Discover books similar to "Black and Blue"
Ian Rankin
Black and Blue
4.08
Part of "Inspector Rebus" series
In 'Black and Blue' by Ian Rankin, the reader is taken on a thrilling journey through the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland, as Detective Inspector John Rebus tries to solve a series of interconnected crimes. The novel, published in 1997, is a masterful blend of police procedural and psychological thriller, with a complex plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story begins with the discovery of a body in a copse of trees, an apparent victim of a hit-and-run accident. However, as Rebus and his team investigate, they uncover evidence that suggests the victim was actually murdered. At the same time, a serial killer known as "Black and Blue" is on the loose, brutally murdering prostitutes and leaving taunting messages for the police. As Rebus delves deeper into the cases, he begins to unravel a web of corruption and deceit that extends to the highest levels of Scottish society. Along the way, he must confront his own demons, including his addiction to alcohol and his strained relationships with his colleagues and family. Rankin's writing is sharp and evocative, bringing the gritty world of Edinburgh's criminal underworld to life in vivid detail. The characters are complex and well-developed, with Rebus emerging as a flawed but relatable hero. The pacing is fast and relentless, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Overall, 'Black and Blue' is a gripping and intelligent thriller that showcases Rankin's talent for storytelling. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging novel...
List of books similar to "Black and Blue":
Ian Rankin
Knots and Crosses
If you enjoyed 'Black and Blue', you might like to go back to the beginning of the Rebus series. Knots and Crosses, the first book in the series, introduces us to the brilliant but troubled Detective Inspector John Rebus, as he investigates a series of murders that seem to be linked to his own past.
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Michael Connelly
The Black Echo
Fans of gritty police procedurals might enjoy Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series, starting with The Black Echo. Like Rebus, Bosch is a complex and compelling protagonist, and in this book, he investigates a murder that takes him deep into the world of Vietnam veterans and underground drug trafficking.
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Ross Macdonald
The Galton Case
If you're interested in exploring the world of classic detective fiction, you might enjoy Ross Macdonald's The Galton Case. Like Rankin, Macdonald is known for his intricate plots and complex characters, and this book is a great introduction to his work, as private detective Lew Archer investigates a missing person case that leads him down a dark and winding road.
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Val McDermid
The Wire in the Blood
If you're looking for a dark and twisted police procedural with a psychological edge, you might enjoy Val McDermid's The Wire in the Blood. Like 'Black and Blue', this book explores the darker side of human nature, as criminal psychologist Tony Hill teams up with Detective Inspector Carol Jordan to track down a serial killer who is targeting women in the city of Bradfield.
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Raymond Chandler
The Long Goodbye
Fans of hard-boiled detective fiction might enjoy Raymond Chandler's The Long Goodbye, which is considered one of the greatest novels in the genre. Like Rebus, Chandler's protagonist Philip Marlowe is a tough, independent detective who isn't afraid to bend the rules to get the job done, and this book is a classic example of Chandler's razor-sharp prose and witty dialogue.
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Thomas Harris
The Silence of the Lambs
If you're interested in psychological thrillers with a strong procedural element, you might enjoy Thomas Harris's The Silence of the Lambs. Like 'Black and Blue', this book explores the darker side of human nature, as FBI trainee Clarice Starling interviews the notorious serial killer Hannibal Lecter in order to catch another killer who is terrorizing the country.
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George V. Higgins
The Friends of Eddie Coyle
If you're interested in exploring the world of organized crime from a different perspective, you might enjoy George V. Higgins's The Friends of Eddie Coyle. Like 'Black and Blue', this book is known for its gritty realism and moral ambiguity, as it tells the story of a small-time hoodlum named Eddie Coyle who becomes embroiled in a dangerous world of guns, drugs, and violence.
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Raymond Chandler
The Big Sleep
If you're looking for a classic detective novel with a modern twist, you might enjoy Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep. Like 'Black and Blue', this book is known for its sharp dialogue, vivid characters, and intricate plot, as private detective Philip Marlowe takes on a case that leads him deep into the world of organized crime and family secrets.
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