Noir fiction writers are characterized by their use of dark and gritty realism, exploration of moral ambiguity, and often a use of unconventional narrative structures. Noir fiction is usually set in urban environments and features characters who are flawed and morally compromised. Noir fiction emerged in the 1930s and 1940s as a response to the social and economic turmoil of the time. The genre’s hardboiled detectives, such as Dashiell Hammett’s Sam Spade and Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe, were products of their times, cynical and disillusioned with the world around them. Noir fiction has been praised for its realism, its psychological depth, and its exploration of the dark side of human nature. It is a genre that continues to be popular today, and it has influenced countless other works of fiction, including film, television, and music.
Here are twenty top practitioners of noir fiction:
Raymond Chandler (1888-1959) stands as a towering figure in the realm of hardboiled detective fiction. His gritty prose, cynical world view, and iconic protagonist, Philip Marlowe, have cemented his legacy as a true innovator of the genre. Chandler’s novels, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles’s dark underbelly, are characterized by their sharp dialogue, moral complexity, and exploration of the seedier side of human nature. His characters, from the tough-as-nails Marlowe to the femme fatales and corrupt power brokers, are deeply flawed yet strangely compelling, their struggles reflecting the moral decay of a society teetering on the brink. Chandler’s mastery of language, his ability to weave intricate plots, and his keen eye for the human condition have earned him a place among the pantheon of American literary greats.
James M. Cain (1892-1977) emerged as a pioneer of the hardboiled detective genre, crafting stories that captured the essence of American noir. His novels, set against the backdrop of 1930s and 1940s America, delved into the dark underbelly of society, exploring themes of passion, crime, and moral ambiguity. Cain’s prose, characterized by its sharp dialogue, gritty realism, and cynical worldview, brought to life characters driven by their desires, often leading them down paths of destruction. His protagonists, from the amoral Frank Chambers in The Postman Always Rings Twice to the determined Mildred Pierce in the novel of the same name, grappled with their own inner demons and the harsh realities of their surroundings. Cain’s ability to capture the complexities of human nature, his unflinching portrayal of violence and betrayal, and his keen eye for social commentary earned him a place among the masters of noir fiction. His novels, adapted into iconic films like “Double Indemnity” and Mildred Pierce, continue to captivate audiences with their timeless themes and gritty realism.
Dashiell Hammett (1894-1961) is an American writer of hardboiled detective novels and short stories. He is considered one of the masters of the genre, and his work has had a profound influence on detective fiction. Hammett’s novels are characterized by their gritty realism, tough-talking protagonists, and cynical worldview. His stories are often set in the seedy underbelly of American cities, and they explore themes of crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity. Hammett’s prose is simple and direct, and his dialogue is sharp and witty. His characters are often flawed and complex, and they struggle with their own inner demons and the harsh realities of their surroundings. Hammett’s most famous novel is The Maltese Falcon, which was first published in 1930. The novel is a classic of hardboiled detective fiction, and it has been adapted into several films, including a 1941 version directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade.
Hammett’s work has had a profound influence on detective fiction. His hardboiled style has been imitated by countless other writers, and his characters have become iconic figures in popular culture. Hammett is considered one of the most important and influential writers of the 20th century.
Graham Greene (1904-1991) was an English novelist, essayist, playwright, and short-story writer, known for his realistic dramas and his exploration of moral and religious themes. He was born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England, and educated at Berkhamsted School and Balliol College, Oxford. After graduating from Oxford in 1929, Greene worked as a sub-editor on the Oxford Mail and the Daily Worker. In 1935, he published his first novel, The Man Within, which was followed by a series of successful novels, including Brighton Rock (1947), The End of the Affair (1951), and The Quiet American (1955). Greene also wrote several plays, including The Living Room (1953) and The Power and the Glory (1943).
Jim Thompson (1906-1977) was an American novelist renowned for his raw and unflinching portrayal of the American underbelly. His hardboiled crime fiction, characterized by its stark realism, gritty protagonists, and amoral settings, challenged the conventions of the genre and pushed the boundaries of literary expression. Thompson’s novels, often set in the desolate landscapes of the American South, delve into the dark corners of human psychology, exploring themes of violence, corruption, and moral ambiguity. His characters, often driven by desperation and self-destructive impulses, grapple with their own inner demons and the harsh realities of their surroundings. Thompson’s prose, infused with a sharp wit and a keen eye for detail, brings these characters to life, revealing their vulnerabilities and the complexities of their motivations. His novels, though often disturbing and morally challenging, offer a profound commentary on the darker aspects of American society, earning him a cult following and recognition as a true master of noir fiction.
Chester Himes (1909-1984) was an American author known for his Harlem crime novels, featuring the protagonists Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones. Himes’s novels are characterized by their gritty realism, their use of black vernacular, and their exploration of social and racial issues. Himes’s most famous works include If He Hollers Let Him Go, The Heat’s On, and Blindfold.
David Goodis (1917-1967) was an American writer of crime fiction, noted for his output of short stories and novels in the noir fiction genre. Born in Philadelphia, Goodis alternately resided there and in New York City and Hollywood during his professional years. Goodis’ first published novel was Retreat from Oblivion (1939). François Truffaut filmed Goodis’ 1956 novel Down There as the acclaimed Shoot the Piano Player (1960). Goodis’s work has been rediscovered in recent years, and he is now considered one of the most important figures in noir fiction. His novels are characterized by their dark and gritty realism, their exploration of moral ambiguity, and their use of unconventional narrative structures.
Charles Willeford (1917–1987) was an American writer of dark and humorous crime novels. His books were set in Florida and featured flawed and eccentric characters. Willeford’s most famous works include Miami Blues (1984), Hothouse (1976), and High Wire (1972). Willeford’s novels were praised for their originality, their wit, and their insightful portrayal of human nature. He is considered one of the most important American crime novelists of the 20th century.
Mickey Spillane (1918-1988) was an American author of hardboiled detective novels, best known for his series of novels featuring the tough-guy private investigator Mike Hammer. Spillane’s novels are characterized by their violence, sex, and cynicism, and they were widely popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Spillane’s most famous novel is I, the Jury, which was first published in 1947.
Patricia Highsmith (1921–1995) was an American novelist, short story writer, and essayist known for her suspenseful and psychologically complex novels, often featuring morally ambiguous characters. Her most famous works include The Talented Mr. Ripley, Strangers on a Train” and The Price of Salt, also known as “Carol.” Highsmith’s novels are characterized by their sharp dialogue, their exploration of moral ambiguity, and their suspenseful plots. Highsmith’s most famous work is The Talented Mr. Ripley, which was published in 1955. The novel tells the story of Tom Ripley, a charming but sociopathic conman who murders a wealthy man and assumes his identity. The novel was a critical and commercial success, and it has been adapted into several films.
Derek Raymond (1931-1994) was a British novelist known for his bleak and violent crime novels. His novels are set in the underbelly of London and feature the protagonist, private investigator Terry Miles. Raymond’s novels are characterized by their gritty realism, their exploration of urban decay and social injustice, and their nihilistic worldview. His most famous works include I Was Dora Suarez, The Long Distance Death, and The Factory.
Lawrence Block (1938-present) is an American author of crime novels and short stories. He is known for his versatility, having written in a variety of subgenres, including hardboiled detective fiction, mystery, and suspense. Block has created several memorable characters, including the hardboiled private investigator Matthew Scudder and the burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr. Block’s novels are characterized by their sharp dialogue, clever plots, and exploration of moral ambiguity. Block is a prolific writer, having published over 80 books.
Ted Lewis (1945–1995) was an Australian author known for his hardboiled crime novels, set in Melbourne. His novels are characterized by their gritty realism, their tough-talking protagonists, and their cynical worldview. Lewis’s most famous novels include Jack Carter (1979), GBH (1981), and Sumac (1987). Lewis’s books have been praised for their authenticity, their humour, and their unflinching portrayal of the dark side of Australian society. He is considered one of the most important Australian crime writers of the 20th century.
James Ellroy (1945-present) is an American author known for his dark, gritty, and violent crime novels, often set in Los Angeles. His novels are characterized by their sprawling narratives, complex characters, and exploration of corruption and the dark side of human nature. Ellroy’s most famous works include L.A. Confidential, The Black Dahlia, and American Tabloid.
Walter Mosley (1952-present) is an American author known for his Easy Rawlins mystery novels, set in the post-World War II era in Los Angeles. His novels are characterized by their strong social and political commentary, their exploration of race relations, and their portrayal of a black detective in a white world. Mosley’s most famous works include Devil in a Blue Dress,White Butterfly, and Black Emperor.
Ann Cleeves (born 1954) is an English crime novelist best known for her Shetland series, featuring the detective inspector Vera Stanhope. Cleeves was born in North Shields, Tyne and Wear, and educated at the University of Hull. She worked as a social worker and probation officer before becoming a full-time writer in 1997. Cleeves’s Shetland novels are set in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, and are known for their atmospheric settings, their complex characters, and their exploration of social issues. The series has been adapted into a successful television series starring Brenda Blethyn. Cleeves has also written a series of Vera Stanhope short stories, a Vera Stanhope novella, and two standalone novels.
Christopher Fowler (born 1959) is an English author of the Bryant & May series, featuring the pair of Peculiar Crimes Unit detectives Arthur Bryant and John May. Fowler was born in Manchester, England, and educated at the University of Warwick. He worked as a journalist and editor before becoming a full-time writer in 1992. Fowler’s Bryant & May novels are set in modern-day London and are known for their humour, their historical references, and their exploration of the occult. The series has been praised for its originality and its clever plots. Fowler has also written a number of standalone novels, including Spanky (1994) and Plastic (1995). He has also written several non-fiction books, including The History of Crime in 100 Objects (2010) and The Art of Crime Writing (2012).
Michael Chabon (born 1963) is an American novelist known for his imaginative and often genre-bending fiction. He has won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the Hugo Award. Chabon’s novels are often set in the American past and explore themes of history, identity, and the power of stories. His most famous works include The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, The Yiddish Policemen’s Union, and The Cloud Atlas.
Megan Abbott (born 1971) is an American author of crime fiction. Her novels and short stories have drawn from classic subgenres of crime writing, from a female perspective. Her novels are characterized by their sharp dialogue, moral complexity, and exploration of the seedier side of human nature. Her characters are deeply flawed yet strangely compelling, their struggles reflecting the moral decay of a society teetering on the brink. Abbott’s mastery of language, her ability to weave intricate plots, and her keen eye for the human condition have earned her a place among the pantheon of American literary greats. Some of her most acclaimed novels include Dare Me, which won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and The Fever, which was a finalist for the National Book Award. Her work has been praised for its originality, its dark humour, and its unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of human nature. She is considered one of the leading voices in contemporary crime fiction.
Attica Locke (born 1974) is a British novelist. Her debut novel, Crepuscule, was awarded the 2014 CWA Debut Dagger Award. Locke’s novels are set in contemporary London and explore themes of social justice, race, and class. Her most famous works include Don’t Put Your Mother’s Name in My Mouth, The Cutting Season, and Bluebird, Bluebird.
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And that’s our list of the twenty best noir fiction writers. What’s your take on these – any surprises, or any noir fiction authors not on this list that you feel should make the list?