Well, Raymond Chandler's 'The Big Sleep' is a must - mention. Philip Marlowe, the detective in it, is a very iconic character in detective noir. His investigations through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles make for a great read. Then there's 'Double Indemnity' by James M. Cain. This novel is known for its intricate plot of insurance fraud and murder. It's really suspenseful. Also, 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by Cain is a classic detective noir novel that has a dark and gritty atmosphere.
Well, the narrative style in film noir detective novels is often non - linear. It jumps around in time, which adds to the sense of confusion and mystery. The dialogue is sharp and full of double entendres. The characters, especially the femme fatales, are very alluring yet dangerous. They use their charm to manipulate the male characters, usually the detective, who often find themselves in over their heads because of these women.
Another is 'The Draining Lake' also by Arnaldur Indriðason. This novel combines elements of detective work and the unique Icelandic landscape. The story is filled with twists and turns as the detective investigates a case related to a body found in a drained lake. It gives a great insight into the Icelandic way of life and its secrets.
Some 'neo noir detective novels' that stand out are 'Sin City' by Frank Miller. It's a graphic novel but still fits the genre. It has a very dark and violent world filled with corrupt characters and a detective - like figure in Marv. Then there's 'The Killing Kind' by John Connolly. It combines elements of the supernatural with the detective story, creating a unique neo noir feel. And 'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris is also notable. It has a detective, Will Graham, dealing with a terrifying serial killer in a dark and disturbing world.
I would recommend 'The Big Sleep'. It has a lot of the classic noir elements like a tough detective, a femme fatale, and a convoluted mystery. Plus, Raymond Chandler's writing style is very engaging and it's easy to get into the story.
In'red harvest noir detective novels', the noir element brings a certain moodiness. There's a lot of shadow and gloom. The stories tend to focus on the underbelly of society. The detective is constantly facing tough situations and dangerous characters. The plots might involve a web of lies, blackmail, and murder. The novels also often show how power and money can corrupt people, and the detective has to wade through all this mess to find some semblance of truth.
Neo noir detective novels differ from traditional ones in several ways. Firstly, the atmosphere. Neo noir has a much darker, more brooding atmosphere, often filled with a sense of hopelessness. Secondly, the characters. In traditional detective novels, the characters tend to be more one - dimensional in terms of their morality. But in neo noir, the characters are complex. The detective may not always be the 'good guy' in the traditional sense. He may use unethical means to solve the case. And the villains in neo noir are often more nuanced, not just pure evil. Also, the plotlines in neo noir are often more convoluted and less likely to have a simple, happy - ending solution like in many traditional detective novels.
I'm not entirely sure about all the main characters, but there is usually one central character who drives the story forward. This character might be a complex individual with various motives and emotions.
In 'In a Lonely Place' novel, a significant theme is the search for identity. The characters are constantly grappling with who they are. Their actions and decisions are influenced by this inner struggle. Also, the setting of the story, which might be desolate in some way, reflects this theme of the characters' isolation within themselves as they try to figure out their true identities.