Discover books similar to "Nightwork"

Nightwork cover

Joseph Hansen

Nightwork

4.02

Part of "Dave Brandstetter" series

"Nightwork" by Joseph Hansen is a gripping novel of mystery and suspense that centers around the life of a young man named Dave Brandstetter. Set in the 1970s, the story takes place in Southern California, where Brandstetter works as an insurance investigator. The novel begins with the disappearance of a wealthy businessman named Charles Rogan, who has taken out a large life insurance policy with Brandstetter's company. When Rogan's car is found abandoned near the Mexican border, Brandstetter is called in to investigate. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to unravel Rogan's seemingly perfect life. What sets "Nightwork" apart from other novels in the genre is its nuanced portrayal of Brandstetter, who is openly gay. Hansen, who himself was a gay man, explores the challenges and prejudices that Brandstetter faces in his personal and professional life with sensitivity and insight. At the same time, Brandstetter is a complex and fully realized character, driven by a strong sense of justice and a desire to uncover the truth. The novel's plot is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it a page-turner from beginning to end. Hansen's writing is sharp and evocative, bringing the Southern California landscape to life in vivid detail. The novel also explores themes of identity, love, and loss, adding depth and complexity to the story. Overall, "Nightwork" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of mystery and suspense. Its nuanced portrayal of a gay protagonist and its exploration of themes related to identity and prejudice make it a groundbreaking work in the genre. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a gripping and intelligent read...

List of books similar to "Nightwork":

The Dain Curse cover

Dashiell Hammett

The Dain Curse

If you enjoyed 'Nightwork' for its intricate plot and hard-boiled detective, you'll likely appreciate Hammett's 'The Dain Curse.' This novel features the Continental Op, a detective who is just as tough and smart as Dave Brandstetter. The Dain Curse is a labyrinthine mystery filled with family secrets, murder, and greed.

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The Long Goodbye cover

Raymond Chandler

The Long Goodbye

Raymond Chandler's 'The Long Goodbye' is a classic noir novel that shares the same atmosphere and engaging detective work as 'Nightwork.' In this novel, Philip Marlowe finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and violence while trying to help an old friend. The Long Goodbye is a masterful exploration of loyalty, friendship, and the darker side of human nature.

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The Big Sleep cover

Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep

Another classic noir novel, 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler, is a great choice for fans of 'Nightwork.' The novel features Philip Marlowe, a private detective who is hired to investigate a blackmail case but soon finds himself involved in a complex web of crime and deceit. The Big Sleep is a fast-paced and thrilling novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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The Galton Case cover

Ross Macdonald

The Galton Case

If you enjoyed the intricate plot and family secrets in 'Nightwork,' you'll appreciate 'The Galton Case' by Ross Macdonald. The novel features private detective Lew Archer, who is hired to find a missing heir and soon discovers a tangled web of lies, deceit, and murder. The Galton Case is a masterful exploration of family dynamics and the consequences of past actions.

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The Chill cover

Ross Macdonald

The Chill

Ross Macdonald's 'The Chill' is another great choice for fans of 'Nightwork.' The novel features private detective Lew Archer, who is hired to investigate a missing person case but soon discovers a web of deceit and violence. The Chill is a gripping and suspenseful novel that explores the darker side of human nature and the consequences of past actions.

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A Darkness More Than Night cover

Michael Connelly

A Darkness More Than Night

Michael Connelly's 'A Darkness More Than Night' is a great choice for fans of 'Nightwork' who enjoy crime novels with complex plots and multiple storylines. The novel features detective Harry Bosch and criminal profiler Terry McCaleb, who team up to solve a series of murders that seem to be connected. A Darkness More Than Night is a gripping and suspenseful novel that explores the darker side of human nature.

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The Black Echo cover

Michael Connelly

The Black Echo

If you enjoyed the tough and smart detective in 'Nightwork,' you'll appreciate 'The Black Echo' by Michael Connelly. The novel features detective Harry Bosch, who is investigating a murder that seems to be connected to his past. The Black Echo is a fast-paced and thrilling novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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The Last Detective cover

Robert Crais

The Last Detective

Robert Crais's 'The Last Detective' is a great choice for fans of 'Nightwork' who enjoy crime novels with complex plots and engaging detectives. The novel features private detective Elvis Cole, who is hired to find a missing person but soon discovers a web of deceit and violence. The Last Detective is a gripping and suspenseful novel that explores the darker side of human nature.

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Lullaby cover

Chuck Palahniuk

Lullaby

If you enjoyed the dark and twisted plot of 'Nightwork,' you'll appreciate 'Lullaby' by Chuck Palahniuk. The novel features a journalist who discovers a lullaby that can kill anyone who hears it. Lullaby is a fast-paced and thrilling novel that explores the darker side of human nature and the consequences of past actions.

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