Books Like...
In "The Monkey's Raincoat," Elvis Cole, a wisecracking private investigator with a sense of humor and a love for Disney characters, is hired by Ellen Lang to find her missing husband and son. Along with his enigmatic partner Joe Pike, Cole delves into a case that leads them into a world of drugs, sex, and murder in the seamy side of Hollywood. The book is described as a fast-paced detective yarn with snappy dialogue, vivid descriptions of Los Angeles, and a complicated plot that keeps readers engaged.
If you liked The Monkey's Raincoat, here are the top 100 books to read next:
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The Godwulf Manuscript is the first book in the Spenser series by Robert B. Parker, set in Boston in the 1970s. The plot follows Spenser, a tough and witty private detective, as he is hired by a university to track down a missing illuminated manuscript. However, his investigation leads him into a complex web of drug smuggling, murder, and political intrigue on a college campus. Through fast-paced action sequences and witty dialogues, Spenser navigates through the gritty streets of Boston to solve the case, showcasing his hard-boiled detective persona and sharp investigative skills.
The office of the university president looked like the front parlor of a successful Victorian whorehouse. It was paneled in big squares of dark walnut, with ornately figured maroon drapes at the long ... - #2
The book "Deal Breaker" by Harlan Coben introduces readers to Myron Bolitar, a sports agent with a unique background, who gets involved in solving mysteries and detective activities. Bolitar is accompanied by his eccentric sidekick Win, and together they navigate through intriguing plots involving missing persons, unsavory situations, and unexpected twists. The story unfolds with a mix of humor, suspense, and sarcasm, keeping readers engaged as they follow Myron's investigations and personal relationships. Coben's writing style blends wit and suspense, creating a captivating narrative that explores the dark side of the sports industry and the complexities of human relationships.
“Come on, Myron,” he urged with neoreligious fervor. “I’m sure we can come to an understanding here. You give a little. We give a little. The Titans are a team. In some larger sense I would like all o... - #3
The Black Echo revolves around LAPD detective Harry Bosch who is drawn into a murder investigation involving a fellow Vietnam veteran. As Bosch delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex plot tied to a bank robbery, all while navigating challenging relationships with his superiors and an FBI partner. The book is praised for its impressive police procedural elements, well-developed characters, and gritty details that immerse readers into the heart of Los Angeles and Bosch's past in Vietnam.
The smoke carried up from the Cahuenga Pass and flattened beneath a layer of cool crossing air. From where Harry Bosch watched, the smoke looked like a gray anvil rising up the pass. The late afternoo... - #4
"Rules of Prey" by John Sandford follows the story of Lucas Davenport, a tough and unconventional police lieutenant, as he hunts down a psycho serial killer in the Twin Cities. The killer leaves behind notes with 'Rules' for other serial killers, creating a cat and mouse game with Davenport. The book is a gritty and action-packed police procedural that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending suspense with a complex character like Lucas Davenport who is both a brilliant detective and a womanizer.
The writing style of "Rules of Prey" is described as fast-paced, taunt, and engrossing, with a well-developed setting and a plot that keeps the tension high as Davenport races against time to catch the killer. The book introduces readers to a range of fascinating characters within the Minneapolis police department and sets the stage for a series filled with thrilling crime-solving adventures.
A rooftop billboard cast a flickering blue light through the studio windows. The light ricocheted off glass and stainless steel: an empty crystal bud vase rimed with dust, a pencil sharpener, a microw... - #5
Dennis Lehane's 'A Drink Before the War' follows private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro as they take on a seemingly simple assignment for a prominent politician: to uncover the whereabouts of a black cleaning woman who has allegedly stolen confidential state documents. However, the investigation quickly escalates, implicating members of the woman's family and rival gang leaders, uncovering extortion, assassination, and child prostitution in the bombed-out ghetto streets of South Boston. The writing style is described as pulsating, gritty, and noirish, capturing the worst human horrors found closest to home, with a plot that keeps readers engaged and on the edge of their seats.
The bar at the Ritz-Carlton looks out on the Public Gardens and requires a tie. I’ve looked out on the Public Gardens from other vantage points before, without a tie, and never felt at a loss, but may... - #6
'The Deep Blue Good-By' is the first novel in the Travis McGee series by John D. MacDonald. Set in Florida, the book follows Travis McGee, a self-described "knight in tarnished armor" and a "retriever" who helps people recover things without involving the police, for a fee. In this particular story, McGee is approached by Cathy, a woman who suspects that an ex-convict named Junior Allen has discovered her father's secret hoard of stolen money. As McGee delves into the case, he uncovers Allen's dangerous and perverted personality while trying to protect vulnerable women like Lois from his schemes. The novel is described as a classic noir crime story with a mix of rough boats, stolen gems, and a thrilling finale.
The writing style of 'The Deep Blue Good-By' is noted for its engrossing narrative, character-driven plot, and timeless quality. Despite being published in 1964, the book's intense sex and violence were considered ahead of its time. The protagonist, Travis McGee, is praised for being a complex and interesting character who delivers pithy ruminations on the human condition, making him a precursor to modern-day vigilante heroes like Jack Reacher. The book is also commended for its balanced portrayal of women, who are depicted as strong-willed and developed characters rather than just sexual props.
IT WAS to have been a quiet evening at home. Home is the Busted Flush, 52-foot barge-type houseboat, Slip F-18, Bahia Mar, Lauderdale. Home is where the privacy is. Draw all the opaque curtains, butto... - #7
The Gray Man by Mark Greaney is a fast-paced thriller following Courtland Gentry, a former CIA operative turned legendary assassin known as The Gray Man. Hunted for an assassination he committed, Court finds himself in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with elite forces from around the world. The book is filled with non-stop action, improbable scenarios, and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Greaney's writing style is described as character-driven, with a focus on intense action sequences and a plot that hooks readers from the first page.
Just under a mile away, Gentry pulled off the road, turned into a dry streambed, and forced the Land Rover as deep as possible into the tall brown river grasses. He climbed out of the truck and raced ... - #8
Walter Mosley's 'Devil in a Blue Dress' introduces readers to the character Easy Rawlins, a black war veteran in 1948 Los Angeles who gets entangled in a web of mystery and danger when he is hired to find a missing woman. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, the novel explores themes of corruption, racism, and societal struggles through the eyes of Easy Rawlins as he navigates the seedy underbelly of the city. The plot is described as twisty and hard-boiled, filled with well-drawn characters and a strong sense of time and place that immerses readers in the noir atmosphere of the story.
Mosley's writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, fast-paced narrative, and flavorful dialogue that captures the essence of 1940s Los Angeles. The book is commended for its depiction of the black experience during that era, offering a fresh perspective on the classic private eye novel by presenting a black protagonist, Easy Rawlins, in a genre typically dominated by white detectives. Despite some readers finding the plot convoluted, the novel is lauded for its social commentary on race relations and its ability to transport readers to a different time and place through compelling storytelling.
I had spent five years with white men, and women, from Africa to Italy, through Paris, and into the Fatherland itself. I ate with them and slept with them, and I killed enough blue-eyed young men to k... - #9
'When the Bough Breaks' by Jonathan Kellerman is the first book in the Alex Delaware series, introducing readers to Dr. Alex Delaware, a retired child psychologist who gets involved in a complex case with Detective Milo Sturgis. The storyline revolves around a double murder where the only witness is a young girl named Melody Quinn. As Alex delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a disturbing conspiracy involving child abuse and corruption in the glittering world of California. The writing style is described as engaging, with a good balance of plot complexity and character development, making it a gripping mystery.
A cool Pacific current had swept its way across the coastline for two days running, propelling the pollution to Pasadena. My house is nestled in the foothills just north of Bel Air, situated atop an o... - #10
The book 'Transfer of Power' in the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn is a high-octane political thriller where the White House is taken over by terrorists, leaving over 100 hostages and the president trapped inside. It's up to Mitch Rapp, the CIA's top counterterrorism operative, to lead a stealthy rescue mission and regain control. The story is filled with action-packed sequences, espionage, and political intrigue, showcasing the heroism of Rapp and the intense battle between good and evil. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and rich in detail, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout the book.
A FINE MIST fell from the darkening spring sky as the black limousine turned off of E Street. The armor-plated car weaved through the concrete-and-steel barricades at a speed suggesting urgency. As th...
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