Who are some popular authors of modern crime noir novels?

Agatha Christie, while mainly known for her detective novels, has works that can be considered part of the crime noir genre. Her ability to create puzzles and keep readers guessing is remarkable. Martin Cruz Smith, although not strictly British but having written important works in the British context, is also popular. His novels often have a dark and moody atmosphere.

James M. Cain is a great crime noir author. His novel 'Double Indemnity' is quite popular. Patricia Highsmith is another one. Her 'Strangers on a Train' has elements of crime noir. These authors are known for their ability to create complex characters and suspenseful plots within the crime noir genre.

Dashiell Hammett is a very famous author of noir crime novels. He created the character Sam Spade in 'The Maltese Falcon', which is considered a cornerstone of the noir genre. Raymond Chandler is also well - known. His detective Philip Marlowe appears in several of his noir novels like 'The Big Sleep'. James M. Cain wrote 'Double Indemnity' and other noir works.

The top 10 crime noir novels are written by a variety of authors. For instance, Dashiell Hammett's works are known for their hard - boiled detective stories. James M. Cain was great at creating stories full of moral dilemmas. Raymond Chandler's writing style was characterized by his vivid descriptions and complex characters, all of which make their novels stand out in the crime noir genre.

James Ellroy is a well - known author in modern pulp crime novels. His works are known for their complex plots and gritty portrayal of crime.

One popular author is Ian Rankin. His Rebus series is well - known for its gritty portrayal of crime in Edinburgh. Another is Ruth Rendell, who was excellent at creating complex characters and intricate plots. And then there's P. D. James. Her novels often have a very atmospheric and detailed setting, with well - developed characters and engaging mysteries.

James M. Cain is a notable author of American noir crime novels. His book 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' is famous for its exploration of lust and murder. Also, Patricia Highsmith, known for her 'Strangers on a Train', which has a great sense of psychological noir.

Stieg Larsson is a very prominent author of Nordic noir crime novels. His works, especially the Millennium trilogy, have been widely read around the world. Henning Mankell is another important figure. His Kurt Wallander series has been adapted for television, which shows its popularity. In addition, Karin Fossum is known for her crime novels that often have a psychological edge. Her works explore the darker side of human nature in the context of Nordic settings.

Some of the best authors in crime noir fiction are Ross Macdonald. His Lew Archer series has complex characters and engaging plots. Jim Thompson is also a great one. His books like 'The Killer Inside Me' are disturbing yet brilliant. And Chester Himes with his Harlem - based crime noir novels is also highly regarded.

James Ellroy is a well - known author of modern noir novels.