Can you name some strange elements often found in hardboiled detective novels?

Marcia Muller is a well - known woman author of hardboiled detective novels. Her works are known for their complex plots and interesting characters.

Sure. 'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler is excellent. It's a complex story that delves deep into the character of Philip Marlowe. 'A Rage in Harlem' by Chester Himes is also a great pick. It presents a unique perspective with its African - American protagonists in a Harlem setting. And 'The Killing Floor' by Lee Child is a modern take on the hardboiled genre, though it has some differences. It's about Jack Reacher, a tough ex - military man who gets involved in solving a mystery.

One of the best is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It features Sam Spade, a tough and cynical detective. Another great one is 'Red Harvest' also by Hammett. It has a complex plot full of corruption and violence in a small town. Then there's 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler, with Philip Marlowe as the iconic detective, known for his sharp wit and moral code in a seedy world.

Raymond Chandler's 'The Big Sleep' is also a great hardboiled detective novel. Philip Marlowe, the detective, navigates through a web of mystery, corruption, and femme fatales in Los Angeles. Chandler's writing style is both gritty and poetic, making the story engaging.

One strange element could be an overly complex and convoluted mystery that seems to have no logical solution at first. For example, in some hardboiled detective novels, the crime might involve a series of seemingly unconnected events and characters, which makes it really difficult for the detective to piece things together. It keeps the reader on their toes as they try to figure it out along with the detective.

Another element is growth. The characters usually grow and change because of their love. They become better versions of themselves or learn important lessons about life and relationships. For instance, in some stories, a selfish person becomes selfless through love.

Sure. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain is a good start. It's a relatively short and fast - paced novel that showcases the key elements of the hardboiled genre like moral decay and a tough, no - nonsense plot. The characters are complex and the story is full of twists.

Typically, a true detective short story often has a mysterious crime as an element. This could be a murder, a theft, or some other illegal act that needs to be solved. Another element is the detective figure. They are usually intelligent, observant, and have their own unique way of investigating. Also, there are often clues scattered throughout the story. These clues can be physical objects like a piece of cloth or a footprint, or they can be statements made by witnesses.

One of the best new hardboiled detective novels is 'The Girl in the Green Raincoat' by Laura Lippman. It has a great female detective who is smart and tough. Another good one could be 'Black Water Rising' by Attica Locke, which is set in a really interesting and complex environment, full of political and social undertones. And 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn also has elements of a hardboiled detective story, with its complex plot and morally ambiguous characters.

There are several famous authors in the realm of hardboiled detective novels. Raymond Chandler is a big name. His detective Philip Marlowe is an iconic character. Then there's Dashiell Hammett. His works, like 'The Maltese Falcon', are considered classics. James M. Cain also wrote some great hardboiled detective - style novels. His writing was known for its dark and often complex portrayals of human nature within the context of crime and mystery.