Discover books similar to "The Pusher"

Ed McBain

The Pusher

3.9

"The Pusher" by Ed McBain is a gripping crime novel that takes readers into the gritty world of narcotics and street crime in late 1960s New York City. The book is the first in McBain's 87th Precinct series, which features a rotating cast of detectives working to solve crimes in a fictionalized version of the city. In "The Pusher," Detective Steve Carella and his colleagues are on the hunt for a mysterious figure known only as "The Dealer," who is responsible for flooding the streets with a powerful new drug called "Red Chinese." The Dealer is a cunning and ruthless opponent, always one step ahead of the police and leaving a trail of death and destruction in his wake. McBain's writing is sharp and evocative, bringing the seedy underbelly of New York City to life in vivid detail. The pacing is fast and relentless, with each chapter building on the last to create a sense of mounting tension and urgency. The characters are well-drawn and believable, with Carella emerging as a complex and compelling protagonist. One of the strengths of "The Pusher" is its exploration of the human cost of the drug trade. McBain doesn't shy away from the devastating impact that drugs can have on individuals and communities, and the novel is suffused with a sense of sadness and loss. At the same time, however, the book is also a celebration of the resilience and determination of the human spirit, as the detectives refuse to give up in their pursuit of justice. Overall, "The Pusher" is a thrilling and thought-provoking crime novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. It's a must-read for fans of the genre, and a great introduction to McBain's acclaimed 87th Precinct series...

List of books similar to "The Pusher":

Joseph Wambaugh

The Choirboys

Fans of 'The Pusher' might enjoy 'The Choirboys' by Joseph Wambaugh. This novel offers a raw and realistic look at the lives of LAPD officers, with a dark sense of humor that will be familiar to readers of Ed McBain. It's a gritty, fast-paced police procedural that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of police work.

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Michael Connelly

The Black Echo

If you're looking for a modern take on the police procedural, try 'The Black Echo' by Michael Connelly. This novel introduces readers to Harry Bosch, a Vietnam vet and LAPD detective who's haunted by his past. The story is full of twists and turns, and Connelly's writing is both gritty and lyrical, much like McBain's. Fans of 'The Pusher' will appreciate the complex characters and intricate plotting.

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Ed McBain

Cop Hater

For fans of Ed McBain who want to explore more of his work, 'Cop Hater' is a great place to start. This is the first book in the 87th Precinct series, and it introduces readers to the world of police work in a gritty, realistic way. The characters are complex and well-drawn, and the plot is full of twists and turns. Fans of 'The Pusher' will appreciate the fast-paced action and dark sense of humor.

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George V. Higgins

The Friends of Eddie Coyle

For fans of 'The Pusher' who are interested in the criminal underworld, 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle' by George V. Higgins is a must-read. This novel is a gritty, realistic look at the world of organized crime in Boston, and it's told through the eyes of a small-time hood named Eddie Coyle. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, and the plot is full of twists and turns. Fans of 'The Pusher' will appreciate the complex characters and moral ambiguity.

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Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep

If you're looking for a classic detective novel with a hard-boiled edge, try 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. This novel, which was published in 1939, tells the story of Philip Marlowe, a private detective who's hired to investigate a blackmail case. The novel is full of witty dialogue, memorable characters, and sharp social commentary. Fans of 'The Pusher' will appreciate the gritty realism and moral ambiguity.

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Thomas Harris

Red Dragon

For fans of 'The Pusher' who are interested in psychological thrillers, 'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris is a great choice. This novel, which was published in 1981, tells the story of Will Graham, a retired FBI agent who's called back to duty to catch a serial killer. The novel is full of twists and turns, and it explores the darker recesses of the human psyche. Fans of 'The Pusher' will appreciate the complex characters and moral ambiguity.

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Dashiell Hammett

The Maltese Falcon

If you're looking for a classic detective novel with a tough, unsentimental edge, try 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. This novel, which was published in 1930, tells the story of Sam Spade, a private detective who's hired to find a valuable statue. The novel is full of sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and a labyrinthine plot. Fans of 'The Pusher' will appreciate the gritty realism and moral ambiguity.

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Steve Hamilton

A Cold Day in Paradise

For fans of 'The Pusher' who are looking for a contemporary detective novel with a strong sense of place, try 'A Cold Day in Paradise' by Steve Hamilton. This novel, which won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 1998, tells the story of Alex McKnight, a former Detroit cop who's living in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. When a stranger shows up in town looking for help, Alex is drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Fans of 'The Pusher' will appreciate the complex characters and atmospheric setting.

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