Books matching: hard boiled prose
57 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:Moody, masterful, and full of unforgettable lines - 'The Long Goodbye' is essential reading for noir lovers, but its meandering style and darker tone may not be for everyone.
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 ) - #2
Save:'Brown's Requiem' by James Ellroy is a classic hard-boiled detective novel that showcases the early attempt of the author at crime writing. Set in 1980, the book follows a compelling protagonist who is a recovering alcoholic with a unique perspective on right and wrong. The story is filled with mystery, romance, violence, and a touch of philosophy, keeping readers engaged and wondering as they turn the pages. Ellroy's writing style in this debut novel is described as well-crafted, with a complex plot that moves the story along seamlessly.
- #3
Save:Brilliant, thought-provoking, and occasionally bleak - "The Wall" is a classic for those ready to stare into the abyss (and maybe laugh at it). Not your average bedtime story, but unforgettable for the right reader.
- #4
Save:'The Shop' by J. Carson Black in the 'Cyril Landry' series is a hair-raising thriller that follows the intertwining investigations of Cyril Landry, a paid government assassin, and Jolie Burke, a Florida law enforcement deputy. As they delve into the mysterious death of a local sheriff, a fatal hostage situation, and the disappearance of a young homosexual male, they uncover dark political ties that connect their cases. The story culminates in an explosive finale with gunfire and a complex web of connections that leave no one unscathed.
The plot of 'The Shop' is fast-paced and filled with action, intrigue, and suspense. The writing style keeps readers engaged with well-developed characters like Cyril Landry and Jolie Burke, who navigate through a series of murders, government conspiracies, and personal dilemmas while trying to unravel the mysteries surrounding the deaths and disappearances in Aspen, Colorado, and the Florida Panhandle.
- #5
Save:'Every Brilliant Eye' by Loren D. Estleman is a solid mystery featuring the tough Detroit PI, Amos Walker. The book is set in a gritty and dangerous Detroit, where Walker navigates through a dark and desperate city full of vivid neighborhoods. The writing style of the book is reminiscent of the classic hard-boiled detective mysteries popularized by authors like Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. The story is filled with parsed tense dialogue, historical references, and clever quips that add depth to the narrative.
(Also, see 32 recommendations for the series Amos Walker ) - #6
Save:A brilliantly original urban mystery with a wild concept that lingers in your mind, but be ready for more ideas and atmosphere than action or heart.
I COULD NOT SEE THE STREET or much of the estate. We were enclosed by dirt-coloured blocks, from windows out of which leaned vested men and women with morning hair and mugs of drink, eating breakfast... - #7
Save:Bad Boy by Jim Thompson is an autobiographical account of the author's early years, from boyhood to early adulthood. It delves into Thompson's shenanigans during his schooldays, his adventures in various early jobs, and his experiences working as a bellboy in a midwestern hotel in the early 1920s. The book provides insights into Thompson's upbringing, his struggles with poverty, and his journey towards fulfilling his passion for writing fiction. Through short chapters, Thompson paints a vivid picture of his colorful early life, laying the foundation for many of the characters and themes that would later appear in his novels.
The narrative in Bad Boy is described as raw, humorous, and occasionally tender. Thompson's writing style is commended for its honesty and lack of pretension, offering readers a glimpse into his formative years with vivid and detailed descriptions of the people and events that shaped him. The book is praised for its entertainment value, addictive quality, and the way it sheds light on the origins of Thompson's dark and twisted storytelling.
- #8
Save:A solid, atmospheric police procedural with a compelling lead - perfect for fans of crime series and strong underdog stories, though perhaps not the best fit if you like your mysteries lightning-fast or romance-free.
- #9
Save:'The Long Fall' in the Leonid McGill series by Walter Mosley introduces us to the reformed crook, Leonid McGill, an African American private investigator working in New York. McGill is a former boxer, former criminal, and hopeless romantic living in a marriage where his wife is consistently unfaithful. The plot revolves around McGill being hired to discover the identity of four young men, leading him into a complex web of mystery and danger. The writing style is reminiscent of classic noir crime novels, with a focus on McGill's moral dilemmas and the murky demi world he navigates.
- #10
Save:Not your typical whodunit - come for the Irish noir atmosphere and damaged but compelling main character, not for a cozy or conventional mystery. If you like your crime fiction dark, raw, and literary, you’ll be hooked.
It’s a serious place for serious drinking. No bouncers with intercoms on the door. Not an easy pub to find. You head up Shop Street, skip Garavan’s, turn into a tiny alley and you’re home. If not free...
