Books Like...
In Lauren Beukes' 'Broken Monsters', the story unfolds in a broken Detroit, intertwining the lives of a diverse set of characters including a detective, her daughter, a failed journalist, a church worker, and a disturbed artist. As a young boy's mutilated body is discovered, the narrative delves into a complex web of events involving a supernatural element, online journalism, teenage friendships, and the dark desires of a killer artist. Beukes expertly weaves together multiple storylines, exploring themes of urban decay, media saturation, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
The writing style in 'Broken Monsters' is described as engaging, fast-paced, and gripping, with vividly real characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers hooked. Beukes' narrative approach immerses the reader in the haunting setting of Detroit, painting a vivid picture of a city in turmoil while exploring dark themes such as mental illness, misogyny, and the destructive power of social media. The book blends elements of crime thriller, horror, and social commentary, offering a multifaceted portrayal of a city grappling with darkness and decay.
If you liked Broken Monsters, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'The Shining Girls' by Lauren Beukes is a unique and gripping novel that combines elements of time travel, horror, and sci-fi. The story follows Kirby, a survivor of a time-traveling serial killer named Harper, who is determined to seek revenge and solve her own cold case with the help of a seasoned reporter, Dan Velasquez. The narrative jumps between different characters and various time periods, creating a fast-paced and suspenseful read that keeps the reader engaged. Beukes expertly weaves together a complex plot with well-developed characters, particularly Kirby, who shines as a strong and resilient protagonist.
The book delves into themes of survival, revenge, and the consequences of time travel, offering a fresh and intriguing take on the crime thriller genre. Beukes' writing style is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and descriptive, with short chapters that make it a compelling and easy read. The blend of time-travel elements, intricate plotting, and strong character development sets 'The Shining Girls' apart as a standout and thought-provoking novel that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
HE CLENCHES the orange plastic pony in the pocket of his sports coat. It is sweaty in his hand. Mid-summer here, too hot for what he’s wearing. But he has learned to put on a uniform for this purpose;... - #2
Save:"Every Dead Thing" by John Connolly follows the story of Charlie Parker, a former detective whose wife and daughter were brutally murdered. The book delves into Parker's quest for justice as he investigates a series of gruesome crimes, encountering a twisted serial killer known as the Traveling Man. The plot is described as dark and gripping, with elements of horror and supernatural woven into a gritty crime thriller. The writing style is praised for its atmospheric and detailed descriptions, creating a mood that immerses the reader into the world of Charlie Parker as he navigates through a complex web of mysteries and suspense.
The waitress was in her fifties, dressed in a tight black miniskirt, white blouse, and black high heels. Parts of her spilled out of every item of clothing she wore, making her look like she had swoll... - #3
Save:'Falling Angel' by William Hjortsberg is a noir mystery novel set in 1950s New York City, following private detective Harry Angel as he is hired to search for a missing pop singer. The story unfolds with elements of horror, voodoo, and black magic, leading to a chilling and suspenseful plot that keeps readers engaged until the unexpected twist at the end.
The book combines the genres of hard-boiled detective fiction and horror, creating a unique blend of supernatural elements within a gritty noir setting. The narrative is filled with intricate details of mid-20th century New York City, vividly bringing the bustling streets, seedy haunts, and mysterious characters to life as Harry Angel delves deeper into the dark and sinister world surrounding the missing singer.
It was Friday the thirteenth and yesterday’s snowstorm lingered in the streets like a leftover curse. The slush outside was ankle-deep. Across Seventh Avenue a treadmill parade of lightbulb headlines ... - #4
Save:In Blood Standard, Laird Barron introduces us to Isaiah Coleridge, a former mob enforcer from Alaska who finds himself in upstate New York investigating a disappearance. The book seamlessly blends elements of noir and crime fiction, showcasing Barron's talent for creating vivid settings and complex characters. As Isaiah delves into the mystery, his unique skill set and contemplative nature are put to the test, leading to a thrilling narrative filled with action, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The writing style is described as lyrical and atmospheric, with a focus on character development and immersive world-building that sets it apart from traditional thrillers.
- #5
Save:'Galveston' by Nic Pizzolatto follows the story of Roy Cady, a bagman for a New Orleans gangster who, after a chaotic event, flees with a young prostitute named Rocky and her three-year-old sister to Galveston. The novel alternates between flashbacks and present-day, exploring themes of redemption, fate, and the harsh realities of life in the underbelly of society. The writing style is described as gritty, atmospheric, and evocative, with a sparse and lean structure that adds to the overall noir feel of the book.
I’d felt something was wrong because days before I had chased a guy up two flights of stairs and I’d had trouble breathing, like there was a barbell on my chest. I’d been drinking pretty hard for a co... - #6
Save:'Zoo City' by Lauren Beukes is a unique urban fantasy novel set in a near-future Johannesburg where individuals, known as "animalled," are linked to an animal companion due to past criminal acts. The protagonist, Zinzi December, is linked to a sloth and possesses the ability to find lost objects. Reluctantly roped into a search for a missing child pop star, Zinzi uncovers a series of murders and delves into the criminal underworld. The book combines elements of urban fantasy, true crime, and magical realism, offering a fresh and edgy portrayal of a wired, gritty Johannesburg.
The novel explores themes of guilt, identity, and the consequences of past actions through a hard-hitting and humanistic lens. The world-building is vivid and immersive, depicting a corrupt and dingy future South Africa where criminals have acquired animal familiars, reminiscent of Philip Pullman's dæmons. The plot twists and turns, weaving a complex narrative that delves into the criminal underworld and the protagonist's personal struggles, culminating in a fast-paced and shocking conclusion.
Shielding my eyes – morning has broken and there's no picking up the pieces – I yank back the sheet and peel out of bed. Benoît doesn't so much as stir, with only his calloused feet sticking out from ... - #7
Save:'Nocturnal' by Scott Sigler is a fast-paced SF horror novel that blends the best of both genres with a police procedural and a decades-old mystery. The story follows Bryan Clauser, an experienced SF homicide detective, as he starts having dreams of a series of gruesome murders that turn out to be real. Alongside his partner, Pookie Chang, Bryan investigates these murders, which are somehow connected to the trials of a bullied 13-year-old kid. The plot accelerates through the pages, revealing twists and turns, complex character relationships, and a deep conspiracy that stretches through the city's underbelly to the highest offices.
The writing style of 'Nocturnal' is described as blending cop detective drama with monster fantasy. The author delves into character psyches, providing insight into their motivations and emotions, creating a dark and urban sci-fi setting with elements of horror that keep readers engaged. The novel features a mix of brutal murders, occult symbols, terrible nightmares, and a conspiracy that adds layers of excitement and dread to the narrative.
Paul Maloney hunched his shoulders high, tried to burrow his ears into his coat. He needed a hat. So cold out at night. Wind drove the fog, a fog thick enough that you could see wisps of it at eye lev... - #8
Save:'The Outsider' by Stephen King is a gripping mystery thriller that begins with the horrific murder of an eleven-year-old boy in Flint City. All evidence points towards Terry Maitland, a well-respected teacher and coach, who is arrested in a very public manner. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Terry may have been in two places at once, leading to a supernatural twist in the plot. Detective Ralph Anderson, along with a team of characters, delves deep into the case, uncovering chilling details and facing the possibility of otherworldly elements influencing the events. The story is suspenseful, with vivid attention to detail and well-developed characters that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
King's writing style in 'The Outsider' is described as haunting and suspenseful, keeping readers guessing and invested in the storyline. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, blending elements of crime, detective work, and the supernatural seamlessly. addresses themes of innocence, guilt, human nature, and the dark side of society, while also showcasing King's talent for character development and intricate storytelling.
It was an unmarked car, just some nondescript American sedan a few years old, but the blackwall tires and the three men inside gave it away for what it was. The two in front were wearing blue uniforms... - #9
Save:"Hammers on Bone" by Cassandra Khaw is a genre-bending novella that merges hardboiled detective fiction with Lovecraftian horror elements. The story follows PI John Persons, who is hired by a young client to kill the child's abusive stepfather, McKinsey, who is revealed to be a monster possessed by ancient cosmic entities. Persons, who is also an ancient monster, navigates through a gritty, noir-inspired narrative set in a contemporary London infested with Lovecraftian horrors. The book is praised for its atmospheric writing style, rich in blood, tentacles, and a unique blend of cosmic horror and gritty detective noir.
Usually, it’s dames trussed up in whalebone and lace that come slinking through my door. Or, as is more often the case these days, femmes fatales in Jimmy Choos and Armani knockoffs. The pipsqueak in ... - #10
Save:'Birdman' by Mo Hayder follows Detective Jack Caffery as he investigates the brutal killings of young prostitutes in London. The book is described as a tense psychological thriller that delves into the disturbing and grotesque world of a serial killer. The storyline is engaging, filled with suspense and action, and is narrated from the perspective of the lead investigator, providing insights into the human aspect of the investigation. The book is known for its violent descriptions and grisly details, making it a challenging read for those who are faint of heart.
The narrative unfolds with a mix of suspense, horror, and psychological depth, drawing readers into a world of twisted crimes and complex characters. The main character, Detective Jack Caffery, is portrayed as a tormented police inspector with inner demons, adding layers to the story. The book is praised for its realistic character development, from the damaged cop protagonist to the female victims and the antagonists, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
North Greenwich. Late May. Three hours before sunup and the river was deserted. Dark barges strained upstream on their moorings and a spring tide gently nosed small sloops free of the sludge they slep...
