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THE TWENTY-FIVE BOOKS

Monthly Archives: October 2014

1. Brighton Rock

The 25 Books - Crime Thriller Novels, Uncategorized.

Hale knew, before he had been in Brighton three hours, that they meant to murder him.’ Crime novels need to have gripping openings, and the first line of Graham Greene’s novel is considered by many to be one of the best in literature. Featuring teenage sociopath ‘Pinkie’, and encompassing Greene’s traditional themes of Catholicism, moral decay, and redemption, the book has inspired two screen adaptations to date and many devoted fans. Bestselling Brighton crime writer Peter James says it’s his favourite book.

You should read it: to decide whether you prefer Greene doing crime or doing literary agonising (eg The End of the Affair); to admire his crafting of antihero Pinkie; to see a woman taking on the role of ‘detective’ in the form of stalwart Ida; for tips on how to create a (literally) killer opening.

2. The Name of the Rose

The 25 Books - Crime Thriller Novels.

Forget the Da Vinci code. Long before Dan Brown put pen to paper, this novel by Italian author Umberto Eco was playing with the notion of signs and symbols. A series of murders takes place in a remote Italian monastery in the year 1327. Using logic and deduction, Friar William of Baskerville solves the mystery. A nod to Holmes in his name perhaps? Narrated by Watson-like sidekick Adso, the novel takes in semiology, biblical mysteries, and the postmodern idea of palimpest.

You should read it: to see that a crime novel can also be literary, and vice-versa; for the rich historical detail; for the layers of meaning and dense literary and mythical allusion.

3. LA Confidential

The 25 Books - Crime Thriller Novels.

LAconfidentialcvr.jpgIf you thought the film was dark, try this – a hundred times more shocking and visceral, with some added child murder, mutilation, torture and so on. A group of LAPD officers get embroiled in the dark underbelly of the city following a shooting in a late-night coffee shop. In luminous, violent prose, James Ellroy twists the plot strands of the three policemen leads, and skillfully juggles their encounters with prostitutes, broken women, corrupt child stars, abusers, and worse.

You should read it: if you need an antidote to cosy crime; if you thought the film was a little too tame for you; if you want to see how to handle multiple plot strands, long timelines, and a shifting viewpoint that leaves no one free from the shadow of corruption.

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City, University of London is an independent member institution of the University of London. Established by Royal Charter in 1836, the University of London consists of 18 independent member institutions with outstanding global reputations and several prestigious central academic bodies and activities.

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