Books Like...

A STRANGER IN MY GRAVE by Margaret Millar is a mystery novel set in San Felice, California, exploring themes of emotional toll, inner conflict, and despair. The story follows Daisy, a woman who believes there is somebody in her grave and hires a bail bondsman private detective to help her solve the mystery. The book features a diverse cast of characters spanning different backgrounds and economic classes, with strong and interesting women in central roles. Margaret Millar's writing style is praised for its engrossing narrative, originality, and excellent characterization.

'The Whisper of the Axe' by Richard Condon is a political thriller set in the 1970s, revolving around characters like Miss Tel, Agatha Teel, and Bart Simms who are involved in a complex web of political schemes, narcotics trafficking, and revolutionary plots. The book delves into themes of conspiracy, cultural subversion, and the manipulation of power for personal gain, all against the backdrop of a post-Vietnam War America. Richard Condon's writing style is described as cynical, satirical, and ambitious, with over-the-top plot elements that challenge the reader's perception of reality.

'Briarpatch' by Ross Thomas follows Ben Dill, a man who returns home to investigate the assassination of his police detective sister, Felicity Dill. As he delves into the case, he uncovers a web of politics, crime, and corruption in his hometown, which leads to a complex and suspenseful plot. The narrative style is described as cool and engaging, drawing readers into a story filled with intrigue, manipulation, and unexpected twists. is set in an unnamed city, reminiscent of Oklahoma City, with well-developed characters and a gritty, realistic setting that adds depth to the novel.

'The Blunderer' by Patricia Highsmith is a psychological thriller that follows Walter Stackhouse, a man who harbors gruesome fantasies about his distant and neurotic wife, Clara. When Clara's body is found in a manner similar to another murder case, Walter becomes the prime suspect, while the actual murderer, Kimmel, goes unpunished. The story delves into the twisted minds of the characters, the blunders they make, and the manipulative tactics of a detective named Corby who is determined to prove their guilt.

"The Girl with a Clock for a Heart" by Peter Swanson is a mystery thriller that follows George Foss, a man in his thirties who gets entangled in the dangerous world of his former college flame, Liana Dector, who reappears in his life after twenty years. The book alternates between present dilemmas and flashbacks, revealing a complex and fast-paced plot that keeps the reader guessing. George's gullibility and his past history with Liana add layers of intrigue and danger to the story, leading to a series of twists and turns that culminate in a suspenseful and gripping narrative.

Swanson's writing style in this debut novel is described as clipped and dry, reminiscent of authors like Dennis Lehane and Walter Mosley. The narrative unfolds rapidly, with a twisting plot that keeps the reader on edge until the last few pages. The book delves into themes of obsessive love, deception, and the consequences of past actions, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that blends elements of noir with literary fiction.

Fool's Gold by Dolores Hitchens is a crime drama set in the mid-1950s Los Angeles area that combines a story of adolescent rebellion and juvenile delinquency with hard crime. The novel follows three young people - Skip, Eddie, and Karen - as they conspire to rob a horde of cash from an old woman, Mrs. Havermann. However, their plans get complicated when seasoned criminals get involved, leading to conflicting heist plans and a web of betrayal. The book offers a mix of action, criminal elements, and psychological insights, reminiscent of literary fiction, while showcasing the themes of 1950s juvenile delinquency and criminal underworld.

'The Follower' by Jason Starr is a modern thriller that delves into the lives of contemporary urban singles, focusing on dating, relationships, and the impact of media culture. The story follows Katie, a woman being stalked by Peter, a manipulative and disturbed young man who has sinister intentions towards her. Through a suspenseful plot, the book also explores the dynamics between different characters, shedding light on the behavior and mindset of young adults in places like Manhattan.

The dialogue in 'The Follower' is praised for being pitch-perfect, capturing the essence of how twenty-somethings in urban settings think and behave. The novel not only serves as a gripping thriller about a stalker and his victim but also provides an insightful commentary on modern big city dating, challenging romanticized notions of life for young singles in Manhattan.

'Laura' by Vera Caspary is a murder mystery that unfolds through the viewpoints of multiple characters, including Waldo Lydecker, Detective Mark McPherson, and Laura herself. The story revolves around the murder of Laura Hunt, a young socialite, in her own apartment, just days before her planned wedding. The narrative delves into the lives and relationships of the characters, revealing a complex web of intrigue, romance, and psychological drama. The writing style is described as engaging, with each character given a distinct voice, making the story multi-dimensional and gripping.

'The Ax' by Donald E. Westlake follows the story of Burke Devore, a middle-aged man who gets laid off from his job and remains unemployed for two years. Frustrated with the intense competition for available managerial positions in the paper industry, Devore devises a sinister plan to eliminate his competition by resorting to murder. The plot unfolds as Devore meticulously identifies and targets his rivals, leading to a chilling narrative that delves into the dark depths of desperation and corporate greed. Westlake's writing style, characterized by clean and simple sentences, effectively captures the protagonist's twisted logic and justifications for his heinous actions, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking storyline.

As the story progresses, readers are taken on a gripping journey through Devore's morally ambiguous decisions and the consequences of his ruthless actions. Westlake masterfully blends elements of a hard-boiled noir thriller with a critique of corporate capitalism, presenting a compelling exploration of the protagonist's descent into madness as he navigates the cutthroat world of job hunting through extreme measures. The novel challenges readers to ponder ethical dilemmas and the lengths individuals may go to in the face of unemployment and societal pressures, ultimately delivering a haunting and unforgettable narrative that blurs the lines between right and wrong.

The Blank Wall is a thrilling novel written in 1947 by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding, set during World War II in New York State. The story follows Lucia Holley, a middle-class housewife dealing with the complexities of protecting her family and saving her daughter from ruin after a series of unfortunate events involving blackmailers, deception, and a murder cover-up. The plot is fast-moving, wryly funny, and rich in inner character development, focusing on Lucia's struggles with societal expectations, family dynamics, and the challenges of wartime life.