I'd recommend 'City of Quartz' by Mike Davis too. Although it's not a traditional crime novel in the sense of a detective story, it delves deep into the social and political problems in Los Angeles which are often related to crime. It gives a broader context to understanding the crime - ridden aspects of the city.
One of the great Los Angeles crime novels is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It's a classic that features the iconic detective Philip Marlowe and is filled with the seedy underbelly of LA in the 1930s. Another is 'L.A. Requiem' by Robert Crais. It has a complex plot and engaging characters. And 'Devil in a Blue Dress' by Walter Mosley is also excellent. It gives a great look at the African - American experience in LA during the 1940s.
There are several. 'Crash' by J.G. Ballard, while not a traditional detective - centered crime fiction, explores the dark and violent side of Los Angeles through a different lens. It looks at how people interact with technology and violence in the urban landscape. And 'White Jazz' by James Ellroy is another great addition to L.A. crime fiction, with its complex characters and exploration of the city's criminal underworld.
Often, the best LA crime novels feature a seedy underworld. They show the darker side of the city, like the criminal gangs, corrupt cops, and the desperation of the people involved. For example, in 'The Big Sleep', we see the underbelly of 1930s LA with its illegal gambling and blackmail.
Sure. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic Los Angeles Noir novel. It features detective Philip Marlowe and is filled with the seedy underbelly of LA.
Sure. 'The Big Nowhere' by James Ellroy is set in Los Angeles and is a great read. It has a complex plot with lots of noir elements.
One of the well - known Los Angeles novels is 'The Day of the Locust' by Nathanael West. It offers a searing look at Hollywood and the dreams and disillusionment in Los Angeles.
One characteristic is the use of the city as a character itself. Los Angeles' diverse neighborhoods, from the glitzy Hollywood to the gritty downtown, add depth to the stories. Another is the presence of complex and often morally ambiguous characters. Detectives in these fictions might not always follow the rules. Also, themes of corruption, both in the police force and in society in general, are common.
I'd recommend 'City of Quartz'. It's not as complex as some others and it gives a good overview of Los Angeles which is important in understanding the context of many mystery novels set there. Also, 'The Black Dahlia' is quite accessible. It has a strong central mystery based on a real event, which can draw in new readers to the genre of LA mystery novels.
Michael Connelly's 'The Concrete Blonde' is excellent. His detective Harry Bosch investigates a case in LA. The story is filled with twists and turns, and Bosch is a very well - developed character that you can't help but be drawn to.
Another great one is 'L.A. Requiem' by Robert Crais. It has a complex detective character named Elvis Cole. The novel delves deep into the criminal world of Los Angeles and has a really engaging plot with lots of twists and turns.