3.94
"Scene of the Crime: A Little Piece of Goodnight" by Ed Brubaker is a gripping noir crime novel that follows the story of a small-time private investigator, Jack Herrick, who gets drawn into a web of deceit and danger when he takes on a case to find a missing stripper. The novel is set in the seedy underbelly of a corrupt and crime-ridden city, where nothing is as it seems and everyone has something to hide. Brubaker's writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the mood and atmosphere of the noir genre with precision and flair. The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, with Jack Herrick being a particularly compelling protagonist. He is a flawed and complex character, struggling with his own demons while trying to do the right thing in a world that is anything but black and white. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Jack's investigation. The novel explores themes of corruption, power, and the human condition, offering a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience. Overall, "Scene of the Crime: A Little Piece of Goodnight" is a must-read for fans of noir crime fiction. It is a well-crafted and suspenseful novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Brubaker's writing is top-notch, and his ability to create compelling characters and a gripping plot makes this novel a standout in the genre...
Raymond Chandler
The Long Goodbye
Fans of Brubaker's noir style will appreciate this classic detective novel, which features Chandler's iconic protagonist, Philip Marlowe. The Long Goodbye explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, all while immersing the reader in a gritty, atmospheric portrayal of 1950s Los Angeles.
Learn MoreWalter Mosley
Devil in a Blue Dress
For a more contemporary take on noir, readers can turn to Walter Mosley's Devil in a Blue Dress. Set in post-World War II Los Angeles, this novel follows Easy Rawlins, an African American veteran who becomes embroiled in a dangerous search for a missing white woman. Mosley's vivid prose and sharp social commentary make this a standout addition to the noir genre.
Learn MoreDennis Lehane
Mystic River
Fans of Scene of the Crime's dark, character-driven narrative will find much to love in Mystic River. Lehane's novel delves into the complex relationships between three childhood friends whose lives are forever altered when one of their daughters is murdered. As the friends confront their past and present, they must grapple with the consequences of their choices and the nature of forgiveness.
Learn MoreJames Ellroy
The Black Dahlia
James Ellroy's The Black Dahlia is a masterful work of noir that explores the real-life murder of Elizabeth Short, a young woman whose brutalized body was found in a vacant lot in Los Angeles in 1947. Ellroy's intricate plotting and vivid, staccato prose make for a gripping, unforgettable read.
Learn MoreAlex Michaelides
The Silent Patient
Readers who enjoyed Scene of the Crime's psychological depth will find much to appreciate in The Silent Patient. This novel follows a criminal psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with a patient who refuses to speak after being accused of murdering her husband. As the therapist delves deeper into the patient's past, he begins to unravel a series of shocking secrets.
Learn MoreChris Pavone
The Expats
For a more international take on noir, readers can turn to Chris Pavone's The Expats. This novel follows a former CIA operative who moves to Europe with her husband and two young children, only to become embroiled in a series of dangerous, interconnected plots. Pavone's expert plotting and vivid sense of place make this a standout thriller.
Learn MoreTana French
In the Woods
Fans of Scene of the Crime's complex, character-driven narrative will find much to appreciate in Tana French's In the Woods. This novel follows a detective who is called to investigate the murder of a young girl, only to be confronted with his own haunting past. As the detective delves deeper into the case, he must confront the nature of memory, truth, and the consequences of our choices.
Learn MoreChina Miéville
The City & the City
For a more fantastical take on noir, readers can turn to China Miéville's The City & The
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