if they’re running from something. The...
