Books by Joe Ide
“It centres around Isaiah Quintana, also known as IQ: a high school dropout turned unlicensed private investigator in East Long Beach. Every once in a while, you see someone write a modern noir, but not in a setting like this. So it’s really refreshing and from a different perspective. IQ is the first book in the series. I think there are six books so far and they’re all worth reading, but the first couple are really special. Isaiah takes it upon himself to help solve crimes in his community, crimes that are either too small for the police to worry about or crimes that take place in a community that the police don’t care enough to worry about. Isaiah only charges his clients what they can afford, and usually that is not a lot.” Read more...
Simon Hawkins, Film Director
“Isaiah Quintabe—IQ for short—is a irresistable take on the iconic Sherlock Holmes, who was a favorite of author Joe Ide growing up. Ide’s settings are razor sharp as IQ’s cases keep getting harder and the stakes higher. But it’s the main character—a scary-smart high school dropout from the hood penned in Ide’s snappy prose—who makes this story a joy to read.” Read more...
Tosca Lee, Novelist
Interviews where books by Joe Ide were recommended
The Best Thrillers of 2021, recommended by Tosca Lee
Looking for a fantastic new thriller to read? We asked Tosca Lee, the bestselling author, to talk us through the International Thriller Writers 2021 shortlist. With their amazing characters, palpable tension, unique voices and incredible plot twists these thrillers achieve what every reader is looking for: a book they can’t put down.
The Best Noir Novels, recommended by Simon Hawkins
Noir is as much an aesthetic as it is a genre of book or movie, explains the film director Simon Hawkins; and though it might be set anywhere, Los Angeles is its spiritual home. Here, he recommends five of the best noir novels—each defined by their strong settings, seedy atmospheres and suspenseful plotting.
