Books Like...

The Fools in Town Are on Our Side by Ross Thomas is a gripping crime novel that delves into small town politics, corruption, and intrigue. The story follows Lucifer C. Dye, a former American intelligence operative, who is hired to further corrupt a Southern city in order to pave the way for a reform slate. As Lucifer navigates through the web of deception and double-crosses, the plot unfolds with alternating chapters revealing his backstory and motivations. The novel is set against the backdrop of the 20th century, showcasing the author's cynical yet captivating portrayal of human nature and the dark underbelly of society.

Ross Thomas weaves a complex and engaging narrative, filled with memorable characters, sharp dialogue, and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book's setting shifts from World War II-era Shanghai to Cold War espionage in Hong Kong, culminating in the corruption-ridden Southern U.S. city where the main action takes place. The writing style is described as enthralling, with a touch of absurdity that adds to the allure of the story, making it a must-read for fans of crime thrillers and political intrigue.

Matchstick Men is a novel that delves into the world of con artists, focusing on the partnership between Roy and Frankie as they navigate through various cons. The plot follows Roy, who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, as he discovers he has a daughter named Angela and the dynamics that unfold between them. The writing style is described as descriptive, funny, and hard to put down, with a well-developed storyline that includes twists and cons that keep the readers engaged till the very end.

The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax follows the story of Jonathon, a part-time shop assistant who gets unwittingly involved in uncovering a conspiracy despite being ill-equipped for the task. The book is described as zany, fast-moving, and full of great characters, with a plot that involves stolen government documents and a timid hero who saves the day without realizing it. The author's sparkling wit suffuses the action, leading to plenty of 'laugh out loud' moments throughout the narrative.

The book is set in a British world populated with deeply realized and hilarious characters who are drawn into absurd and insane situations. The story combines elements of humor, adventure, and romance, providing a light and entertaining read with a touch of farcical humor derived from misunderstandings and unlikely coincidences. The narrative style has been likened to that of Douglas Adams and Tom Sharpe, with hints of PG Wodehouse in the characterizations, creating a unique blend of humor and wit.

The Sacred Art of Stealing by Christopher Brookmyre is a crime novel that revolves around DI de Xavier, a police officer involved in an unusual bank robbery. The book is described as a captivating and surprisingly believable story, with an ingeniously complicated plot that keeps the readers rooting for characters who might be considered as 'baddies'. The writing style is wry, darkly funny, and brilliantly evokes the local scenery of Glasgow, where the story is set.

The Hot Rock by Donald Westlake is a comedic heist novel featuring John Dortmunder and his crew of New York robbers. The plot revolves around Dortmunder and his team attempting to steal a priceless gem, but due to a series of mishaps, they end up having to pull off multiple heists to secure the jewel. The writing style is described as funny, engaging, and fast-paced, with quirky and eccentric characters adding to the humor and entertainment value of the story. The book offers a series of capers that keep readers engaged, with each attempt to steal the gem resulting in unexpected twists and turns.

The Lies of Locke Lamora is an epic fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Locke Lamora and his band of thieves, the Gentlemen Bastards, in the city of Camorr. The plot twists and turns with surprises at every corner, leading to an edge-of-your-seat experience for readers. The book seamlessly combines elements of crime heist fiction with a flawlessly executed fantasy setting, creating a unique and engaging story that keeps readers hooked until the very end.