Books matching: hired killers
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- #1
Save:A quirky, darkly funny, and surprisingly touching Western that’s more about characters and brotherhood than shootouts - perfect for anyone who loves their fiction with a side of oddball charm.
The Sisters Brothers follows the journey of two hired killers, Eli and Charlie Sisters, in the Wild West during the California Gold Rush era. The narrative is presented in a first-person perspective by Eli, who reflects on their violent lifestyle as they travel from Oregon City to California on a mission to assassinate a prospector named Hermann Kermit Warm. The book combines elements of dark comedy, gritty Western settings, and unexpected plot twists, all wrapped in a narrative style that is both charming and authentic.
The story delves into themes of brotherhood, redemption, and self-discovery as Eli grapples with his desire for a different life while remaining loyal to his bloodthirsty brother, Charlie. The novel captures the essence of the Old West with vivid characterizations, engaging dialogues, and a blend of humor and melancholy that keeps the reader entertained and emotionally invested in the characters' journey.
I was sitting outside the Commodore's mansion, waiting for my brother Charlie to come out with news of the job. It was threatening to snow and I was cold and for want of something to do I studied Char...April 2011•333 pages - #2
Save:A beautifully written and chilling Southern Gothic tale that’s not for the faint of heart or fans of straightforward narratives, but a must for lovers of dark, literary fiction.
In a rural Tennessee town in the 1950s, 'Twilight' by William Gay tells the story of a teen brother and sister seeking revenge on an undertaker who desecrates the dead. The siblings discover the undertaker's dark secret and attempt to blackmail him, leading to a twisted chain of events involving hired killers and a chase through the Harrikin, a heavily wooded area. The prose in the book is described as having a Southern Gothic style, with a lack of punctuation for dialogue adding to the stark and dark atmosphere of the narrative.
They came up through the stand of cypress that shrouded the graveyard, the pickup hidden off the road in a chertpit clottedwith inkblot bowers of honeysuckle. There were two of them, a young woman and...2006•240 pages - #3
Save:A classic sci-fi novel that mashes up futuristic noir, philosophy, and a dash of weirdness - perfect for deep thinkers, but not everyone will vibe with its style or pacing. If Blade Runner intrigued you, the book is both familiar and full of surprises.
In a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has been devastated by nuclear war, 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter tasked with tracking down and 'retiring' rogue androids who have escaped from Mars back to Earth. The novel explores themes of empathy, identity, and the essence of humanity as Deckard grapples with distinguishing between androids and humans in a society where owning real animals is a symbol of status and worth. Dick weaves a dark and thought-provoking narrative that questions what it truly means to be human in a world filled with synthetic beings and dwindling life forms.
The book delves into a dystopian future where technology blurs the lines between real and artificial life, leading readers on a journey that challenges traditional notions of humanity and morality. Through Deckard's internal struggles, the narrative unfolds with a mix of action-packed sequences and philosophical reflections, creating a compelling exploration of the impact of advanced technology on society and individual identity.
A merry little surge of electricity piped by automatic alarm from the mood organ beside his bed awakened Rick Deckard. Surprised—it always surprised him to find himself awake without prior notice—he r...1968•246 pages - #4
Save:Witty, sharp, and action-packed, The Intern's Handbook delivers a wild ride - just don’t expect realism or soul-searching depth. Perfect for anyone craving killer thrills with a satirical twist.
'The Intern's Handbook' by Shane Kuhn follows the story of John Lago, an assassin who poses as an unpaid intern to get close to his targets. The company he works for, Human Resources, Inc., specializes in assassinations of rich and powerful individuals by training young men and women to insinuate themselves into the confidence of the target before eliminating them. The narrative is a mix of action, humor, and a touch of humanity, presented in a wry and entertaining style that keeps readers engaged.
If you’re reading this, you’re a new employee at Human Resources, Inc. Congratulations. And condolences. At the very least, you’re embarking on a career that you will never be able to describe as dull...April 2014•293 pages - #5
Save:Buckle up for a brutal, mesmerizing descent into ’60s America. Not an easy read, but a standout for crime fiction fans who want their thrillers complex, conspiratorial, and utterly uncompromising.
The Cold Six Thousand, the second book in the Underworld USA series by James Ellroy, delves into the dark, amoral underbelly of America, portraying gratuitous violence, corruption, and conspiracy theories. The novel intricately weaves together historical events such as the turmoil following JFK's assassination, the Vietnam War, and the rise and fall of Martin Luther King, all while showcasing morally repugnant characters that readers end up caring about. Ellroy's unique writing style, with clipped sentences and a rhythm akin to poetry, propels the plot forward at a relentless pace, creating a complex and enthralling narrative that covers crime fiction, conspiracy theories, and American history.
“Let’s try nigger lover. Let’s try you chauffeur Sonny Liston around when he comes to Vegas, ’cause the PD’s afraid he’ll get himself in trouble with liquor and white women, and you like him, but you... - #6
Save:A madcap, gritty, and sometimes raunchy Floridian adventure that's big on laughs and action - "Tricky Business" is a wild, adult crime comedy best suited for fans of irreverent humor.
"Tricky Business" by Dave Barry is a humorous novel set in South Florida, revolving around a casino ship hijacking during a tropical storm. The story is filled with funny dialogues, a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and a serious mystery, as well as a surprisingly good plot with controlled silliness. The novel follows a chaotic sequence of events involving a drug deal double-cross on a gambling ship, a sleazy character buying the boat, and a crew including aging garage band members caught up in the madness.
The writing style of Dave Barry in "Tricky Business" is described as a rare mix of hysterical laughter and a serious mystery, with the author showcasing his comedic genius in creating outrageous and entertaining situations. Readers find the book to be a fun and fast-paced adventure, filled with humorous insights into the cruise industry in Florida and cleverly crafted plot twists that keep the readers engaged throughout the story.
“That’s where you’re wrong,” said the captain. “If we go out, we got customers. These people, they’re crazy. They don’t care about weather, they don’t care about anything. They just want to get out th...2002•325 pages - #7Toxinby:
Save:A gripping, eye-opening medical thriller that will keep you turning pages - and maybe make you rethink your next hamburger. Not everyone will love the writing, but the suspense and real-life scares are hard to resist.
'Toxin' by Robin Cook is a gripping medical thriller that delves into the dark side of the food industry. The plot revolves around the dangers of food contamination, particularly focusing on E. coli outbreaks and the risks associated with consuming meat and fast food. The story is filled with suspense, tragedy, and excitement, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Robin Cook's writing style is described as graphic, detailed, and accurate, providing a realistic portrayal of the food industry and its potential hazards.
The sky was an immense, inverted bowl of gray clouds that arched from one flat horizon to the other. It was the kind of sky that hovered over the American Midwest. In the summer the ground would be aw...1998•470 pages - #8
Save:A speedy, entertaining thriller that keeps the pages turning - even if it doesn’t rewrite the genre. Great for suspense lovers, but don’t expect deep realism or nuanced characterization.
"The Pelican Brief" by John Grisham is a legal thriller that follows a young law student named Darby Shaw who writes a brief speculating on the assassination of two Supreme Court justices. As she delves deeper into her theory, she becomes the target of hired killers and the White House chief of staff. With the help of a journalist, Darby tries to stay ahead of her pursuers while uncovering a conspiracy involving senior government figures. The book is described as a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and engaging storytelling.
HE SEEMED INCAPABLE of creating such chaos, but much of what he saw below could be blamed on him. And that was fine. He was ninety-one, paralyzed, strapped in a wheelchair, and hooked to oxygen. His s...1992•494 pages - #9
Save:An addictive, smart, and emotional hacker-meets-political-thriller - an impressive debut perfect for fans who crave suspenseful stories with a technological and political edge.
The Short Drop by Matthew FitzSimmons is a thrilling mystery centered around the disappearance of Suzanne Lombard, the daughter of a powerful politician. Gibson Vaughn, a former hacker and friend of Suzanne, is enlisted to help uncover the truth about her vanishing. The plot unfolds with political intrigue, cyber intelligence, and suspense, as Gibson delves into a complex web of secrets and conspiracies surrounding Suzanne's case. The writing style is described as fast-paced, compelling, and filled with twists that keep the reader engaged until the very end.
Gibson Vaughn sat alone at the bustling counter of the Nighthawk Diner. The breakfast rush was in full swing as customers milled about, waiting for a seat. Gibson barely registered the crescendo of kn...December 2015•397 pages - #10
Save:A brilliantly bonkers kickoff to Discworld - witty, ridiculous, and endlessly inventive. Not Pratchett’s most polished, but essential if you want to see where fantasy’s funniest universe began. Give it a shot, and don’t be afraid to skip ahead in the series if it doesn’t click right away!
'The Colour of Magic' by Terry Pratchett is the first book in the Discworld series, introducing readers to the adventures of Twoflower, the Disc's first tourist, and Rincewind, a failed wizard who becomes his guide. The book is a humorous and whimsical fantasy satire that cleverly turns fantasy tropes on their heads, featuring a variety of eccentric characters and imaginative situations. The writing style of Terry Pratchett is described as witty, clever, and full of clever wordplay that creates a detailed and fantastical world for readers to explore.
FIRE ROARED through the bifurcated city of Ankh-Morpork. Where it licked the Wizards’ Quarter it burned blue and green and was even laced with strange sparks of the eighth color, octarine; where its o...1983•227 pages
