Can you recommend the best little known noir novels for beginners?

Sure. 'The Maltese Falcon' is a great start. It's not too complex in terms of language but has a really engaging plot. The characters are well - drawn and it gives a good taste of what noir is all about. Another good one is 'The Big Sleep'. It has a lot of the typical noir elements like a tough detective and a web of mystery.

Sure. 'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill is a great choice. It's a classic - style ghost story with a spooky atmosphere that's not too over - the - top for beginners. Another one is 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman. It has a simple yet terrifying concept that's easy to follow. And 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson. It's a bit of a slow - burn, but it has a really creepy and unique story.

Sure. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a great start. It's easy to read and has a very important message about justice and prejudice in the South. Another good one is 'The Neon Rain'. It gives a good feel for the southern noir genre with its detective story set in Louisiana.

For beginners, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is a great start. It's very popular and has an easy - to - follow yet engaging mystery. Another good one is 'Maigret Sets a Trap' as the writing is straightforward and the detective story is classic noir.

For beginners, 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a great start. It's a classic with a straightforward plot that still has all the elements of noir - a tough detective, shadowy characters, and a valuable object everyone is after. Another good one is 'The Thin Man' also by Hammett. It has a bit of humor mixed in with the mystery. And 'The Killer Inside Me' by Jim Thompson. It's a disturbing but well - written noir that gives a good introduction to the genre's darker side.

Another great option is 'Memento Mori' by Jonathan Nolan. It's a noir - ish story that has a very surreal way of presenting time. The main character has a condition that makes him unable to form new memories. The way the story unfolds, with him trying to solve a mystery while constantly forgetting things, is both engaging and surreal in nature.

For beginners, 'The Maltese Falcon' is a great start. It's not too complex in terms of language and has a very engaging plot. The characters are well - drawn and it gives a good sense of what noir is all about.

For beginners, 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is a good start. It has a fast - paced plot set in a future where the metaverse exists. It combines elements of noir, like a somewhat jaded hero and a world full of intrigue, with a unique take on future society and technology.

'A Simple Plan' by Scott B. Smith is also great for those new to country noir. It tells the story of what happens when ordinary people get involved in a criminal scheme. It's easy to follow and has a lot of suspense.

Another good one for beginners is 'The Snowman' by Jo Nesbø. It has a really creepy and engaging plot that will draw you in right away. It also shows the typical elements of Nordic noir like the harsh winter landscapes and complex characters.