Here is a selection of 7 must-read American thrillers, both classic and contemporary. Each novel offers a distinct reading experience, with engaging plots and memorable characters to remember.
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(1930) by Dashiell Hammett
Private investigator Sam Spade becomes enmeshed in a perilous scenario surrounding a prestigious gold and gemstone statuette. As he navigates the complex case, he encounters individuals who deceive, manipulate, and resort to murder to conceal their actions. With a concise and straightforward writing style, Hammett establishes the framework for the modern detective genre by portraying a world where financial gain and avarice inevitably lead to devastating consequences. The tale, replete with unexpected turns, is also renowned for its exceptional cinematic adaptation.
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981 film)
In this classic American crime novel, a restless young drifter named Frank Chambers becomes infatuated with Cora, the alluring spouse of a café owner. The two conspire to eliminate her difficult husband, sparking a tangled web of passion and remorse. Cain’s characteristic directness expertly reveals the complexity of human psyche in a narrative that entwines love and crime in both rewarding and devastating ways. Since its initial publication, the novel has inspired numerous film adaptations.
(1939) by Raymond Chandler
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(1963) by Jim Thompson
A small-scale scam artist, Roy Dillon, suffers a dramatic turn of events after a scheme goes awry. Torn between a controlling mother, Lilly, and a seductive, high-risk lover, Myra, he becomes the focal point of a vortex of deception and brutality. This gripping dark thriller delves into the devastating effects of toxic relationships, manipulation, and the inevitable repercussions of making life’s tough decisions. Throughout the narrative, Thompson skillfully sustains a sense of suspense, crafting a remarkable work of crime fiction.
(1987) by James Ellroy
, where corruption, scandal, and personal obsessions dominate the scene. Ellroy’s vivid and intense writing vividly portrays the bleak yet captivating ambiance of a city submerged in darkness and hidden truths.
(2018) by Delia Owens
In a poignant story of isolation, survival, and the weight of social judgment. The vivid beauty of nature heightens the emotional impact of this distinctive narrative.
(2020) by S.A. Cosby
Beauregard “Bug” Montage, a former getaway driver who has converted to a mechanic, fights to keep his family’s garage afloat financially. Faced with money problems, he agrees to take on one last job, hoping this will secure his family’s future. However, things don’t go as planned and he becomes caught up in a violent and deceitful circle of events. This gripping thriller delves into moral crises, loyalty, and selflessness in a rural America fraught with social unrest.
