Discover books similar to "The Big Clock"

Kenneth Fearing

The Big Clock

3.82

"The Big Clock" by Kenneth Fearing is a classic noir novel that tells the story of George Stroud, an editor at a large New York publishing firm. The novel is a gripping tale of intrigue and deception, as Stroud finds himself the prime suspect in a murder investigation. The novel's title refers to the large clock that looms over the publishing firm's offices, a constant reminder of the inexorable passage of time and the pressure to meet deadlines. This clock becomes a symbol of Stroud's mounting desperation as he tries to evade the police and clear his name. Fearing's writing is sharp and incisive, with a wry sense of humor that adds depth and nuance to the story. The novel's characters are well-drawn and memorable, from the dogged detective on Stroud's trail to the duplicitous publishing magnate who sets the plot in motion. One of the most striking aspects of "The Big Clock" is its exploration of the tension between individual freedom and the demands of modern society. Stroud is a man caught in a web of corporate and social expectations, unable to escape the scrutiny of his employers or the police. The novel raises questions about the nature of power and authority, and the ways in which they can be abused. "The Big Clock" is also a fascinating study of the publishing industry, with its cutthroat competition and ruthless pursuit of success. Fearing, who was himself a poet and editor, brings a keen insider's perspective to the world of publishing, exposing its foibles and contradictions with wit and insight. Overall, "The Big Clock" is a masterful work of noir fiction that combines gripping suspense with thoughtful social commentary. Its themes of power, authority, and individual freedom are as relevant today as they were when the novel was first published in 1946. Whether you're a fan of noir fiction or simply looking for a compelling read, "The Big Clock" is not to be missed...

List of books similar to "The Big Clock":

Raymond Chandler

The Long Goodbye

Fans of 'The Big Clock' will appreciate the hard-boiled detective style and snappy dialogue of this classic novel. Philip Marlowe is hired by a wealthy friend to help him with a personal matter, but soon finds himself embroiled in a complex web of crime and deceit.

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Dashiell Hammett

The Maltese Falcon

This classic noir novel shares the same fast-paced, hard-boiled style as 'The Big Clock'. Private detective Sam Spade is hired by a beautiful woman to find her sister's missing husband, but soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a group of ruthless criminals.

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Muriel Spark

Memento Mori

While not a traditional noir novel, 'Memento Mori' shares the same sense of paranoia and unease as 'The Big Clock'. A group of elderly friends begin receiving mysterious phone calls in which the caller simply says 'Remember you must die', leading to a tense and suspenseful investigation into the caller's identity.

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James M. Cain

The Postman Always Rings Twice

This classic noir novel shares the same dark and gritty atmosphere as 'The Big Clock'. A drifter and a discontented housewife hatch a plan to kill her husband and collect on his life insurance policy, but their plan soon goes awry in a series of shocking and violent events.

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John le Carré

The Spy Who Came In from the Cold

Fans of 'The Big Clock' will appreciate the complex and layered plot of this classic spy novel. A British agent is sent on a dangerous mission to East Germany, where he becomes embroiled in a web of espionage and deceit.

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Dashiell Hammett

The Thin Man

This classic detective novel shares the same witty banter and snappy dialogue as 'The Big Clock'. A retired detective and his socialite wife become embroiled in a complex murder investigation, and must use their wits to solve the case before it's too late.

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A.J. Finn

The Woman in the Window

This psychological thriller shares the same sense of paranoia and unease as 'The Big Clock'. A reclusive woman becomes obsessed with her new neighbors, leading to a series of shocking and violent events that threaten to unravel her life.

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Horace McCoy

They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

This gritty and unflinching novel shares the same sense of despair and hopelessness as 'The Big Clock'. Set during the Great Depression, it follows a group of contestants as they compete in a grueling dance marathon, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion.

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Frederick Forsyth

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Fans of 'The Big Clock' will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and complex plotting of this classic thriller. A professional assassin is hired to kill a high-profile political target, leading to a tense and suspenseful cat-and-mouse game with the authorities.

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