Discover books similar to "A Stab in the Dark"

Lawrence Block

A Stab in the Dark

4.01

"A Stab in the Dark" by Lawrence Block is a riveting mystery novel that follows the story of Matthew Scudder, a former New York City police detective 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 being hired by a wealthy businessman to find his missing daughter, who has not been seen or heard from in over a year. As Scudder delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the young woman had been leading a double life, working as a high-end call girl and associating with dangerous criminals. As Scudder follows the trail of the missing woman, he becomes embroiled in a complex web of deceit, corruption, and violence. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a sadistic pimp, a closeted gay police officer, and a world-weary prostitute with a heart of gold. Block's writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the gritty underbelly of New York City in the 1980s. The pacing of the novel is expertly crafted, with each chapter building on the previous one to create a sense of mounting tension and suspense. What sets "A Stab in the Dark" apart from other mystery novels is the depth and complexity of its characters. Scudder is a flawed and troubled protagonist, haunted by his past and struggling with alcoholism. Yet he is also deeply empathetic and compassionate, driven by a strong sense of justice and a desire to help those in need. Overall, "A Stab in the Dark" is a masterful work of crime fiction that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. It is a testament to Block's skill as a writer and his ability to create compelling characters and gripping storylines...

List of books similar to "A Stab in the Dark":

Raymond Chandler

The Long Goodbye

If you enjoyed 'A Stab in the Dark' by Lawrence Block, you might like 'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler. This novel is a classic of the hard-boiled detective genre, featuring Philip Marlowe, one of the most iconic detectives in literature. In 'The Long Goodbye', Marlowe becomes entangled in the life of a wealthy alcoholic and is drawn into a complex web of deceit and violence.

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Dashiell Hammett

The Dain Curse

For fans of 'A Stab in the Dark', 'The Dain Curse' by Dashiell Hammett is a great choice. This novel is a fast-paced and suspenseful tale of murder, theft, and family secrets. The story follows detective Owen Fitzstephan as he investigates a series of bizarre and seemingly unrelated crimes, ultimately uncovering a sinister plot.

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Red Harvest

If you're looking for a gritty, action-packed read similar to 'A Stab in the Dark', try 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett. This novel is a classic of the hard-boiled detective genre, featuring a tough and resourceful private investigator who is hired to clean up a corrupt town. The story is filled with violence, double-crosses, and a cast of unforgettable characters.

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The Maltese Falcon

For fans of 'A Stab in the Dark', 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a must-read. This classic detective novel follows private investigator Sam Spade as he becomes embroiled in a dangerous and mysterious case involving a valuable statue and a cast of shady characters.

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Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep

If you enjoyed 'A Stab in the Dark' by Lawrence Block, you might like 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. This classic detective novel follows private investigator Philip Marlowe as he takes on a case involving a wealthy family and a missing person. The story is filled with action, suspense, and witty dialogue.

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Farewell, My Lovely

For fans of 'A Stab in the Dark', 'Farewell, My Lovely' by Raymond Chandler is a great choice. This classic detective novel follows private investigator Philip Marlowe as he becomes embroiled in a complex and dangerous case involving a missing person, a valuable jewel, and a cast of shady characters.

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The Glass Key

If you're looking for a gritty, action-packed read similar to 'A Stab in the Dark', try 'The Glass Key' by Dashiell Hammett. This novel is a classic of the hard-boiled detective genre, featuring a tough and resourceful private investigator who is caught up in a dangerous political feud. The story is filled with violence, double-crosses, and a cast of unforgettable characters.

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The Thin Man

For fans of 'A Stab in the Dark', 'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett is a great choice. This classic detective novel follows retired detective Nick Charles and his socialite wife Nora as they become embroiled in a mysterious case involving a missing person and a cast of eccentric characters.

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The Continental Op

If you're looking for a gritty, action-packed read similar to 'A Stab in the Dark', try 'The Continental Op' by Dashiell Hammett. This collection of short stories follows a tough and resourceful private investigator as he takes on a series of dangerous cases. The stories are filled with violence, double-crosses, and a cast of unforgettable characters.

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Agatha Christie

Five Little Pigs

For fans of 'A Stab in the Dark', 'Five Little Pigs' by Agatha Christie is a great choice. This classic detective novel follows Hercule Poirot as he reopens a 16-year-old murder case and interviews the five suspects, who are all connected to the victim through family or friendship. The story is filled with suspense, intrigue, and a cast of memorable characters.

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