What are some of the best Los Angeles fiction works?

One of the best is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It's set in Los Angeles and is full of the dark, seedy underbelly of the city. The complex characters and convoluted plot make it a classic noir piece.

Well, Los Angeles is the setting of 'Pulp Fiction'. It gives the story a specific backdrop. The city's diverse and sometimes seedy elements contribute to the overall noir - like atmosphere of the movie. For example, the different locations in LA, like the diner and the seedy motels, play important roles in the various storylines.

One of the best is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It's a classic that really captures the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. The complex plot and the hard - boiled detective, Philip Marlowe, are iconic.

One of the Los Angeles Times best sellers in fiction could be 'Where the Crawdads Sing'. It's a beautifully written novel that combines mystery and coming - of - age elements. The story of Kya, a girl growing up alone in the marshes, really draws readers in.

Some good Los Angeles novels are 'Raymond Chandler's works like 'The Big Sleep'. His detective stories are set in LA and give a gritty and noirish view of the city. Then there's 'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon. It has elements of mystery and paranoia set against the backdrop of LA. Also, 'The Flamethrowers' by Rachel Kushner, which has parts that are set in LA and deals with themes of art, politics, and the city's unique cultural landscape.

Some lesser - known but great Los Angeles short fiction can be found in anthologies. For instance, 'Los Angeles in Fiction' anthology contains works from various authors that show different aspects of the city. These works might not be as famous as the ones mentioned before but they are equally interesting in their portrayal of LA, from the beach communities to the downtown areas.

One of the best - selling ones is 'The Day of the Locust'. Its vivid portrayal of the seedy side of LA in the 30s attracted a lot of readers. It was really popular at that time and still is today for those interested in the history and culture of LA through a fictional lens.

I think 'L.A. Requiem' by Robert Crais is also great. Elvis Cole, the detective in the story, has to deal with a very personal and dangerous case set against the backdrop of LA. It's full of action and great character development.

There are several. 'Crash' by J.G. Ballard, while not a traditional detective - centered crime fiction, explores the dark and violent side of Los Angeles through a different lens. It looks at how people interact with technology and violence in the urban landscape. And 'White Jazz' by James Ellroy is another great addition to L.A. crime fiction, with its complex characters and exploration of the city's criminal underworld.

The contrast between glamour and decay is also prevalent. Los Angeles has a shiny exterior with Hollywood and the rich areas, but there are also areas of poverty and crime. This duality is often explored in Los Angeles fiction.