Discover books similar to "The Big Nowhere"
James Ellroy
The Big Nowhere
4.11
Part of "L.A. Quartet" series
"The Big Nowhere" by James Ellroy is a gripping noir novel that delves into the dark underbelly of 1950s Los Angeles. The story follows three characters whose lives become entangled in a web of crime, politics, and corruption: Danny Upshaw, a young and ambitious deputy district attorney; Mal Considine, a World War II veteran and police officer; and Buzz Meeks, an ex-cop turned private eye. Ellroy's writing is sharp and unrelenting, creating a sense of tension and unease that permeates every page. The narrative is complex, with multiple storylines that weave together seamlessly, building to a shocking and unexpected climax. The characters are richly drawn and morally ambiguous, making it difficult for the reader to know who to root for. One of the most striking aspects of "The Big Nowhere" is its exploration of the darker side of the American dream. The characters are all searching for something - power, money, justice - and are willing to sacrifice their morals and values to get it. Ellroy exposes the corruption and hypocrisy that lie beneath the surface of American society, revealing a world where nothing is as it seems. Another notable feature of the novel is its historical accuracy. Ellroy spent months researching the period, and it shows in the details he includes. From the slang and fashion of the time to the political climate and social issues, everything feels authentic and alive. Overall, "The Big Nowhere" is a masterful work of noir fiction that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Its complex characters, intricate plot, and biting social commentary make it a standout addition to any crime fiction collection. Fans of Ellroy's other works, such as "L.A. Confidential" and "The Black Dahlia," will not be disappointed...
List of books similar to "The Big Nowhere":
Walter Mosley
A Red Death
The third book in the Easy Rawlins series, 'A Red Death' is a dark and gritty tale of murder, corruption, and racism in 1950s Los Angeles. If you enjoyed the historical setting and complex plot of 'The Big Nowhere', you'll love this novel.
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Walter Mosley
Devil in a Blue Dress
If you enjoyed the historical setting and complex characters of 'The Big Nowhere', you'll love 'Devil in a Blue Dress' by Walter Mosley. This novel of crime and detection in post-war Los Angeles features Easy Rawlins, a black private detective, and is filled with twists and turns.
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James Ellroy
L.A. Confidential
If you enjoyed the intricate plotting and dark, morally ambiguous characters in 'The Big Nowhere', you'll love 'L.A. Confidential'. This novel is a classic Ellroy tale of crime and corruption in 1950s Los Angeles, with a complex story that will keep you guessing until the very end.
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James Ellroy
White Jazz
The third book in Ellroy's L.A. Quartet, 'White Jazz' is a fast-paced and violent tale of jazz, crime, and corruption in 1950s Los Angeles. If you enjoyed the gritty realism and complex plotting of 'The Big Nowhere', you'll love this novel.
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James Ellroy
The Black Dahlia
The first book in Ellroy's L.A. Quartet, 'The Black Dahlia' is a dark and twisted tale of murder, corruption, and obsession in 1940s Los Angeles. If you enjoyed the historical setting and complex characters of 'The Big Nowhere', you'll love this novel.
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Raymond Chandler
The Long Goodbye
If you enjoyed the hard-boiled detective style of 'The Big Nowhere', you'll love 'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler. This classic novel of crime and detection in Los Angeles features Philip Marlowe, one of the most iconic detectives in literature.
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Raymond Chandler
The Big Sleep
Another classic novel of crime and detection in Los Angeles, 'The Big Sleep' features Philip Marlowe and is filled with witty dialogue, complex characters, and a twisting plot. If you enjoyed the hard-boiled style of 'The Big Nowhere', you'll love this novel.
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Ross Macdonald
The Chill
If you enjoyed the intricate plotting and complex characters of 'The Big Nowhere', you'll love 'The Chill' by Ross Macdonald. This novel of crime and detection in Southern California features Lew Archer, one of the most iconic detectives in literature.
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Ross Macdonald
The Galton Case
Another classic novel of crime and detection in Southern California, 'The Galton Case' features Lew Archer and is filled with twists and turns, complex characters, and a deep sense of history. If you enjoyed the historical setting and complex plot of 'The Big Nowhere', you'll love this novel.
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Michael Connelly
The Last Coyote
If you enjoyed the hard-boiled detective style and complex plotting of 'The Big Nowware', you'll love 'The Last Coyote' by Michael Connelly. This novel of crime and detection in Los Angeles features Hieronymus Bosch, a troubled and complex detective.
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Michael Connelly
The Black Echo
The first book in the Hieronymus Bosch series, 'The Black Echo' is a dark and gritty tale of murder, corruption, and the Vietnam War. If you enjoyed the historical setting and complex plot of 'The Big Nowhere', you'll love this novel.
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