Discover books similar to "Hit List"

Lawrence Block

Hit List

3.88

"Hit List" by Lawrence Block is a gripping crime novel that follows the life of hitman Keller, a skilled and efficient killer who is struggling to come to terms with his bloody profession. The novel is a part of Block's "Keller's Series," which includes "Hit Man," "Hit and Run," and "Hit Parade." In "Hit List," Keller is living a quiet life in upstate New York, trying to put his past behind him. However, when he receives a letter from a woman whose husband he had unknowingly killed, he is drawn back into the world of contract killing. The woman, Dot, wants Keller to kill her husband's killer, and Keller finds himself unable to refuse. As Keller embarks on a series of hits, he begins to question his own morality and the nature of his work. He is haunted by the ghosts of his past victims and struggles to maintain his relationships with the few people he cares about. Meanwhile, a detective is hot on his trail, determined to bring Keller to justice. Block's writing is sharp and witty, with a dark humor that pervades the novel. He skillfully explores the complexities of Keller's character, revealing a man who is both ruthless and vulnerable. The pacing is fast, with each chapter building to a tense and thrilling climax. "Hit List" is a masterful exploration of the human condition, asking difficult questions about morality, redemption, and the nature of violence. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone looking for a thought-provoking and exhilarating novel...

List of books similar to "Hit List":

Lawrence Block

Eight Million Ways to Die

If you enjoyed 'Hit List', you'll likely appreciate this novel, also by Lawrence Block. It features the same protagonist, Matthew Scudder, who's trying to help a high-class call girl quit her habit and escape her abusive pimp. The gritty, unapologetic depiction of New York City's underbelly is a staple of Block's work and will be familiar to fans of 'Hit List'.

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Raymond Chandler

The Long Goodbye

Fans of 'Hit List' might enjoy this classic hard-boiled detective novel by Raymond Chandler. Philip Marlowe, Chandler's iconic private eye, becomes entangled in a web of deceit while trying to help an old friend. The Long Goodbye is known for its sharp wit, memorable characters, and a twisting plot that will keep you on your toes.

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Dashiell Hammett

The Maltese Falcon

Another classic in the hard-boiled detective genre, 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a must-read for fans of 'Hit List'. Sam Spade, a private detective, takes on a case involving a valuable statue and a cast of suspicious characters, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful climax.

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Dennis Lehane

A Drink Before the War

If you're looking for a modern take on the hard-boiled detective genre, try 'A Drink Before the War' by Dennis Lehane. This novel introduces Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, a pair of Boston-based private investigators, as they navigate the city's criminal underworld to solve a missing persons case. Lehane's writing is gritty, realistic, and engaging, much like Block's in 'Hit List'.

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Thomas Harris

Red Dragon

For readers who enjoy the darker, more suspenseful elements of 'Hit List', 'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris is an excellent choice. This psychological thriller follows FBI profiler Will Graham as he hunts down a serial killer known as the Tooth Fairy. The novel's intricate plot and vivid characters will keep you enthralled from beginning to end.

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Michael Connelly

The Black Echo

Fans of 'Hit List' might enjoy 'The Black Echo' by Michael Connelly, which introduces Harry Bosch, a detective for the LAPD. When a murder investigation leads Bosch to a Vietnam War tunnel where he found his first tunnel rat, the case becomes personal. Connelly's writing is known for its procedural accuracy and gripping storytelling.

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Charlie Huston

Caught Stealing

If you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed thriller similar to 'Hit List', try 'Caught Stealing' by Charlie Huston. This novel follows Henry Thompson, a small-time crook, as he becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a ruthless killer. Huston's writing is gritty, raw, and unapologetic, much like Block's in 'Hit List'.

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George V. Higgins

The Friends of Eddie Coyle

For readers who appreciate the realistic dialogue and vivid characters in 'Hit List', 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle' by George V. Higgins is a great choice. This novel is a classic in the crime genre and follows a small-time gunrunner as he navigates the criminal underworld of Boston.

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Martin Cruz Smith

Gorky Park

If you're interested in crime novels set in a different part of the world, try 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith. This thriller follows Arkady Renko, a Moscow police detective, as he investigates a triple homicide in the heart of the Soviet Union. Smith's writing is known for its vivid depictions of Soviet Russia and its complex, morally ambiguous characters.

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Joseph Wambaugh

The Choirboys

Fans of 'Hit List' might enjoy 'The Choirboys' by Joseph Wambaugh, which offers a gritty, unapologetic look at the lives of LAPD officers. The novel follows a group of officers as they cope with the stresses of their jobs through dark humor and camaraderie. Wambaugh's writing is known for its realistic depictions of police work and its memorable, often flawed characters.

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