Books matching: fast paced crime fiction
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel is faced with a challenging murder case where a woman is found brutally murdered in a securely locked home, leaving everyone puzzled about how the killer got in and out. As Jessica investigates, the pressure mounts with a journalist seemingly knowing more about the case than she does, and a second body appearing in identical circumstances. The plot unfolds with intriguing twists and turns, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
The book introduces Jessica as a new detective eager to prove herself in the face of a complex murder mystery. The story delves into the struggle of the police department to find leads, the increasing body count, and the rush to uncover the common link between the victims that interests the killer. With well-developed characters and a suspenseful, fast-paced narrative, 'Locked In' sets the stage for a promising series with a mix of likable characters, intriguing plot twists, and a compelling backstory involving the police department.
- #2
Save:Unsuspecting drug dealer Jack Price finds himself entangled in a murder mystery when his downstairs neighbor is executed. As he delves into the investigation, Jack navigates a world of corruption, violence, and intrigue, all while questioning his own involvement in the crime. The book combines elements of a murder mystery, noir thriller, and adventure story, with a unique writing style that challenges traditional punctuation rules and offers a fast-paced, chaotic narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- #3
Save:Timothy Blake is a consultant for the FBI in Houston, Texas, known for his expertise in finding kidnapped victims. However, when called in to investigate the kidnapping of a fourteen-year-old boy, he finds himself entangled in a complex web of mysteries that challenge even his own intuition. As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to a character who is both deeply flawed and highly intelligent, navigating dark themes with a touch of dark humor. The plot is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Timothy Blake, the protagonist of "Hangman," is a unique character that readers find both repulsive and captivating. Jack Heath's writing style is commended for its dark humor, well-crafted plot, and the depth of the protagonist's psyche. The book blends elements of crime fiction, comedy, and horror, creating a thrilling and addictive read that is highly recommended for fans of these genres.
The house has green patches where the graffiti couldn’t be scrubbed away. The mailbox has been mangled by a baseball bat. A coyote-wolf hybrid—coywolves, they’re called—limps around an overturned tras... - #4
Save:'Dirty White Boys' by Stephen Hunter follows the story of Lamar Pye, his mentally disabled cousin Odell, and a third man who escape from a maximum-security prison and embark on a killing and robbery spree in Oklahoma and North Texas. The narrative explores the horrors inflicted by the fugitives and the relentless pursuit by state police Sgt. Bud Pewtie and his partner Ted Pepper. The characters are flawed, with Pewtie being a self-centered egotist and Pye portrayed as exceptionally evil. The writing style is described as gritty and fast-paced, focusing more on action rather than romance or angst.
The phone pulled Bud Pewtie from a blank and dreamless sleep, and he awoke in the dark of his bedroom, his wife breathing heavily beside him. All through the house it was quiet, except for the sounds ... - #5
Save:'Track of the Cat' by Nevada Barr follows the story of Anna Pigeon, a law enforcement ranger at Guadaloupe Mountains National Park in West Texas, who investigates the death of a fellow ranger supposedly mauled to death by a mountain lion. Despite opposition from her bosses, Anna suspects foul play and delves deep into the mystery, uncovering various suspects including the murdered ranger's lover, opponents of park policies, and a powerful rancher. The novel offers a decent whodunnit plot set in the backdrop of national parks, with Anna's character portrayed as a complex, imperfect protagonist with a strong spirit for protecting wildlife and solving crimes.
Anna Pigeon, a New York City widow turned park ranger, is depicted as a tough, detail-oriented protagonist with a knack for solving mysteries and a deep love for animals and nature. The writing style of Nevada Barr is praised for its emotional charge and vivid descriptions of the Texas landscape, bringing authenticity and a sense of immediacy to the story. balances set up with action effectively, making the reader eager to explore the next installment in the series.
THERE hadn't been a god for many years. Not the nightgown-clad patriarch of Sunday school coloring books; not the sensitive young man with the inevitable auburn ringlets Anna had stared through in the... - #6
Save:In "A Lovely Way to Burn," Stevie Flint is devastated by finding her boyfriend, Simon, dead, and soon after, a deadly pandemic called 'the sweats' sweeps the country. Despite the chaos, Stevie is determined to uncover the truth behind Simon's death, leading her into dangerous situations and a mysterious world of medical research. The book combines elements of mystery, thriller, and dystopian genres, exploring the breakdown of society amidst a global crisis, with a focus on Stevie's relentless investigation and the atmospheric depiction of London in turmoil.
The plot is driven by Stevie's quest for answers, as she navigates through a world filled with death, crime, and a deadly virus. The writing style captures the tension and urgency of the pandemic, while also delving into Stevie's personal journey and her resilience in the face of adversity, making the reader question loyalties, motivations, and the blurred lines between truth and deception.
- #7
Save:56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard is a gripping crime fiction novel set during the Covid-19 lockdown in Dublin. The story follows Ciara and Oliver, who meet during the pandemic and decide to move in together, only to have a decomposing body discovered in Oliver's apartment. As the plot unfolds through multiple timelines and perspectives, secrets are slowly revealed, leading to a suspenseful investigation into the mysterious death. The writing style seamlessly switches between characters and timeframes, keeping the reader engaged with edgy cliffhangers and unexpected twists.
It’s like one of those viral videos taken inside some swanky apartment complex, where all the slim and fit thirty-something residents are doing star jumps behind the glass railings of their balconies ... - #8
Save:Widespread Panic by James Ellroy is a fast-paced novel set in 1950s Hollywood, following the story of Freddy Otash, a corrupt cop turned private investigator who delves into the dark underbelly of the city while working for scandal magazines. The book is filled with salacious gossip about movie stars, scandals, and sleaze, all narrated in a compressed, intense writing style that reads like a lush prose poem. Ellroy's unique language and alliteration bring the postwar Los Angeles setting to life, intertwining real-life historical figures with fictional characters, creating a vivid portrayal of a world filled with secrets, crimes, and personal struggles.
The narrative of Widespread Panic revolves around Otash's quest to solve mysterious murders of women he knew personally, all while dealing with his own desires and conflicts. The book's high concept nature, with Otash stuck in purgatory and forced to confess his dreams and sins, adds a layer of complexity to the story. Ellroy's masterful historicity and verbal artistry shine through the book, making it a challenging yet rewarding read for fans of crime fiction and historical novels.
- #9
Save:City of Dreams, the sequel to City on Fire, follows the journey of Danny Ryan as he navigates life as an Irish mobster in Providence, Rhode Island, and later in California. The book portrays a sense of family among mobsters, with readers feeling connected to the characters and their losses. As Danny transitions to a new life in Los Angeles, the storyline delves into his personal growth as a father and son, while also exploring the challenges of leaving a life of crime behind.
Don Winslow's writing style in City of Dreams is described as sharp, propulsive, and well-researched, capturing the essence of locations like Providence and Hollywood. The book is praised for its engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked, with well-developed characters and a fast-moving plot that spans from the criminal underworld in Rhode Island to the glitz of California.
(Also, see 97 recommendations for the series Danny Ryan ) - #10
Save:In "The Chalk Circle Man" by Fred Vargas, Chief Inspector Jean Baptiste Adamsberg investigates the appearance of blue chalk circles on the streets of Paris, which he believes hold a sinister purpose. Despite his unorthodox methods and peculiar personality, Adamsberg is determined to uncover the truth behind these mysterious circles and the crimes they lead to. The book introduces a cast of eccentric characters, a slow-burning plot filled with introspection, and a unique writing style that sets it apart from typical crime fiction.
She made another note in the diary: ‘He sat down too close to me, as if we knew each other, but I’ve never seen him before. No, I’m sure I’ve never seen him before. Not much else to say about him, exc...
