Discover books similar to "Troublemaker"
Joseph Hansen
Troublemaker
3.87
Part of "Dave Brandstetter" series
"Troublemaker" by Joseph Hansen is a gripping novel and a remarkable contribution to the mystery genre. First published in 1975, this book is the third installment in the Dave Brandstetter series, which features a gay insurance investigator as the protagonist. The series is considered a groundbreaking work, as it was one of the earliest to portray a gay detective as a lead character. In "Troublemaker," Brandstetter is tasked with investigating the death of a wealthy recluse, Delano Mercer, who drowned in his own swimming pool. The circumstances surrounding Mercer's death are suspicious, and Brandstetter's investigation reveals a tangled web of family secrets, hidden relationships, and motives for murder. Hansen's writing is crisp and engaging, and he skillfully balances the intricacies of the mystery with the complexities of Brandstetter's personal life. The author's portrayal of Brandstetter is both nuanced and authentic, and the character's sexuality is an integral part of his identity, rather than a source of sensationalism or titillation. "Troublemaker" is not only a compelling mystery but also a thoughtful exploration of identity, acceptance, and the human condition. Hansen's depiction of the challenges that Brandstetter faces as a gay man in a predominantly straight world is both poignant and powerful, and it adds depth and resonance to the story. Overall, "Troublemaker" is a must-read for fans of mystery novels and anyone interested in thoughtful, well-crafted fiction. Hansen's writing is both incisive and compassionate, and his portrayal of Brandstetter is both groundbreaking and timeless. This book is a testament to Hansen's skill as a writer and his commitment to creating complex, fully realized characters...
List of books similar to "Troublemaker":
Ross Macdonald
The Drowning Pool
In this novel, private investigator Lew Archer delves into the dark secrets of a wealthy California family, uncovering a web of deceit and corruption. Like 'Troublemaker', this book features a hard-boiled detective and explores themes of identity, family, and crime.
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Raymond Chandler
The Long Goodbye
Philip Marlowe, Chandler's iconic detective, becomes entangled in the lives of a wealthy alcoholic and his estranged wife in this classic noir novel. Fans of 'Troublemaker' will appreciate the sharp dialogue, complex characters, and exploration of the darker side of human nature.
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Raymond Chandler
The Big Sleep
In this classic detective novel, Philip Marlowe is hired to investigate a blackmail case but soon finds himself embroiled in a larger web of crime and deceit. Like 'Troublemaker', this book features a tough, smart-aleck detective and explores themes of corruption and moral ambiguity.
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Dashiell Hammett
Red Harvest
In this classic hard-boiled novel, a private detective is hired to clean up a corrupt town but soon finds himself up against a ruthless gang of criminals. Like 'Troublemaker', this book features a tough, resourceful detective and explores themes of violence, corruption, and the darker side of human nature.
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Ross Macdonald
The Galton Case
In this novel, Lew Archer is hired to find a missing heir but soon finds himself up against a web of deceit and corruption. Fans of 'Troublemaker' will appreciate the complex, morally ambiguous characters and the exploration of themes of identity, family, and crime.
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Ross Macdonald
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In this novel, Lew Archer is hired to investigate a missing person case but soon finds himself up against a web of deceit and corruption. Fans of 'Troublemaker' will appreciate the sharp dialogue, complex characters, and exploration of the darker side of human nature.
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Raymond Chandler
Farewell, My Lovely
In this classic noir novel, Philip Marlowe becomes embroiled in a complex web of crime and deceit while searching for a missing person. Fans of 'Troublemaker' will appreciate the sharp dialogue, complex characters, and exploration of the darker side of human nature.
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Dashiell Hammett
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In this novel, a tough, resourceful detective investigates a political fixer's murder and becomes embroiled in a web of corruption and deceit. Fans of 'Troublemaker' will appreciate the gritty, realistic portrayal of working-class life and the complex, morally ambiguous characters.
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In this classic detective novel, a retired detective and his socialite wife become embroiled in a murder investigation and a web of deceit. Fans of 'Troublemaker' will appreciate the sharp dialogue, complex characters, and exploration of the darker side of human nature.
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