Books Like...
'After Dark, My Sweet' by Jim Thompson is a noir crime novel that follows the story of William Collins, a former boxer and escaped mental patient, who gets involved in a kidnapping plot orchestrated by a femme fatale named Fay and her uncle, a con artist. The plot unfolds with dark and gritty elements, filled with unredeemable characters and a sense of impending doom. The narrative is told from Collins' unreliable point of view, keeping the reader on edge with its unpredictable and violent nature. Thompson's writing style delves into the twisted minds of the characters, creating a warped and crazy world where trust is a rare commodity.
The book is known for its gripping and engaging storyline that keeps the reader's interest until its final, unpredictable ending. Thompson's mastery of the noir genre shines through in his portrayal of morally complex characters and the dark atmosphere he creates. The plot, filled with double-crosses and tension, is complimented by the author's skillful writing that immerses the reader into the paranoid and violent world of the protagonist.
If you liked After Dark, My Sweet, here are the top 24 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"Three to Kill" by Jean-Patrick Manchette is a fast-paced French noir thriller that follows the story of Georges Gerfaut, a businessman who gets entangled in a dangerous situation after stopping to help a motorist involved in a supposed accident. As Georges tries to unravel why he is being targeted by hired assassins, the narrative unfolds with unexpected twists and brutal events. The writing style is described as spare, elegant, and gripping, with a cool, detached tone that adds to the intensity of the story. Manchette's portrayal of a man caught in a web of violence and intrigue in a neoconservative world is both compelling and thought-provoking.
And sometimes what used to happen was what is happening now: Georges Gerfaut is driving on Paris’s outer ring road. He has entered at the Porte d’Ivry. It is two-thirty or maybe three-fifteen in the m... - #2
Save:'A Hell of a Woman' by Jim Thompson is a dark and twisted tale following the life of door-to-door salesman Frank Dillon as he becomes entangled with a troubled young woman and her manipulative aunt. The story delves into themes of greed, lust, and murder, showcasing the protagonist's descent into his own personal hell. Thompson's writing style is described as hard-boiled and gritty, providing a disturbing contrast to the shocking narrative of the book. The unconventional storytelling method used by Thompson helps reveal the dark underbelly of humanity, making the book a recommended read for those unafraid of exploring the seamier side of life.
The plot of the book is fast-paced and engaging, starting with Dillon encountering the woman who will be his undoing in the first sentence. As the story progresses, the reader witnesses Dillon's mental state deteriorate, adding to the tension and darkness of the narrative. Despite some mixed opinions on certain aspects of the book, such as the experimental elements and occasional clumsiness in the plot, 'A Hell of a Woman' is praised for its gripping storytelling and the way Thompson peels back the layers of the protagonist to reveal his rotten core.
I'D GOTTEN out of my car and was running for the porch when I saw her. She was peering through the curtains of the door, and a flash of lightning lit up the dark glass for an instant, framing her face... - #3
Save:Black Wings Has My Angel by Elliott Chaze is a noir crime novel set in the 1950s that follows the story of an escaped convict named Tim Sunblade who teams up with a call girl named Virginia for a daring heist. The plot delves into their passionate yet volatile relationship, as they plan to make a massive score while battling their inner demons and societal expectations. The writing style of Chaze is described as sharp, witty, and slicing away at post-war American reality, highlighting themes of greed, desperation, and the destructive nature of human desires.
I’D BEEN roughnecking on a drilling rig in the Atchafayala River for better than sixteen weeks, racking the big silver stems of pipe, lugging the sacks of drilling mud from barge to shore, working wit... - #4
Save:The Blank Wall is a thrilling novel written in 1947 by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding, set during World War II in New York State. The story follows Lucia Holley, a middle-class housewife dealing with the complexities of protecting her family and saving her daughter from ruin after a series of unfortunate events involving blackmailers, deception, and a murder cover-up. The plot is fast-moving, wryly funny, and rich in inner character development, focusing on Lucia's struggles with societal expectations, family dynamics, and the challenges of wartime life.
- #5
Save:'The Getaway' by Jim Thompson follows the story of Doc McCoy and his wife, Carol, as they attempt to escape after a bank robbery goes awry. The narrative explores themes of desperation, betrayal, and violence as the couple navigates a dangerous journey to evade the law and their criminal associates. The writing style is described as dark, unglamorous, and deeply nihilistic, portraying a gritty and realistic depiction of crime and its consequences.
Carter "Doc" McCoy had left a morning call for six o'clock, and he was reaching for the telephone the moment the night clerk rang. He had always awakened easily and pleasantly; a man with not a regret... - #6
Save:'Wild at Heart' by Barry Gifford follows the adventures of Sailor Ripley and Lula Pace as they travel through the South in their Bonneville convertible, encountering eccentric characters and wild adventures. The plot consists of short chapters describing their encounters with lunatic individuals and offbeat experiences, with a focus on unique characters and colorful dialogues. is a collection of conversations between the couple on the run from the girl's overprotective mother, showcasing Gifford's goal of realism over surrealism.
Sailor and Lula lay on the bed in the Cape Fear Hotel listening to the ceiling fan creak. From their window they could see the river as it entered the Atlantic Ocean and watch the fishing boats naviga... - #7
Save:The Bride Wore Black by Cornell Woolrich is a gripping noir novel that follows a mysterious woman on a killing spree targeting men she believes are responsible for her husband's death. The story unfolds in a series of murders, each connected by the presence of a woman, leaving the police and a determined detective, Wagner, to unravel the connections and motives behind the killings. Woolrich's writing style is described as elegant, sophisticated, and compelling, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end.
In the room, just darkness, broken by the squared outline of a moonlit window, with its spectral complement lying flat upon the floor beneath it. Outside, silence, a countryside asleep under a star-pu... - #8
Save:Queenpin by Megan Abbott is a noir novel that follows a young woman who starts working at a small casino and quickly rises in the underworld using her looks and intelligence. The story delves into the complexities of loyalty, passion, lies, and violence as she navigates her relationships in the criminal world. The book is well-written, with a mysterious unnamed narrator who idolizes a legendary figure in the noir world, Gloria Denton, and aims to prove herself worthy of her mentor's attention.
It was a tall, pistachio-colored building along the scenic ridge outside of town. The lobby was covered with mirrors and tall, potted plants. There was an automatic elevator with a carpet in it and wh... - #9
Save:The Honourable Schoolboy is a continuation of the George Smiley series, following the aftermath of the discovery of a mole within the Circus. The plot delves into the intricate world of espionage, with agents working in British Hong Kong and Communist China, amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War. The narrative is dense and complex, focusing on the mission to uncover Karla's operations and the challenges faced by the characters involved. The writing style of the book is described as detailed and intricate, with a mix of spy thriller elements, political intrigue, and character-driven storytelling.
Afterwards, in the dusty little corners where London’s secret servants drink together, there was argument about where the Dolphin case history should really begin. One crowd, led by a blimpish fellow ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series George Smiley ) - #10
Save:A Perfect Spy by John le Carre is a complex and introspective novel that delves into the life of Magnus Pym, a double spy, as he navigates his personal and professional struggles. The book intertwines elements of espionage, coming-of-age, and autobiography, offering a deep insight into the life of a spy and the psyche of the protagonist. The narrative spans over generations, exploring Pym's relationships, betrayals, and the impact of his father's shadow on his life.
The writing style of A Perfect Spy is described as intricate and thoughtful, with a nonlinear structure that immerses readers into the minds of the characters. John le Carre masterfully crafts a story that is more of a character study than a traditional thriller, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the moral dilemmas faced by spies. The novel is praised for its depth, well-developed characters, and the way it breaks away from the conventional spy genre to offer a more realistic and poignant narrative.
In the small hours of a blustery October morning in a south Devon coastal town that seemed to have been deserted by its inhabitants, Magnus Pym got out of his elderly country taxicab and, having paid ...
