best short noir novels

One of the great short noir novels is 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain. It's a classic that involves a seedy love affair and a murder plot filled with twists. The characters are morally ambiguous, which is a hallmark of noir.

A great short noir novel often has a morally complex protagonist. This character is usually not a pure hero but someone with flaws and a murky moral code. For example, in many noir stories, the main character might be involved in illegal activities but still have some redeeming qualities.

A best noir short story often has a dark and moody atmosphere. It usually involves crime, like murder or theft. For example, in 'The Killers', the killers' presence creates a menacing air. The characters are often morally ambiguous, not clearly good or bad. This adds to the complexity and the noir feel.

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.

One of the best 2016 Scandinavian noir novels is 'The Ice Princess' by Camilla Läckberg. It has a great plot with a detective trying to solve a murder mystery in a small Swedish town. The characters are well - developed and the atmosphere is dark and moody, which is typical of Scandinavian noir.

Another great one is 'Farewell, My Lovely' also by Raymond Chandler. It's a classic noir that dives deep into the criminal underbelly of Los Angeles. The hard - boiled detective Marlowe is once again on the case, facing dangerous criminals and femme fatales. The descriptions of the city and its seedy side are vivid and engaging.

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 best Scandi noir novels include 'Before the Frost' by Henning Mankell. This book gives more insight into Kurt Wallander's family life while still having a gripping mystery. 'Those Who Wish Me Dead' by Michael Koryta (although he's American, the book has a Scandi noir feel) is also good. It's about a boy on the run from killers in a harsh wilderness. And 'Midwinter Sacrifice' by Mons Kallentoft is a great example too. It has a dark and brooding atmosphere typical of the genre.

One of the best noir graphic novels is 'Sin City' by Frank Miller. It has a distinct visual style with its black - and - white art that really sets the moody noir tone. The stories are filled with tough characters, crime, and moral ambiguity.

I also recommend 'Sin City' by Frank Miller. It has a gritty, noir - like feel with its dark and violent world. The characters are morally ambiguous, and the stories are filled with mystery and suspense. It's a great example of a domestic noir in the graphic novel format.