Books Like...
The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett is a hard-boiled crime novel set in a town rife with corruption and political intrigue. The story follows Ned Beaumont, a professional gambler and racketeer working for political boss Paul Madvig, who becomes embroiled in the investigation of a murder involving a senator's son. As Ned navigates a web of suspicion and shifting loyalties, the narrative unfolds with seedy alliances between the underworld and politics, filled with twists and unexpected turns. Hammett's writing style is described as visual and stylistic, painting a vivid picture of a world where corruption, vice, and shady dealings reign, all leading to a gripping and suspenseful storyline.
The book is praised for its constantly shifting human relationships, intricate plot, and Hammett's ability to keep the reader guessing until the end. The characters are depicted as conflicted, slimy, and intriguing, adding depth to the noir atmosphere of the novel. Despite its complex narrative, the book is commended for its classic qualities, with references to old-fashioned black and white movies and the charm of a back-to-basics suspense story, making The Glass Key a compelling and engaging read.
If you liked The Glass Key, here are the top 28 books to read next:
- #1
Save:In 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett, the Continental Op is summoned to Personville, a town overrun by corruption and violence. Upon arrival, he finds his client murdered and embarks on a mission to clean up the town by manipulating the various criminal factions to turn against each other. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with brutal action, double-crosses, and a high body count, all set in a gritty and corrupt environment. The writing style is hard-boiled and direct, with sharp language and a focus on the relentless pursuit of justice amidst a morally bankrupt society.
I first heard Personville called Poisonville by a red-haired mucker named Hickey Dewey in the Big Ship in Butte. He also called his shirt a shoit. I didn’t think anything of what he had done to the ci... - #2
Save:The Dain Curse by Dashiell Hammett follows the Continental Op as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths surrounding Gabrielle Dain Leggett, a young woman believed to be cursed. The plot weaves together elements of murder, theft, cults, and the occult, creating a complex and fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged. Hammett's writing style is characterized by short, terse sentences that maintain a sense of urgency and intrigue throughout the novel, with a structure that consists of three interconnected mysteries that are eventually resolved in a satisfying manner.
It was a diamond all right, shining in the grass half a dozen feet from the blue brick wall. It was small, not more than a quarter of a carat in weight, and unmounted. I put it in my pocket and began ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Continental Op ) - #3
Save:'The Continental Op' by Dashiell Hammett is a collection of short stories featuring the hard-boiled detective known as the Continental Operative. Set in San Francisco in the 1920s, the stories follow the Op as he navigates through various cases involving deception, violence, and intrigue. Hammett's writing style is described as crisp, descriptive, and authentic, drawing from his own experience working for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The plots often involve the Op chasing down leads, solving crimes, and dealing with a cast of characters ranging from devious dames to ham-fisted mugs.
- #4
Save:'Road to Perdition: On the Road' by Max Allan Collins is a gripping mystery thriller that follows the story of Michael O'Sullivan, a former mob hitman turned resort manager. When his son goes missing in Vietnam and he is framed for a mob boss's murder, Michael's peaceful life is shattered. The novel delves into themes of family, vengeance, and morality as Michael navigates through danger to protect his loved ones. The writing style is described as fast-paced, unforgettable, and filled with intricate details that bring the story to life.
The family nearly lost its “O” at Ellis Island, but my grandfather insisted it stay, and the family of three stayed too, right there in New York. For a time my grandfather toiled in a railroad switch ... - #5
Save:In "The Long Goodbye," private detective Philip Marlowe gets entangled in a mystery involving a friend accused of murder and suicide. The plot twists and turns as Marlowe navigates through conflicts, deceit, and corruption in California's upper class society, all while maintaining his tough exterior and showcasing his softer side through chess and poetry. The writing style is described as hard-boiled and descriptive, with a mix of world-weary insights, tender moments, and atmospheric scenes that keep readers engaged till the surprising end.
The first time I laid eyes on Terry Lennox he was drunk in a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith outside the terrace of The Dancers. The parking lot attendant had brought the car out and he was still holding th...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Philip Marlowe ) - #6
Save:Set in corrupt 1950s Los Angeles, "L.A. Confidential" by James Ellroy follows a complex web of intrigue within the LAPD involving three different police officers: Ed Exley, Bud White, and Jack Vincennes. The book delves into themes of corruption, obsession, and brutality, presenting a noir epic filled with suspense, action, and unexpected twists. Ellroy's writing style is described as brutal, clipped, and terse, with short chapters that make the book hard to put down.
Bud White in an unmarked, watching the "1951" on the City Hall Christmas tree blink. The back seat was packed with liquor for the station party; he'd scrounged merchants all day, avoiding Parker's di...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series L.A. Quartet ) - #7
Save:In "The Little Sister" by Raymond Chandler, private detective Philip Marlowe is approached by a young lady from Kansas who offers him $20 to find her missing brother. Marlowe is quickly entangled in a web of murder, blackmail, and drugs, leading him through the dark and gritty world of Hollywood. The book is described as a classic noir with complicated interactions, where readers need to pay close attention to unravel the mystery and navigate through the twisted plot.
The writing style of "The Little Sister" is praised for its electric and crackling dialogue, compressed action, and 'throwaway' lines that reveal deep insights. Despite the complex plot movements and the challenge of keeping up with Chandler's elliptical and allusive writing, readers find the book to be a compelling read that captures the essence of hardboiled detective fiction.
The pebbled glass door panel is lettered in flaked black paint: ‘Philip Marlowe… Investigations’. It is a reasonably shabby door at the end of a reasonably shabby corridor in the sort of building that...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Philip Marlowe ) - #8
Save:The Maltese Falcon is a classic noir novel set in San Francisco, revolving around private detective Sam Spade who takes on a case involving a valuable black statuette of a bird. As the mystery unfolds, Spade navigates through a web of lies and deceit while dealing with dangerous adversaries and mysterious motives. The writing style is described as gritty, fast-paced, and filled with witty dialogue, creating a world where characters like Spade and the femme fatale Brigid O'Shaughnessy come to life in a story that explores themes of obsession, loyalty, and justice.
Samuel Spade’s jaw was long and bony, his chin a jutting v under the more flexible v of his mouth. His nostrils curved back to make another, smaller, v. His yellow-grey eyes were horizontal. The v mot... - #9
Save:'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett is a hard-boiled noir mystery classic that centers on Nick Charles, a former PI, and his wife Nora Charles. The couple is reluctantly pulled into a murder case involving an old client, leading them to investigate a wealthy inventor's disappearance and his secretary's murder. Set in the 1930s New York, the story unfolds through witty banter, dialogue-driven narrative, and a tangled web of clues and half-truths that Nick navigates to solve the mystery. portrays Nick as a streetwise detective with a sophisticated edge, while Nora's character, though underused, adds depth to the storyline.
The narrative captures the essence of the era with its portrayal of speakeasies, parties, hard-nosed cops, and a complex plot that keeps the reader engaged. Despite some dated elements and differences from the movie adaptations, 'The Thin Man' is praised for its clean prose, character development, and the chemistry between Nick and Nora Charles. The novel offers a blend of mystery, comedy, and suspense, providing a fast-paced and entertaining read that showcases Hammett's skill in crafting a classic detective story with a unique twist.
1 I was leaning against the bar in a speakeasy on Fifty-second Street, waiting for Nora to finish her Christmas shopping, when a girl got up from the table where she had been sitting with three other ... - #10
Save:Mildred Pierce by James M. Cain is a novel set in 1941 during the Great Depression, telling the story of a woman named Mildred who kicks her husband out and starts her own journey towards success. The book details her rise from a waitress to a restaurant owner, her relationships with her daughters, and the challenges she faces along the way. The narrative explores the complex dynamics between Mildred and her daughter Veda, portraying themes of resilience, maternal love, and the struggles of a single woman during the 1930s.
The book is praised for its engaging storytelling, vivid depiction of settings such as Glendale and Los Angeles, and the compelling character development of Mildred Pierce. Readers appreciate the exploration of themes like unrequited maternal love, hard work, determination, and the consequences of obsessive and unhealthy relationships. The novel is noted for its realistic portrayal of characters and situations, offering a glimpse into the life of a woman navigating through hardships and personal conflicts.
In the spring of 1931, on a lawn in Glendale, California, a man was bracing trees. It was a tedious job, for he had first to prune dead twigs, then wrap canvas buffers around weak branches, then wind ...
