Well, in neo noir horror novels, the atmosphere is typically gloomy and foreboding. It creates a feeling of unease right from the start. The plots often involve some sort of investigation or exploration into the unknown, which could be a supernatural force or a human - made horror. The use of light and shadow is also important. Darkness is often used to hide threats and create a sense of dread, while shafts of light can be moments of false hope or a brief respite from the horror. Moreover, the endings are rarely straightforwardly happy. There's usually a sense of lingering doom or a twist that leaves the reader with a sense of unease.
Modern horror noir novels often have a dark and moody atmosphere. They typically involve elements of mystery, like an unknown threat or a hidden past. For example, in many of these novels, the main character might be trying to solve a mystery that is also related to the horror elements. Another characteristic is the use of complex and often flawed characters. These characters are not perfect heroes but rather people with their own problems and secrets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Neo noir novels often incorporate more modern themes and settings. For example, they might be set in a contemporary urban landscape rather than the post - war era typical of traditional noir.
One of the top 10 noir novels could be 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain as well. It's a story full of passion, betrayal and murder. Then there's 'Out of the Past' by Geoffrey Homes, which has a great sense of atmosphere and a complex plot with a private detective at the center.
Noir novels often feature a dark and cynical tone. They typically involve complex, morally ambiguous characters. The settings are usually gritty urban environments, like the seedy underbelly of a big city. There's a sense of impending doom and a lot of focus on crime, corruption, and the darker aspects of human nature.