American Noir

The word "Noir" is used here in its loosest sense: every major living American writer is considered (including the giants Harlan Coben, Patricia Cornwell, James Lee Burke, James Ellroy and Sara Paretsky, as well as non-crime writers such as Stephen King who stray into the genre), often through a concentration on one or two key books. Many exciting new talents are highlighted, and Barry Forshaw’s knowledge of—and personal acquaintance with—many of the writers grants valuable insights into this massively popular field. But the crime genre is as much about films and TV as it is about books, and this book is a celebration of the former as well as the latter. American television crime drama in particular is enjoying a new golden age, and all of the important current series are covered here, as well as key important recent films.

"Unsurprisingly Barry Forshaw's Brit Noir is a wonderful reference book that any self-respecting and serious connoisseur of crime fiction needs to have on their book-shelf." —Shots Magazine

“[A] very good collection of well-written, critically astute, and almost always appreciative book reviews.”  —Mystery Scene

Barry Forshaw is the author of Brit Noir, Euro Noir, Nordic Noir, The Rough Guide to Crime Fiction, and The Man Who Left Too Soon. He edits Crime Time and is former Vice Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association.