Well, they typically feature complex and flawed characters. These characters are often driven by desires such as greed, lust or revenge. In 'The Postman Always Rings Twice', the characters' actions are motivated by their passionate yet immoral desires. Another characteristic is a sense of impending doom. The atmosphere in these novels is usually dark and foreboding, making the reader feel that something bad is always about to happen. Also, the plots are convoluted, full of twists and turns as seen in 'L.A. Confidential' where the mystery unfolds in unexpected ways.
American noir crime novels typically have a moody atmosphere. They're known for their complex and often flawed protagonists. These novels may explore themes such as greed, power, and the human capacity for evil. The plotlines can be convoluted, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on edge.
The best Japanese noir novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'Out', the female characters are not just one - dimensional but have deep - seated desires and fears. They also tend to have a dark and gritty atmosphere. 'Coin Locker Babies' portrays a very seedy and violent world. Another characteristic is the exploration of moral ambiguity. In 'The Devotion of Suspect X', the actions of the characters make you question what is right and wrong.
Noir novels often feature a dark and cynical tone. They typically involve complex, morally ambiguous characters. The settings are usually gritty urban environments, like the seedy underbelly of a big city. There's a sense of impending doom and a lot of focus on crime, corruption, and the darker aspects of human nature.
One of the well - known best American noir novels is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a classic with its complex characters and a hunt for a valuable statuette. Another great one is 'Double Indemnity' by James M. Cain. It tells a story full of lust, greed and murder. And 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by Cain as well, which is a dark tale of passion and crime.
Some American noir novels to recommend are 'Mystic River' by Dennis Lehane. It's about three childhood friends whose lives are forever changed when a young girl is murdered in their neighborhood. 'Chinatown' by Robert Towne is another good one. It captures the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the Chinatown area in a big city, with a complex story of corruption and family secrets. And 'The Killer Inside Me' by Jim Thompson is a disturbing but brilliant noir novel that gives an inside look at the mind of a deranged killer.
One classic American noir novel is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It features a tough detective, Sam Spade, and a complex web of mystery around a valuable statuette. Another is 'Double Indemnity' by James M. Cain, which tells a story of an insurance agent getting involved in a murder - for - profit scheme. 'Farewell, My Lovely' by Raymond Chandler is also a great example, with its hard - boiled detective Philip Marlowe investigating a case in a seedy underworld.
Noir detective novels often feature a cynical and hard - boiled detective. They usually have a dark and seedy setting, like the back alleys of a big city at night. The stories are filled with moral ambiguity, where the line between good and bad is blurred.
One characteristic is the dark atmosphere. They often take place in gloomy settings like dimly - lit alleys or seedy bars. For example, in many noir novels, the city at night is described as a place full of danger and mystery.
Modern noir novels often feature morally ambiguous characters. They usually take place in gritty urban settings. And there's a sense of pessimism and cynicism throughout the story.
One characteristic is the presence of a cynical protagonist, often a detective. For example, in 'The Maltese Falcon', Sam Spade is a world - weary detective. Another is the dark and shadowy settings, like the mean streets in many noir novels.