100 best noir novels

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.

One of the best Irish noir novels is 'The Guards' by Ken Bruen. It features his hard - boiled detective Jack Taylor. The story is set in Galway and has a gritty, dark atmosphere that is characteristic of noir.

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.

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'.