A key characteristic is the atmosphere. It's often filled with a sense of foreboding and danger. There could be a lot of rain, fog, or dimly lit places. This helps to create a mood that is both alluring and a bit scary. In many noir novels, the city itself seems like a character, with its own secrets and hidden corners waiting to be explored.
Sure. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic English noir novel. It features a private detective, Philip Marlowe, and is full of mystery and complex characters.
Neo noir fiction builds on the foundation of traditional noir but incorporates contemporary issues and technologies. It might have more complex character psychologies and a greater focus on social commentary. For example, it could explore the impact of the digital age on crime and detective work.
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.
Some American noir novels to recommend are 'Mystic River' by Dennis Lehane. It's about three childhood friends whose lives are forever changed when a young girl is murdered in their neighborhood. 'Chinatown' by Robert Towne is another good one. It captures the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the Chinatown area in a big city, with a complex story of corruption and family secrets. And 'The Killer Inside Me' by Jim Thompson is a disturbing but brilliant noir novel that gives an inside look at the mind of a deranged killer.