What are the best private eye novels?

One of the best is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features the iconic detective Philip Marlowe and has a complex plot filled with mystery and noir elements.

Some of the best obscure private eye novels include 'A Rage in Harlem' by Chester Himes. His Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones are tough and interesting detectives. Also, 'Strangers on a Train' by Patricia Highsmith can be considered in this category. The psychological thriller aspect combined with the sort of cat - and - mouse game is quite engaging. And then there's 'The Long Goodbye' by Chandler, which is a bit different from his more famous 'The Big Sleep' in terms of character development and the overall tone of the story.

One of the best new private eye novels is 'The Long Call' by Ann Cleeves. It has a great plot with a complex detective character. Another is 'A Dangerous Crossing' by Rachel Rhys, which sets the mystery in an interesting setting. And 'The Widows of Malabar Hill' by Sujata Massey also stands out. The main character is a female private eye in a unique cultural context.

Then there's 'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler. It's another Marlowe story. This one is more about friendship and betrayal as Marlowe tries to help a friend who is accused of murder. It has Chandler's signature style of sharp dialogue and detailed descriptions.

Sure. 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' by John le Carré. Although it's more of a spy novel, it has elements of a private eye story with George Smiley as a sort of detective figure trying to uncover a mole within the British intelligence. It's a complex and engaging read.

Typically, they have a detective as the main character. This detective is often smart and observant, like Sherlock Holmes in the Sherlock Holmes stories (which can be considered a type of private eye in a sense). They usually involve solving crimes, whether it's murder or theft.

One characteristic is the tough and often solitary protagonist. These private eyes are usually independent thinkers, not bound by the strict rules of the police. For example, Sam Spade in 'The Maltese Falcon'. Another is the seedy settings. They often take place in the underbelly of American cities, with smoky bars, dark alleys, and shabby offices. Also, the plots are full of mystery and intrigue, with the private eye having to piece together clues while facing various threats and temptations.

Often, they feature a black protagonist who is a private investigator. These characters usually face both the typical challenges of solving crimes and the added layer of racial discrimination in the society they operate in.

Well, there's 'I, the Jury' by Mickey Spillane. It introduced the tough and violent detective Mike Hammer. Then we have 'A is for Alibi' by Sue Grafton. Her Kinsey Millhone series is quite popular among private eye novel lovers. Also, 'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett, which not only has a great detective story but also a very interesting relationship between the main characters.

One way is to visit independent bookstores. The staff there are often very knowledgeable about lesser - known works and can recommend some great obscure private eye novels. Another option is to check out online book communities. For example, on Goodreads, you can find groups dedicated to mystery and detective novels where members discuss and recommend such books.