Discover books similar to "In the Midst of Death"

Lawrence Block

In the Midst of Death

3.81

"In the Midst of Death" by Lawrence Block is a gripping and suspenseful crime novel that follows the story of Matt Scudder, a former New York City police officer turned unlicensed private investigator. The novel is the eighth in the series featuring Scudder, but it can be read as a standalone book. The story begins with Scudder attending the funeral of a woman he had once loved, who was murdered in a seemingly random act of violence. As he mourns her death, Scudder is approached by another mourner, who reveals that the victim had been working as a high-class call girl and had been keeping a journal of her clients. The journal has gone missing, and the mourner fears that it could fall into the wrong hands, exposing the secrets of some of the city's most powerful and dangerous men. Scudder agrees to help track down the journal, and his investigation takes him deep into the dark underbelly of New York City, where he encounters a cast of memorable characters, including a sadistic pimp, a crooked cop, and a ruthless mob boss. Along the way, Scudder must confront his own demons, including his struggle with alcoholism and his guilt over his past failures as a police officer. Block's writing is sharp and evocative, and he skillfully balances the novel's darker themes with moments of humor and humanity. The pacing is relentless, and the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Overall, "In the Midst of Death" is a masterful work of crime fiction that showcases Block's talent for creating complex and compelling characters, as well as his deep knowledge of the city of New York. It is a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a gripping and thought-provoking novel...

List of books similar to "In the Midst of Death":

Raymond Chandler

The Long Goodbye

This book is a classic of the hard-boiled detective genre, featuring Philip Marlowe, one of the most iconic detectives in literature. Like 'In the Midst of Death', this book deals with themes of death, violence, and the darker side of human nature. Fans of Block's gritty, realistic style will appreciate Chandler's equally unromanticized portrayal of crime and detective work.

Learn More

Steve Hamilton

A Cold Day in Paradise

This is the first book in the Alex McKnight series, and it's a great choice for fans of 'In the Midst of Death'. Like Matt Scudder, Alex McKnight is a former cop who becomes a private investigator. The book is set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and it's a great example of the regional crime fiction that Block himself has written. The writing is sharp, and the plot is full of twists and turns.

Learn More

Ross Macdonald

The Drowning Pool

This is another classic of the hard-boiled detective genre, featuring Lew Archer, a private detective who is often compared to Philip Marlowe. The Drowning Pool is a complex and atmospheric novel that deals with themes of family, betrayal, and revenge. Like Block, Macdonald is known for his psychological insights and his ability to create a sense of place.

Learn More

Michael Connelly

The Black Echo

This is the first book in the Harry Bosch series, and it's a great choice for fans of 'In the Midst of Death'. Like Matt Scudder, Harry Bosch is a former cop who becomes a private investigator. The book is set in Los Angeles, and it's a great example of the police procedural genre. The writing is tight, and the plot is full of suspense and intrigue.

Learn More

Ross Macdonald

The Galton Case

This is another classic of the hard-boiled detective genre, featuring Lew Archer. Like 'In the Midst of Death', this book deals with themes of family, secrets, and the past coming back to haunt the present. Fans of Block's complex plots and psychological insights will appreciate Macdonald's equally intricate storytelling and character development.

Learn More

Ross Macdonald

The Chill

This is another Lew Archer novel that fans of 'In the Midst of Death' will enjoy. The Chill is a dark and atmospheric novel that deals with themes of family, betrayal, and the past. Like Block, Macdonald is known for his ability to create a sense of place, and The Chill is set in the beautiful but dangerous landscape of Big Sur, California.

Learn More

James Crumley

The Last Good Kiss

This is a hard-boiled detective novel that fans of 'In the Midst of Death' will enjoy. The Last Good Kiss is a gritty and violent novel that deals with themes of death, violence, and the darker side of human nature. Like Block, Crumley is known for his unromanticized portrayal of crime and detective work, and his writing is sharp and full of wit.

Learn More

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles

This is a classic mystery novel that fans of 'In the Midst of Death' will enjoy. The Hound of the Baskervilles is a spooky and atmospheric novel that deals with themes of family, curses, and the supernatural. Like Block, Conan Doyle is known for his ability to create a sense of place, and The Hound of the Baskervilles is set in the moody and atmospheric landscape of Dartmoor, England.

Learn More

Dashiell Hammett

The Maltese Falcon

This is a classic hard-boiled detective novel that fans of 'In the Midst of Death' will enjoy. The Maltese Falcon is a gritty and violent novel that deals with themes of death, violence, and the darker side of human nature. Like Block, Hammett is known for his unromanticized portrayal of crime and detective work, and his writing is sharp and full of wit.

Learn More

Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep

This is a classic hard-boiled detective novel that fans of 'In the Midst of Death' will enjoy. The Big Sleep is a gritty and violent novel that deals with themes of death, violence, and the darker side of human nature. Like Block, Chandler is known for his psychological insights and his ability to create a sense of place, and his writing is sharp and full of wit.

Learn More

Dashiell Hammett

The Glass Key

This is a classic hard-boiled detective novel that fans of 'In the Midst of Death' will enjoy. The Glass Key is a gritty and violent novel that deals with themes of death, violence, and the darker side of human nature. Like Block, Hammett is known for his unromanticized portrayal of crime and detective work, and his writing is sharp and full of wit.

Learn More