Can you recommend a few best 50s horror noir novels?

Sure. 'Before the Fall' by Noah Hawley is a great modern noir. It starts with a plane crash and then delves into the lives of the survivors and those connected to the event, uncovering all kinds of secrets and lies.

Definitely. 'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett is a wonderful film noir novel. It features the witty and sophisticated detective couple, Nick and Nora Charles. 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' by Horace McCoy is also very good. It shows the dark and desperate side of a dance marathon. And 'A Kiss Before Dying' by Ira Levin is an underrated gem, with its devious plot and unexpected twists.

You could start with 'Out of the Past'. It has a relatively simple narrative arc that showcases the noir atmosphere well. 'A Kiss Before Dying' is also suitable for beginners. It has a page - turning plot with plenty of twists and turns that will introduce you to the world of detective noir without overwhelming you.

Sure. 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a classic that's great for beginners. It has a simple yet engaging plot about a search for a valuable statuette. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain is also good. It's a short and intense read that showcases the key elements of urban noir. And 'The Killer Inside Me' by Jim Thompson, which gives a disturbing but fascinating look into the mind of a killer in an urban setting.

Ray Bradbury's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' is also from this era. It has a small - town setting filled with dark secrets and a sense of impending doom. Bradbury's lyrical writing style adds to the overall eerie feel of the novel, as it delves into the battle between good and evil in a very atmospheric way.

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.

One great neo noir horror novel is 'The Shining' by Stephen King. It combines elements of psychological horror and the isolated, noir - like setting of the Overlook Hotel. Another is 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis, which delves into the mind of a deranged and wealthy young man in a dark, urban setting that has neo noir vibes. Also, 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski is a complex and disturbing work that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural in a very noir - inspired way.

One great modern horror noir novel is 'The Girl with All the Gifts' by M. R. Carey. It combines elements of horror and noir in a post - apocalyptic setting. Another is 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman, which has a unique and terrifying premise that keeps you on the edge of your seat. And 'The Silent Companions' by Laura Purcell is also a great choice with its gothic horror and noir - like mystery elements.

Sure. 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis. It's a disturbing look into the mind of a serial killer. The detailed and often grotesque descriptions of his crimes make it a very chilling read.

Another excellent choice from the best 50s noir novels is 'In a Lonely Place' by Dorothy B. Hughes. It delves deep into the psyche of a troubled protagonist. The story is filled with suspense and a sense of impending doom. The characters are well - drawn and the atmosphere is thick with noir elements like isolation and moral ambiguity.