Five Superbly Strange and Literate 1950s American Crime Novels

The 1950s in America was a decade that witnessed the emergence of some truly remarkable crime novels. These five novels stand out for their superb strangeness and literary merit.

Not always politically correct, they often had the power to shock readers with their bold and unapologetic content. Yet, it is precisely this quality that makes them prime examples of a uniquely American point of view.

Each of these novels delves into the dark underbelly of society, exploring themes such as corruption, violence, and moral decay. The characters are complex and flawed, and the plots are full of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Whether you are a fan of crime fiction or simply interested in exploring the cultural and social history of America in the 1950s, these novels are well worth reading. They offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and a reminder of the power of literature to both entertain and enlighten.

This edition from Library of America is truly a delight to read.

The 800+ pages are printed on bible-thin paper, which not only makes it easy to hold and carry but also gives a sense of elegance and quality.

I had already read 3 out of the 5 books collected here, but they are such classics that they can never disappear into the pulp of obscurity.

These books have stood the test of time and continue to offer valuable insights and entertainment.

I have a great love for this publisher as they consistently bring out high-quality editions of important literary works.

Whether you are a serious literature enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a good read, this edition from Library of America is definitely worth checking out.

Only read "Real Cool Killers" from the collection. It was overly violent, which made it hard to stomach at times. The level of violence seemed almost gratuitous and didn't add much to the overall story.

Moreover, it was extremely unrealistic. The events and characters' actions didn't seem to follow any logical or believable pattern. It felt like the author was just making things up as they went along without any real thought or planning.

Worst of all, it didn't seem to be able to make up its mind what it wanted to be. Was it a thriller? A horror story? A character study? It tried to be all of these things and ended up being none of them. The result was a very disappointing read that left me feeling frustrated and let down. I would not recommend this story to anyone.

Five novellas make up this collection, namely "The Killer Inside Me", "The Talented Mr. Ripley", "Pick-Up", "Down There", and "The Real Cool Killers".

These works are truly representative of American Noir of the 1950s. It's a diverse mix, with one being downright creepy. All of them are gritty and vividly depict the seedy underbelly of society, with shabby bars and lives that have taken a wrong turn.

"Down There" holds a special significance as it served as the basis for Francois Truffaut's movie, Don't Kill the Piano Player. Interestingly, a connection with France is evident in several of these tales, as the American authors had lived in France.

This collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the dark and complex world of 1950s American Noir, with its unique blend of atmosphere, character, and story. It's a must-read for fans of the genre and those interested in exploring the literary history of that era.

Only 4 stars are given. The reason is that all of these authors require more than one novel to truly represent their work, as well as the period and genre in which they worked. The selection seems to be based more on popularity rather than the quality of the particular novel. However, it still serves as a great introduction to quality pulp. It gives readers a taste of different works within the pulp genre and allows them to explore the writing styles and themes of various authors. While it may not be a comprehensive collection that showcases the full range of each author's abilities, it does provide a starting point for those interested in delving deeper into the world of quality pulp fiction.

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Do you really want to experience depression? Then you should definitely read "Pick Up", one of the captivating stories found within this remarkable collection of 50s noir novels. The 50s was a decade known for its dark and gritty atmosphere, and these novels capture that essence perfectly. "Pick Up" takes you on a journey through the seedy underbelly of society, filled with complex characters and morally ambiguous situations. As you turn the pages, you'll be drawn into a world of mystery, suspense, and ultimately, a sense of profound melancholy. This story has the power to make you question your own beliefs and values, and leave you with a lasting impression. So, if you're looking for a truly immersive and thought-provoking read, look no further than "Pick Up" in this outstanding collection of 50s noir novels.

A selection of five novels that are well-described by their titles awaits. Three of them I had already read, while two were new to me. Jim Thompson, Patricia Highsmith, and Chester Himes are renowned in the field that includes psychological thrillers, hard-boiled detectives, and noir.

Jim Thompson's The Killer Inside Me (1952) is regarded as his masterpiece. It tells the story of a serial killer from the inside, presenting a brutal and chilling world that the reader might not want to witness. Several of his novels, including this one, have been adapted into films.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955) by Patricia Highsmith not only spawned a series of sequels but also inspired a hit movie with Matt Damon in 1999. Arguably her best work.

Chester Himes created a series of violent and over-the-top novels featuring the mythic Harlem detectives Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson. Three of his novels were made into films, but not The Real Cool Killers (1958), the second in the series included here. Himes is credited with inventing the genre of "murderous humor." All three of these books are essential for noir enthusiasts.

David Goodis was an author I had heard of, but I hadn't read Down There (1956) yet. It is as good as any of his books and was made into the French film Shoot the Piano Player. The protagonists in his novels are always a little off-center, which is quite something in this group.

Pick-Up (1955) by Charles Willeford was a revelation. It is just a couple of steps away from perfection but still managed to draw me in and break me. It can hold its own among these great works. The story is about two lost and shattered souls trying to stay afloat in the world by holding on to each other. If this is a fair sample of Willeford's writing, I definitely want more.

Crime Novels: American Noir of the 1950s is an amazing collection where each story has the power to knock the reader off their feet. If you're into that kind of thing.

Some great crime novels truly don't require much elaboration. There are three extremely different books that are united under the noir sobriquet. Each and every one of these novels is definitely worth reading. They serve as a great way to bring my indulgence in Jim Thompson's works to an end. The allure of these crime novels lies in their unique storytelling, complex characters, and the dark and gritty atmosphere they create. Whether it's the psychological depth of one, the fast-paced action of another, or the clever plotting of the third, they all have something to offer to the avid reader of crime fiction. These books are not just entertainment; they are a testament to the power of the crime novel genre. So, if you're looking for a good read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, these three noir crime novels are definitely worth checking out.

I have only read two works, namely The Killer Inside Me and The Real Cool Killers.

The reason I read The Killer Inside Me was that the upcoming movie piqued my interest. As for The Real Cool Killers, it was because I had read about the author, Chester Himes, his history, and the recurring characters Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed, which intrigued me.

The Killer Inside Me was indeed well-written and worthy of being read. However, I truly adored The Real Cool Killers. The writing style was impeccably spare. Himes once penned that "realism and absurdity are so alike in the lives of American blacks that one can't distinguish the difference." This blurring of the two is vividly played out in this short novella. It presents a unique perspective on the lives of American blacks, where the line between what is real and what is absurd becomes increasingly hazy. The story delves deep into the complex emotions and experiences of the characters, making it a captivating read.

Overall, both books offered me different yet equally engaging reading experiences, and I look forward to exploring more of Chester Himes' works in the future.

So far, I have just completed the first one among the five novels included.

It was an extremely intense and gripping novel that centered around a psychotic deputy sheriff in Texas.

The character of this deputy sheriff was truly very unsettling. His actions and behaviors were filled with unpredictability and a certain degree of madness, which constantly kept the reader on the edge of their seat.

However, despite the disturbing nature of the character, this novel was a classic noir read. It had all the elements that make a noir story engaging and captivating.

The dark and gritty atmosphere, the complex characters, and the twisted plot all combined to create a truly unforgettable reading experience.

I am really looking forward to delving into the remaining four novels and seeing what other精彩的 stories and characters they have in store for me.

Good selection of the genre is of utmost importance. It sets the foundation for the entire creative work.

When choosing a genre, one must consider various factors such as personal interests, target audience, and the message one wants to convey.

A well-chosen genre can engage the readers or viewers more effectively, as it aligns with their expectations and preferences.

For example, if you are interested in mystery and thrillers, choosing that genre will allow you to explore complex plotlines and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

On the other hand, if you aim to reach a wider audience, a more mainstream genre like romance or comedy might be a better choice.

Moreover, the genre also influences the style, tone, and structure of the work.

Each genre has its own set of conventions and characteristics that need to be adhered to in order to create a successful piece.

In conclusion, a good selection of the genre is a crucial step in the creative process that can significantly impact the quality and success of the final work.