American Crime Novels
Discussion
James Lee Burke, without a doubt. Elegiac description of landscape, a sense of American history, especially in the South, and the powerful characterisations. Carl Hiassen also writes well, with a blackly humorous take, and to go back a bit, Joseph Wambaugh is also worth reading. For classic crime noir and sheer style, Raymond Chandler remains a master, now enhanced in my opinion by the evocation of a West Coast now gone.
I really like James Ellroy too (especially the LA Quartet) and American crime fiction in general.
George P Pelecanos writes well in my opinion. I came across 'a firing offense', 'nick's trip' and 'down by the river where the dead men go' as a trilogy and really enjoyed them. He's got a different voice to Ellroy (writes about Washington dc too for the most part.)
His other books seem to evoke a strong immigrant notion (Italian and Greek immigrants trying to make a life in the USA but still holding true to their old village values. Sounds s
t but in truth way better than I can describe them. 
People will shoot me down for the next suggestion but I quite like Robert crais too. He's definitely not as deep as Ellroy or Pelecanos but he writes a good story that entertains without overtaxing the brain.
Perhaps I could also suggest Michael connelly too? His first novel (and some might argue the best) is 'the black echo'. A proper caper; just brilliant.
Lawrence block (Matt scudder novels rather than bernie rodenbarr novels) are also good.
James Lee Burke is good too, evokes the deep south really well (or rather what I imagine is the deep south - never been there)!
George P Pelecanos writes well in my opinion. I came across 'a firing offense', 'nick's trip' and 'down by the river where the dead men go' as a trilogy and really enjoyed them. He's got a different voice to Ellroy (writes about Washington dc too for the most part.)
His other books seem to evoke a strong immigrant notion (Italian and Greek immigrants trying to make a life in the USA but still holding true to their old village values. Sounds s
t but in truth way better than I can describe them. People will shoot me down for the next suggestion but I quite like Robert crais too. He's definitely not as deep as Ellroy or Pelecanos but he writes a good story that entertains without overtaxing the brain.
Perhaps I could also suggest Michael connelly too? His first novel (and some might argue the best) is 'the black echo'. A proper caper; just brilliant.
Lawrence block (Matt scudder novels rather than bernie rodenbarr novels) are also good.
James Lee Burke is good too, evokes the deep south really well (or rather what I imagine is the deep south - never been there)!
I'm a fan of Robert Crais. George Pelecanos is good too.
Body Language by James Hall is a half decent book imo. Not sure what else he's written.
More suggestions can be found here: American Crime - The best in crime writing from over the pond!
http://www.lovereading.co.uk/genre/usa/American-Cr...
Body Language by James Hall is a half decent book imo. Not sure what else he's written.
More suggestions can be found here: American Crime - The best in crime writing from over the pond!
http://www.lovereading.co.uk/genre/usa/American-Cr...
Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:
George P Pelecanos writes well in my opinion. I came across 'a firing offense', 'nick's trip' and 'down by the river where the dead men go' as a trilogy and really enjoyed them. He's got a different voice to Ellroy (writes about Washington dc too for the most part.)
His other books seem to evoke a strong immigrant notion (Italian and Greek immigrants trying to make a life in the USA but still holding true to their old village values. Sounds st but in truth way better than I can describe them.
I began reading his stuff because of The Wire. Other novelists wrote for the show and worth reading: Richard Price and Dennis Lehane. I would highly recommend 'Clockers' by Richard Price.His other books seem to evoke a strong immigrant notion (Italian and Greek immigrants trying to make a life in the USA but still holding true to their old village values. Sounds s
t but in truth way better than I can describe them. Gassing Station | Books and Literature | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff