Discover books similar to "Sally's in the Alley"

Norbert Davis

Sally's in the Alley

3.71

"Sally's in the Alley" by Norbert Davis is a classic hard-boiled detective novel that combines wit, humor, and suspense in a unique and entertaining way. First published in 1943, the novel is set in the bustling streets of wartime Los Angeles and follows the exploits of private detective Doan and his sidekick, a huge and lovable dog named Carstairs. The story begins when Doan is hired by a wealthy businessman to find his missing daughter, Sally. The search takes Doan and Carstairs through the seedy underbelly of LA, from the gambling dens and speakeasies of the city's Chinatown to the shadowy back alleys of the downtown area. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a tough-talking nightclub singer, a smooth-talking con man, and a mysterious Chinese gangster. What sets "Sally's in the Alley" apart from other detective novels of the era is Davis's use of humor and wit. Doan is a refreshingly self-aware and self-deprecating hero, who is just as likely to crack a joke as he is to crack a case. The dialogue is sharp and snappy, and the banter between Doan and Carstairs is particularly entertaining. But don't be fooled by the light-hearted tone - "Sally's in the Alley" is also a gripping and suspenseful mystery. Davis keeps the reader guessing until the very end, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The novel is also notable for its vivid and atmospheric depiction of Los Angeles during World War II, which adds an extra layer of depth and interest to the story. Overall, "Sally's in the Alley" is a highly entertaining and engaging detective novel that combines humor, suspense, and a colorful cast of characters. It's a must-read for fans of classic hard-boiled detective fiction, and a testament to Norbert Davis's skill as a writer...

List of books similar to "Sally's in the Alley":

Norbert Davis

The Mouse in the Mountain

If you enjoyed 'Sally’s in the Alley', you might like 'The Mouse in the Mountain' - another witty and fast-paced detective novel by Norbert Davis. This time, protagonists Doan and Carstairs find themselves in the mountains, investigating a mysterious disappearance and encountering a cast of eccentric characters.

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Dashiell Hammett

The Thin Man

If you enjoyed the humor and snappy dialogue in 'Sally’s in the Alley', you’ll love 'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett. This classic detective novel features a retired detective and his socialite wife who become embroiled in a murder investigation, with plenty of witty banter and clever plot twists.

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Dashiell Hammett

The Dain Curse

For fans of Norbert Davis’s intricate plots and complex characters, 'The Dain Curse' by Dashiell Hammett is a must-read. This novel features a complex mystery involving a cursed family, a charismatic cult leader, and a detective who must unravel the truth.

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Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep

If you enjoyed the hard-boiled detective style of 'Sally’s in the Alley', you’ll appreciate 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. This classic novel features private detective Philip Marlowe, who becomes embroiled in a complex case involving a wealthy family, a missing person, and a web of crime and deceit.

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Raymond Chandler

Farewell, My Lovely

For fans of Norbert Davis’s snappy dialogue and vivid characters, 'Farewell, My Lovely' by Raymond Chandler is a great choice. This novel features private detective Philip Marlowe, who becomes embroiled in a complex case involving a missing person, a nightclub singer, and a web of crime and deceit.

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Raymond Chandler

The Long Goodbye

If you enjoyed the gritty realism and moral ambiguity of 'Sally’s in the Alley', you’ll appreciate 'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler. This novel features private detective Philip Marlowe, who becomes embroiled in a complex case involving a wealthy writer, a missing person, and a web of crime and deceit.

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Dashiell Hammett

The Maltese Falcon

For fans of Norbert Davis’s intricate plots and snappy dialogue, 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a must-read. This classic novel features private detective Sam Spade, who becomes embroiled in a complex case involving a valuable statue, a femme fatale, and a web of crime and deceit.

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Dashiell Hammett

Red Harvest

If you enjoyed the gritty realism and moral ambiguity of 'Sally’s in the Alley', you’ll appreciate 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett. This novel features a tough and resourceful detective who is hired to clean up a corrupt town, but soon finds himself embroiled in a web of crime and deceit.

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Dashiell Hammett

The Glass Key

For fans of Norbert Davis’s complex characters and moral ambiguity, 'The Glass Key' by Dashiell Hammett is a great choice. This novel features a powerful political boss and his loyal enforcer, who must navigate a web of crime and deceit in order to solve a murder and maintain their power.

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Dashiell Hammett

The Continental Op

If you enjoyed the hard-boiled detective style and snappy dialogue of 'Sally’s in the Alley', you’ll appreciate 'The Continental Op' by Dashiell Hammett. This collection of short stories features a tough and resourceful detective who takes on a variety of cases, from missing persons to murder investigations.

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