Can you recommend the best hardboiled detective novels?

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.

For beginners, 'The Maltese Falcon' is a great start. It's considered a classic of the genre. It has a straightforward yet engaging plot and introduces you to the world of hardboiled detective fiction through Sam Spade. Another good one is 'The Big Sleep'. Philip Marlowe is an iconic detective, and Chandler's writing is accessible. You'll get a taste of the seedy side of LA and the noir atmosphere.

Sure. 'The Cuckoo's Calling' by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) is a great start. It has a likable detective, Cormoran Strike, and an interesting mystery to solve. Another good one is 'The Reversal' by Michael Connelly. It's not too complex for beginners but still has all the elements of a good hardboiled detective story.

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 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.

Sure. 'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler is a must - read. It has Chandler's great writing style and a complex plot involving his famous detective, Philip Marlowe. Another one is 'The Glass Key' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a story of political intrigue and loyalty among a group of tough characters. 'A Kiss Before Dying' by Ira Levin is also a great hardboiled novel with a devious and suspenseful plot.

One of the best is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It features the iconic detective Sam Spade and has a complex plot full of double - crosses and the search for a valuable statuette. Another great one is 'Red Harvest' also by Hammett, which showcases his gritty and violent noir style. Then there's 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler, with his famous detective Philip Marlowe navigating the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles.

Hardboiled detective novels often feature tough, cynical detectives. They are set in gritty, urban environments, usually with a lot of crime and corruption. The plots are complex and full of twists, and the writing style is direct and no - nonsense.

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