Books matching: noir novel
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- #1
Save:For noir fans and lovers of sharp dialogue, The Big Sleep is an essential read - gritty, witty, and a masterpiece of the genre, even if the plot’s a bit of a maze.
'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic noir detective story set in Los Angeles. The book follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he navigates through a complex web of blackmail, murder, and intrigue while dealing with shady characters and dangerous situations. The writing style is characterized by snappy dialogue, witty descriptions, and vivid details of the city of Los Angeles, creating a gritty and atmospheric setting reminiscent of classic detective movies.
The story unfolds with Marlowe being hired by a wealthy man to handle a blackmail case involving his daughter, which quickly escalates into a series of events leading to multiple deaths and a deeper mystery. As Marlowe delves deeper into the case, the plot becomes more intricate and the stakes higher, showcasing Chandler's talent for creating suspenseful and engaging narratives that keep readers hooked until the final revelation.
IT WAS ABOUT ELEVEN O’CLOCK in the morning, mid October, with the sun not shining and a look of hard wet rain in the clearness of the foothills. I was wearing my powder-blue suit, with dark blue shirt...1939•237 pages - #2
Save:A cornerstone of noir fiction - gritty, clever, and still influential, though its old-school style and hard-boiled attitude may not be for everyone.
The Maltese Falcon is a classic noir novel set in San Francisco, revolving around private detective Sam Spade who takes on a case involving a valuable black statuette of a bird. As the mystery unfolds, Spade navigates through a web of lies and deceit while dealing with dangerous adversaries and mysterious motives. The writing style is described as gritty, fast-paced, and filled with witty dialogue, creating a world where characters like Spade and the femme fatale Brigid O'Shaughnessy come to life in a story that explores themes of obsession, loyalty, and justice.
Samuel Spade’s jaw was long and bony, his chin a jutting v under the more flexible v of his mouth. His nostrils curved back to make another, smaller, v. His yellow-grey eyes were horizontal. The v mot...1929•241 pages - #3
Save:A gritty, twisting noir classic - dark, complex, and unforgettable. Not for everyone, but a bold favorite for fans of intense crime fiction.
In the noir history of Los Angeles, the unsolved murder mystery of Elizabeth Short, also known as the Black Dahlia, takes center stage. The book portrays a fictionalized account of the investigation carried out by LAPD cops Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, delving into the dark and twisted world of post-war Los Angeles. As the detectives navigate through police brutality, corruption, and personal entanglements, the story unfolds with elements of passion, deceit, and psychological tension, capturing the essence of the times and the characters involved.
The narrative follows Bucky Bleichert's relentless pursuit of the truth behind the Black Dahlia murder, intertwining it with his personal struggles and obsessions. Set against the backdrop of a seedy and corrupt Hollywood, the book presents a complex and gritty portrayal of the era, showcasing engaging character development, vivid descriptions, and a compelling plot filled with twists and turns that keep readers enthralled throughout the dark and eerie tale.
I was coming off a long tour of duty spent in a speed trap on Bunker Hill, preying on traffic violators. My ticket book was full and my brain was numb from eight hours of following my eyes across the...1987•355 pages - #4
Save:Lean, mean, and devastating - this is noir at its absolute best. A must-read for crime fans and anyone wanting to see what all the noir fuss is about!
In 'Double Indemnity', insurance salesman Walter Huff becomes entangled with the femme fatale Phyllis Nirdlinger, leading to a plot to murder her husband for the insurance money. The story unfolds with intricate murder plots, double crosses, and a dark, twisted tale of crime set in 1930s Los Angeles. Written in a hard-boiled style, the book delves into themes of murder, betrayal, revenge, and questions about human nature, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
I drove out to Glendale to put three new truck drivers on a brewery company bond, and then I remembered this renewal over in Hollywoodland. I decided to run over there. That was how I came to this Hou...1936•126 pages - #5
Save:Hard-boiled, brutal, and uncompromising, Red Harvest is a landmark of noir fiction - a bloody chess game in a town with no real winners. Essential reading if you want to see where gritty American crime fiction began.
In 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett, the Continental Op is summoned to Personville, a town overrun by corruption and violence. Upon arrival, he finds his client murdered and embarks on a mission to clean up the town by manipulating the various criminal factions to turn against each other. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with brutal action, double-crosses, and a high body count, all set in a gritty and corrupt environment. The writing style is hard-boiled and direct, with sharp language and a focus on the relentless pursuit of justice amidst a morally bankrupt society.
I first heard Personville called Poisonville by a red-haired mucker named Hickey Dewey in the Big Ship in Butte. He also called his shirt a shoit. I didn’t think anything of what he had done to the ci...January 1929•231 pages - #6
Save:A brutal and gripping introduction to a cult noir series - not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable for those who venture in.
Burke is a detective and con artist in New York City with a soft spot for cases involving abused children. When a mysterious woman named Flood hires him to track down a child killer for revenge, Burke delves into the gritty streets filled with memorable characters like The Mole and street corner prophets. Written in a hard-boiled noir style, "Flood" by Andrew Vachss follows Burke's journey through the dark underbelly of the city, tackling themes of child abuse and vigilantism.
I GOT TO the office early that morning-I think it was about ten o’clock. As soon as the dog saw it was me, she walked over to the back door and I let her out. I went outside with her as far as the fir...1985•368 pages - #7
Save:A witty, character-driven mystery classic packed with clever banter and 1930s style - less about the crime, more about the charismatic couple. Worth it for the sparkling dialogue alone!
The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett is a clever and engaging detective novel featuring a charming married couple, Nick and Nora Charles. Set in 1930s New York, the story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of an eccentric inventor, which Nick, a retired private eye, is reluctantly drawn into solving. The writing is sharp and often humorous, characterized by witty banter between Nick and Nora, reflecting their deep affection for each other while navigating the chaotic world of crime and alcohol.
While the plot involves murder and intrigue, some readers feel less invested in the central crime and its victims. The novel's pacing can be uneven, with certain scenes dragging on, but it captivates with its lively characters and vivid portrayal of urban life. Nick and Nora’s relationship stands out, combining a rich social life filled with drinks and laughter amidst the backdrop of murder. Hammett's crisp prose allows the story to flow effectively, making for a quick yet entertaining read that has earned its legacy as a classic of American literature.
1 I was leaning against the bar in a speakeasy on Fifty-second Street, waiting for Nora to finish her Christmas shopping, when a girl got up from the table where she had been sitting with three other...1934•205 pages - #8
Save:A landmark in noir, this quick and brutal classic delivers a gut punch of lust and consequence. Perfect if you want a dark, gritty crime story that still feels fresh nearly a century later.
A drifter named Frank becomes entangled in a stormy affair with a married woman named Cora, leading them to plot a murder. The narrative unfolds in a hard-boiled detective style without the mystery element, focusing on the characters' hardened nature and their willingness to do anything to fulfill their desires. The story is set in a depression-era America, showcasing dark and violent themes with spare descriptions and authentic dialogues.
The plot revolves around obsession, passion, murder, and violence set in a prosaic roadside gas station cafe. The characters, Frank and Cora, are portrayed as morally revolting yet compelling, leading to a shocking and abrupt conclusion akin to a hangman's noose. The book is described as a classic piece of noir fiction, exploring the dark tragedy of the human heart with a narrative that unfolds with a feeling of inevitability and moral logic.
They threw me off the hay truck about noon. I had swung on the night before, down at the border, and as soon as I got up there under the canvas, I went to sleep. I needed plenty of that, after three w...1934•185 pages - #9
Save:Unputdownable and deliciously dark, The Chestnut Man is a masterclass in Scandi crime that will hook you from page one - just brace yourself for some grisly twists!
'The Chestnut Man' by Søren Sveistrup is a dark and intense Nordic noir thriller that follows Police Inspector Naia Thulin and investigator Mark Hess as they delve into a series of gruesome murders where women are targeted by a deranged serial killer, each crime scene marked by a chestnut man figure. The plot is intricate and keeps readers guessing, with a gripping narrative that unfolds through short, fast-paced chapters. As Thulin and Hess navigate through red herrings and false leads, they uncover shocking revelations and face a relentless pursuit to catch the elusive killer.
The book showcases the author's talent in building complex characters and intricate plots, reminiscent of his work on 'The Killing' series. With a macabre and disturbing storyline, 'The Chestnut Man' weaves together multiple storylines, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and unexpected twists that culminate in a pulse-pounding and nerve-wracking conclusion, making it a must-read for fans of dark and intense thrillers.
Red and yellow leaves drift down through the sunlight on to the wet asphalt, which cuts through the woods like a dark and glassy river. As the white squad car tears past, they’re spun briefly in the a... - #10
Save:A cornerstone of pulp detective fiction: brash, dated, and controversial, but undeniably iconic. Read for curiosity and genre history, not for modern sensibilities.
'I, the Jury' by Mickey Spillane follows the hard-hitting private investigator, Mike Hammer, on a mission to avenge his friend's murder. Set in New York City in the late 1940s, the book is filled with fast-paced action, two-dimensional characters, and an abundance of stereotypes. The writing style is characterized by hard-boiled dialogue, misogyny, racism, and violence, reflecting the era in which it was written.
I shook the rain from my hat and walked into the room. Nobody said a word. They stepped back politely and I could feel their eyes on me. Pat Chambers was standing by the door to the bedroom trying to...1947•246 pages
