Some well - known noir urban fantasy novels include 'Moon Called' by Patricia Briggs. It has a werewolf - centric story set in a world where the supernatural exists alongside the normal in an urban environment. Then there's 'The Iron Druid Chronicles' by Kevin Hearne. It's about a druid in modern - day Arizona who has to deal with various mythological beings. 'Storm Front' from the Dresden Files is also a great start for those interested in this genre, as it sets up the noir - like atmosphere and the urban magical world very well.
One great noir urban fantasy novel is 'Neverwhere' by Neil Gaiman. It combines a dark, gritty urban setting with elements of fantasy like underground kingdoms and strange creatures. The story follows an ordinary man who stumbles into a hidden world beneath London. Another is 'The Dresden Files' series by Jim Butcher. It features a wizard detective in a modern, seedy city filled with magic and danger. And 'Sandman Slim' by Richard Kadrey is also a notable one, with its anti - hero protagonist navigating a dark, supernatural Los Angeles.
One of the best urban noir novels is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features a hard - boiled detective, Philip Marlowe, navigating the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. Another great one is 'Sin City' by Frank Miller. Its dark, gritty art and noir - like stories set in Basin City are really captivating. And 'The Wire' (which also has a novelization) can be considered in this genre as it shows the complex and often dark aspects of urban life in Baltimore.
Characteristics of good noir fantasy novels include a sense of fatalism. The characters may feel as if they are at the mercy of larger forces. In 'The Black Company' by Glen Cook, the mercenaries are often caught up in events beyond their control. There is also a prevalence of shadowy elements, both in the setting and the characters. The city in 'The City Stained Red' by Sam Sykes is full of dark alleys and hidden secrets. Plus, these novels often have a non - traditional view of heroism, where the so - called heroes may not be as noble as expected.
One great noir fantasy novel is 'The City Stained Red' by Sam Sykes. It combines a dark, gritty atmosphere with elements of fantasy. Another is 'Neverwhere' by Neil Gaiman, which takes readers on a journey through the seedy underbelly of a magical London. And 'Kushiel's Dart' by Jacqueline Carey also has noir elements in its complex and morally ambiguous world.
Another example is 'City of Stairs' by Robert Jackson Bennett. It's set in a world full of gods and magic, but with a noir - ish feel. The main character Shara Thivani is an agent who has to navigate a complex and often dangerous world filled with political intrigue and secrets.
Some top noir novels include 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain. It's a dark tale of passion and murder, exploring the seedy underbelly of human nature. 'In a Lonely Place' by Dorothy B. Hughes is also a great noir novel. It tells the story of a man suspected of being a serial killer and the psychological tension that builds around him. And 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler, which features the iconic detective Philip Marlowe and a web of mystery and corruption in Los Angeles.
A third example could be 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain. It's a very influential noir novel. The story revolves around a love - triangle and a murder plot. The characters are morally ambiguous, and the setting adds to the overall sense of doom and desperation. The narrative is taut and full of twists that keep the readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the best noir novels is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a classic with a complex plot full of intrigue and a tough detective, Sam Spade. The search for the valuable Maltese falcon statuette leads to a web of lies and double - crosses.
Some of the greatest noir novels include 'I, the Jury' by Mickey Spillane. It's a hard - boiled detective story with Mike Hammer as the tough - as - nails protagonist. 'A Kiss Before Dying' by Ira Levin is also notable. It has a devious plot where a young man will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. And 'The Lady in the Lake' by Raymond Chandler, which offers a unique perspective as the detective goes undercover in a small town to solve a murder mystery.
Some well - known noir novels could be 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a classic with its complex plot and hard - boiled detective. Another might be 'Double Indemnity' by James M. Cain, which is full of dark motives and dangerous liaisons. And 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler, featuring his iconic detective Philip Marlowe.
One of the best noir novels is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a classic with its complex characters and a convoluted plot centered around a valuable statuette. Another great one is 'Double Indemnity' by James M. Cain. It tells a dark and seductive story of murder and insurance fraud. And 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by Cain as well, which is known for its gritty portrayal of passion and crime.