english noir novels

A key characteristic is the atmosphere. It's often filled with a sense of foreboding and danger. There could be a lot of rain, fog, or dimly lit places. This helps to create a mood that is both alluring and a bit scary. In many noir novels, the city itself seems like a character, with its own secrets and hidden corners waiting to be explored.

Sure. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic English noir novel. It features a private detective, Philip Marlowe, and is full of mystery and complex characters.

Modern fantasy noir novels often incorporate elements of the supernatural or magic. For instance, in a traditional noir novel, the mystery might be centered around a crime in a normal, urban setting. But in a modern fantasy noir, like 'The Dresden Files', there could be a werewolf or a vampire involved in the crime.

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.

Another great one is 'L.A. Confidential' by James Ellroy. This novel delves deep into the dark side of Hollywood in the 1950s. It weaves together multiple storylines involving corrupt cops, seedy show - biz types, and brutal crimes. The complex narrative and the gritty atmosphere make it a standout in the Hollywood noir genre.

One of the best neo noir novels is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features a complex detective story with a hard - boiled protagonist, Marlowe, and a web of mystery and intrigue in a seedy underworld.

One of the top neo noir novels is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features a complex detective, Philip Marlowe, and a convoluted plot filled with mystery, danger, and seedy characters in a dark, urban setting. Another great one is 'Farewell, My Lovely'. It has Marlowe again, dealing with a variety of criminals and femme fatales. 'L.A. Confidential' by James Ellroy is also highly regarded. It weaves together multiple storylines and characters in the corrupt and glamorous world of 1950s Los Angeles.

Japanese noir novels often feature complex characters with deep - seated psychological issues. The settings are usually urban, reflecting the darker aspects of modern Japanese society such as isolation and pressure. Plots are full of twists and turns, and moral ambiguity is common.

I think 'Ghost in the Shell' by Masamune Shirow is among the top cyberpunk noir novels. It delves deep into the concepts of identity and consciousness in a world where humans and machines are becoming more and more intertwined. The story is complex and thought - provoking. 'Hardwired' by Walter Jon Williams is also a good one. It has a fast - paced plot with a tough female protagonist in a cyberpunk setting. And 'Mona Lisa Overdrive' by William Gibson is a great addition to the genre, continuing the themes and atmosphere he established in 'Neuromancer'.

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.