best pulp crime novels

Well, 'Pale Kings and Princes' by Robert B. Parker is among the top ones. Spenser, the detective in the story, is a very interesting character. The novel deals with issues of power, corruption, and justice in a way that is both thought - provoking and exciting. The way Parker weaves the plot and develops the characters makes it a must - read in the pulp fiction crime genre.

Raymond Chandler's 'The Big Sleep' is also excellent. It has a great atmosphere of the seedy side of Los Angeles. Chandler's writing style is very engaging, and his detective Philip Marlowe is a memorable character. The plot is full of mystery and danger, which keeps the readers hooked from start to finish.

In my opinion, 'L.A. Confidential' by James Ellroy is also a great pulp fiction crime novel. It's set in 1950s Los Angeles and delves deep into the seedy side of the city. There are multiple storylines and complex characters. The novel shows the corruption and glamour of Hollywood and the police department at that time. Ellroy's detailed descriptions and fast - paced storytelling make it a page - turner.

Another good one for beginners is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. Although it's a more modern take on the crime genre, it has all the elements of a great pulp crime novel - mystery, intrigue, and a complex protagonist in Lisbeth Salander. It's a page - turner that will introduce you well to the world of crime novels.

Well, 'The Maltese Falcon' is a top - notch pulp crime fiction. Written by Dashiell Hammett, it features Sam Spade, a private detective. His character is so well - drawn. Then there's 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain. It has a really engaging and somewhat sordid story of love and crime. And 'True Detective' - like novels such as 'The Killer Inside Me' by Jim Thompson can be considered great pulp crime fictions.

One of the best true crime novels is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's a classic that delves into the brutal murders of a Kansas family. Another great one is 'Helter Skelter' which details the Manson Family murders. And 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson is also highly regarded as it combines the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with the serial killings of H. H. Holmes.

Modern pulp crime novels often feature fast - paced plots. They usually have a gritty and noir - like atmosphere, with complex and morally ambiguous characters. The settings are often urban and seedy, reflecting the darker side of society.

Dashiell Hammett is a very famous author of pulp crime novels. His works, like 'Red Harvest', are known for their hard - boiled detective stories.

Raymond Chandler's 'The Big Sleep' is also a well - known pulp crime novel. It features his iconic detective, Philip Marlowe, and has a gritty, noir - like atmosphere. The story is filled with mystery, crime, and Marlowe's smart investigations.

James M. Cain is well - known for his pulp crime works. 'Double Indemnity' is one of his most famous novels. Mickey Spillane is also quite famous. His detective character Mike Hammer is very iconic in pulp crime fiction. And then there's Patricia Highsmith, who wrote 'Strangers on a Train', which has that classic pulp crime feel.