best detective noir novels

Well, Raymond Chandler's 'The Big Sleep' is a must - mention. Philip Marlowe, the detective in it, is a very iconic character in detective noir. His investigations through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles make for a great read. Then there's 'Double Indemnity' by James M. Cain. This novel is known for its intricate plot of insurance fraud and murder. It's really suspenseful. Also, 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by Cain is a classic detective noir novel that has a dark and gritty atmosphere.

Some excellent film noir detective novels include 'Double Indemnity' by James M. Cain. It tells a story of an insurance salesman getting involved in a murder - for - profit scheme. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by Cain as well is a great example. It has a seedy atmosphere and a doomed love affair at its core. Also, 'A Kiss Before Dying' by Ira Levin features a devious plot where a young man will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, and it has elements of detective work within the noir framework.

Well, 'Blindsight' by Peter Watts is a remarkable space noir detective novel. It delves deep into the mind of an investigator in a universe filled with strange and alien entities. The story is complex and the science - fictional concepts are really thought - provoking. Also, 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie has some noir - like elements within its space - opera setting. The main character is on a quest for revenge which is a common noir theme, and the world - building is top - notch.

One of the best noir detective novels is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features the iconic detective Philip Marlowe and has a complex plot filled with mystery and intrigue.

One of the top noir detective novels is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a classic with its hard - boiled detective Sam Spade and the complex search for a valuable statuette. Another great one is 'Raymond Chandler's 'The Big Sleep'. It features Philip Marlowe and has a convoluted plot full of mystery and crime in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. Then there's 'Laura' by Vera Caspary, which has a unique narrative structure and a great sense of atmosphere.

One of the best is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It features Sam Spade, a tough private detective. The story is full of mystery, with the search for the valuable Maltese falcon statuette. Another great one is 'Double Indemnity' by James M. Cain. It tells a dark tale of insurance fraud and murder. And 'Laura' by Vera Caspary is also a classic. The detective falls in love with the woman he's supposed to be investigating, adding a layer of complexity to the mystery.

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.

Sure. 'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett is a great choice. It combines detective work with a bit of humor and a loving couple at the center. Another is 'The Lady in the Lake' by Raymond Chandler, which has a unique narrative structure as the detective goes undercover in a small town. 'Devil in a Blue Dress' by Walter Mosley is also worth reading. It features an African - American detective in a noir - ish Los Angeles setting.

You could start with 'Out of the Past'. It has a relatively simple narrative arc that showcases the noir atmosphere well. 'A Kiss Before Dying' is also suitable for beginners. It has a page - turning plot with plenty of twists and turns that will introduce you to the world of detective noir without overwhelming you.

One of the best is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a classic with its hard - boiled detective, Sam Spade, and a complex web of mystery involving a valuable statuette. Another great one is 'Laura' by Vera Caspary. The story has a unique blend of mystery and psychological depth. And 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is also highly regarded. Philip Marlowe, the detective in it, is a very iconic character in noir detective fiction.