"The Big Blowdown" is a gritty crime novel set in 1940s Washington, D.C. The story follows three childhood friends, Pete, Nick, and Joey, as they navigate the dangerous underbelly of their neighborhood. When Joey is brutally murdered, Pete and Nick are determined to find his killer and seek justice. As they delve deeper into the dark world of gangsters and corruption, they must confront their own demons and make difficult choices that will test their loyalty and friendship. With its vivid portrayal of post-war America and its compelling characters, "The Big Blowdown" is a gripping tale of crime, redemption, and the power of friendship.

The novel revolves around a cunning criminal named Chinese Gordon, who, along with his eclectic team, inadvertently stumbles upon a classified CIA document while planning a heist. The document contains information that could compromise national security, and as a result, they find themselves pursued by the government. The group, along with an intelligent stray dog they've adopted, uses their wits and unconventional tactics to outmaneuver the agents on their tail. The story combines elements of crime, espionage, and humor, as the band of thieves navigates the dangerous game of cat and mouse with the CIA, raising questions about the competence and moral integrity of government agencies.

The book centers on a young, ambitious attorney who is seduced into joining a prestigious law firm with a dark secret. Lured by the promise of wealth and status, he and his wife become entangled in a world of luxury that quickly turns into a nightmare. As he discovers the firm's involvement in illegal activities and its ruthless methods of ensuring loyalty and silence, he becomes a target himself. With the FBI pressuring him to help expose the firm's criminal dealings, he must navigate a treacherous path to outwit his employers, protect his family, and escape with his life.

Set in 1896 New York City, the novel follows a journalist and his friend, a psychologist (or "alienist"), as they work on an investigation into a series of gruesome murders of boy prostitutes. The team employs psychological profiling and early forensic methods to hunt down the serial killer. The book delves into the seedy underbelly of the city, exploring the grim realities of life at the time.

The book tells the story of Sailor Ripley and Lula Pace Fortune, two young lovers from the South who embark on a terrifying and exhilarating journey across America. Sailor, a rebellious outlaw with a troubled past, and Lula, a passionate woman with a zest for life, face numerous challenges and dangerous situations, including encounters with eccentric characters and run-ins with the law. Their compelling, roller-coaster romance is a testament to the extreme lengths people will go to preserve their love amidst chaos and adversity.

In an alternate reality where Jewish refugees found sanctuary in Alaska during World War II, the book follows a homicide detective in the Yiddish-speaking metropolis of Sitka as he investigates the murder of a former chess prodigy. The detective's quest takes him from the city's seedy underbelly to the highest echelons of power, and he uncovers a vast conspiracy that threatens the very existence of the Jewish homeland in Alaska. The novel is a blend of detective fiction, alternate history, and Jewish humor.

In this gripping crime thriller, a brilliant forensic detective and a young officer team up to catch a sadistic serial killer who leaves behind a trail of bone-chilling clues. As they race against time to solve the puzzle, they must navigate through a labyrinth of gruesome crime scenes and outsmart the ruthless murderer who always seems to be one step ahead. With unexpected twists and heart-stopping suspense, this novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final shocking revelation.

This psychological horror novel centers around four Vietnam War veterans who reunite to confront a series of gruesome murders that eerily resemble war crimes they witnessed. The story delves into the complexities of trauma and the bonds of military brotherhood as the men embark on a harrowing journey to track down the enigmatic figure known only as "Koko," whose identity is as mysterious as the motives behind the killings. As they traverse the globe from the urban landscapes of the United States to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia, the veterans must grapple with their own inner demons and the possibility that the killer they seek may be one of their own.

This novel is a gritty examination of urban decay in America, focusing on the intertwined lives of a young drug dealer and a burnt-out homicide detective in a fictional New Jersey city. The story provides a stark depiction of the drug trade, exploring the desperation, violence, and moral complexities that come with it. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters, offering a nuanced view of the challenges they face in their respective roles within the community.

In "What The Dead Know" by Laura Lippman, a woman claiming to be one of the two missing Bethany sisters suddenly appears after thirty years, setting off a chain of events that forces the police, the media, and the families involved to revisit the unsolved case. As the truth slowly unravels, secrets from the past are exposed, revealing the devastating impact the disappearance had on the family and the lingering effects it has had on those left behind.

The novel follows Lionel Essrog, a detective with Tourette's Syndrome, as he navigates the rough streets of Brooklyn to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna. Despite his condition, Lionel's obsessive mind proves to be a valuable asset in uncovering the truth about Frank's death, leading him through a maze of secrets, corruption, and betrayal within the Brooklyn underworld. The book is a compelling blend of mystery, humor, and an exploration of the human condition through the eyes of a uniquely gifted protagonist.

"Chiefs" by Stuart Woods is a gripping novel that spans several generations, exploring the dark secrets and mysteries of a small southern town. Set against the backdrop of racial tensions and political corruption, the story follows three ambitious and determined law enforcement officers as they strive to uncover the truth behind a series of unsolved murders that have plagued the town for decades. With compelling characters and a suspenseful plot, this book delves into the complexities of power, justice, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.

In this gripping crime novel, a former cop turned private investigator, Matt Scudder, is hired to find the killer of a high-class call girl. As he delves deeper into the dark underbelly of New York City, Scudder becomes entangled in a web of deceit, corruption, and addiction. With his own demons haunting him, Scudder must navigate the dangerous streets and confront his own personal demons in order to bring justice to the victims and find redemption for himself.

In this installment of a detective series, the tenacious female private investigator celebrates her 33rd birthday by not only upgrading her living situation but also by unwittingly putting herself in the crosshairs of a hitman. As she navigates the complexities of her latest case, involving a frail elderly woman seeking to uncover the mysterious past of her long-lost son, the detective must simultaneously dodge the lethal intentions of the assassin. Her investigative skills are put to the test as she delves into a web of deceit and danger, with the added challenge of staying alive while outsmarting those who wish her harm.

"Affliction" is a powerful and haunting novel about a man named Wade Whitehouse, a small-town cop in New Hampshire, who descends into a spiral of violence and despair triggered by the fear of his own impotence. The narrative delves deep into Wade's past and present life, his struggles with alcoholism, his failed marriage and difficult relationship with his daughter, and his abusive father, all leading to a tragic and shocking climax. The book is a profound exploration of the struggle for self and identity in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

This novel explores the spiritual journey of a man named Mack, who, after suffering the devastating loss of his daughter, receives a mysterious note inviting him to a shack. This shack is the same place where evidence of his daughter's murder was found. In the shack, Mack has an extraordinary encounter with three strangers who help him understand his loss, heal his pain, and redefine his understanding of life, love, and forgiveness. The book delves into the complexities of faith and the power of forgiveness through the lens of a deeply personal and tragic experience.

The book is a crime novel that follows the story of Ernest "Stick" Stickley, Jr., an ex-con who, after being released from prison, tries to leave his criminal past behind and make a legitimate living in Florida. However, Stick quickly finds himself entangled in the seedy underworld of drug dealers, con artists, and hit men. As he navigates this dangerous terrain, Stick must use his wits and street smarts to outmaneuver those who want him dead, while also attempting to reconcile with his estranged daughter and build a better future. The novel is known for its sharp dialogue, dark humor, and vivid portrayal of the Miami crime scene.

"Dead Time" is a gripping crime novel that follows the determined and resourceful African-American police detective, Marti MacAlister, as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths in a small Midwestern town. As the body count rises, Marti must navigate through a web of secrets and lies, uncovering shocking truths about the victims and their connections, while also facing personal demons from her own past. With a strong female protagonist, intricate plot twists, and a vividly described setting, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.

"Ordinary Grace" is a coming-of-age novel set in a small Minnesota town in the 1960s. The story follows Frank, a thirteen-year-old boy, as he navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and the harsh realities of life and death. When a series of tragic events befall the community, Frank is forced to confront the fragility of life and the power of forgiveness, ultimately learning valuable lessons about love, loss, and the importance of cherishing ordinary moments.

In this gripping thriller, a detective and forensic psychologist embarks on a harrowing investigation to track down a serial kidnapper and murderer who refers to himself as "Casanova." The stakes are raised when the detective's niece becomes one of the victims, leading to a desperate race against time. As the detective delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Casanova is not the only predator at large—another killer, known as "The Gentleman Caller," is committing similar crimes across the country. The narrative weaves a tale of suspense and terror as the detective must unravel the twisted motives of these killers while trying to save the lives of their captives before it's too late.

"When Death Comes Stealing" is a gripping mystery novel that follows Tamara Hayle, a former cop turned private investigator, as she delves into the suspicious death of a young woman named Crystal. As Tamara unravels the truth behind Crystal's demise, she uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and secrets that lead her to confront her own past demons. With her sharp wit and determination, Tamara navigates through the dangerous streets of Newark, New Jersey, in her quest for justice, all while battling her own personal struggles. This thrilling and thought-provoking story explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the resilience of the human spirit.

"Bluebird, Bluebird" follows the story of Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger who finds himself caught in a small East Texas town plagued by racial tensions and unsolved murders. When two bodies are discovered, one black and one white, Darren is determined to uncover the truth behind these racially charged crimes. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets, corruption, and long-buried truths that threaten to tear the town apart. In a gripping and atmospheric narrative, the book explores themes of race, justice, and identity while unraveling a complex mystery.

In this gripping Cold War thriller, an American tourist stumbles upon a secret Soviet training facility known as "The Charm School," where KGB agents are taught to mimic American culture and behavior to infiltrate the United States. When the tourist mysteriously disappears, a U.S. Air Force officer stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and a female American consulate worker begin to investigate. Their search leads them into a dangerous confrontation with the KGB and a desperate race against time to expose the truth about the facility before more lives are lost and the potential for Soviet spies within American borders grows.

This novel is a gripping psychological thriller that unfolds through the confession of its titular character, a housekeeper accused of murdering her wealthy employer. Set on a small island in Maine, the story delves deep into the protagonist's past, revealing a life marred by domestic abuse, a desperate act of violence to protect her children, and a complex relationship with her employer. The narrative, devoid of chapters and told entirely in the protagonist's voice, creates an intimate and compelling exploration of guilt, survival, and the lengths to which a person will go to escape a life of despair. Through its vivid character study and suspenseful plot, the novel examines themes of justice, loyalty, and the enduring impact of secrets.

"White Jazz" by James Ellroy is a gritty crime novel set in 1950s Los Angeles, following the life of corrupt police officer Dave Klein. As he navigates the treacherous world of organized crime, racial tensions, and personal demons, Klein becomes entangled in a web of deceit and violence that threatens to consume him. With its dark and atmospheric prose, this gripping tale explores the blurred lines between law and corruption, ultimately questioning the nature of justice in a city consumed by power and greed.