What are some of the best 50s horror noir novels?

One of the best noir novels is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a classic with a complex plot full of intrigue and a tough detective, Sam Spade. The search for the valuable Maltese falcon statuette leads to a web of lies and double - crosses.

One of the best noir novels is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a classic with its complex characters and a convoluted plot centered around a valuable statuette. Another great one is 'Double Indemnity' by James M. Cain. It tells a dark and seductive story of murder and insurance fraud. And 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by Cain as well, which is known for its gritty portrayal of passion and crime.

Some great horror noir novels include 'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin. It creates a sense of unease and horror as Rosemary slowly discovers the truth about her pregnancy. 'The Exorcist' by William Peter Blatty is another one. It has a very dark and menacing tone as it deals with demonic possession. 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson also fits. The old, creepy house and the psychological horror within it give it a horror noir feel.

There's also 'The Day of the Triffids' by John Wyndham. In this novel, the world is overrun by strange and deadly plants called triffids. The horror noir aspect comes from the post - apocalyptic setting and the constant threat that these plants pose. It's a story about survival in a world that has been turned upside down, and it was very popular in the 50s.

One of the best is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It delves deep into the racial and social issues of the South. Another great one is 'True Grit' by Charles Portis. It has a strong sense of place and a complex protagonist. Also, 'The Neon Rain' by James Lee Burke is excellent. Its dark atmosphere and complex characters are typical of southern noir.

Some great European noir novels include 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It has a sense of detachment and mystery that fits the noir genre well. 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris, although an American author, has a lot of European influence in its gothic and noir elements. And 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins is an older but great example of a European - influenced noir - like mystery with its complex plot and shadowy characters.

One of the best modern noir novels is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns, and the characters are full of dark secrets. The story is told from multiple perspectives, which adds to the mystery and keeps the readers on their toes.

Well, 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic crim noir novel. The character of Philip Marlowe is iconic in the world of detective and noir stories. His investigations are full of twists and turns. Then there's 'Brighton Rock' by Graham Greene. It's set in a seedy seaside town and follows the story of a young criminal, with themes of sin, guilt, and redemption that are characteristic of crim noir.

Some of the top noir crime novels include 'Laura' by Vera Caspary. It has an interesting narrative structure and a great sense of mystery. Noir novels often deal with themes like moral ambiguity and a sense of impending doom. 'In a Lonely Place' by Dorothy B. Hughes is another excellent one. It gives a deep look into the psyche of a potentially dangerous man. And 'Strangers on a Train' by Patricia Highsmith, which is full of psychological tension and devious plots.

One of the best is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It has a complex plot filled with mystery and a hard - boiled detective, Marlowe. Another great one is 'Double Indemnity' by James M. Cain. It tells a story of an insurance agent getting involved in a murder plot for insurance money. And 'Out of the Past' by Geoffrey Homes is also excellent, with its themes of fate and betrayal.