This book was a gift from my dear brother.

When he presented it to me, I had just rediscovered Jim Thompson after being away from his works for a few years. I was extremely excited about delving into a new story.

Little did I know when I began reading the book that "The Killer Inside Me" was Thompson's most significant piece of work.

By the time I had finished it, I was trembling. I was amazed, astounded, and downright terrified.

It was truly awesome, but not in the way of an 80s music video. It was awesome like a ten-foot wave about to crash down on your head. And that was just the first story in the anthology.

I must add that it is an odd collection. "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "The Real Cool Killers" are parts of series, and the latter title isn't the first story.

I usually don't like to read out of order, but in this case, it was well worth it.

I discovered the rest of the Gravedigger Jones/Coffin Ed Johnson stories, which are remarkable due to the combination of hard-edged realism and outrageous plots.

Chester Himes truly had a gift.

The second volume of the stellar series by the highly regarded Library of America is truly remarkable.

This volume delves deeper into the complex and often dark recesses of humanity, presenting a collection of tales that explore the darker side of our nature.

Among the stories, The Killer Inside Me and Down There stand out as outstanding works.

The Killer Inside Me takes readers on a chilling journey into the mind of a seemingly ordinary man with a hidden and terrifying secret.

Down There, on the other hand, weaves a tale of mystery and suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Together, these stories offer a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche, making this volume a must-read for fans of literature that delves into the darker aspects of life.

I carefully reviewed each and every novel within this collection on an individual basis. I engaged in a binge-reading session during the months of May and June in 2009. Some of the books in this collection truly stood out and were worthy of a five-star rating. They captivated my attention from start to finish, with engaging storylines, well-developed characters, and beautiful prose.

However, one particular book, "The Moon in the Gutter" by David Goodis, was a complete disappointment. It failed to meet my expectations in every aspect and earned a rare one-star rating. Usually, when I come across a book that I'm not enjoying, I simply abandon it. But in this case, I persevered until the end, hoping for some sort of redemption. Sadly, it never came.

Overall, this collection was a mixed bag. While some of the novels were excellent and will remain in my memory for a long time, others were forgettable or even downright bad. But that's the nature of reading - you never know what you're going to get until you crack open the cover.

A collection of five short novels from some of the leading lights of the noir style in the 1950s is presented.

I discovered that "The Killer Inside Me" was the most captivating, although the ending is a bit far-fetched.

For the life of me, I simply cannot fathom how "The Talented Mr. Ripley" garners any respect whatsoever. It has a sluggish pace and an utterly loathsome protagonist, who is not even remotely convincing as either a con man or a killer.

"Pick Up" and "Down There" merely seem like demonstrations of how many cigarettes can be smoked and how much alcohol can be consumed by miserable human beings before they perish, with the reader not really caring if they do indeed die.

"The Real Cool Killers" was not very believable as a police procedural, yet Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson must surely be the two greatest detective names in the annals of detective names.

This collection offers a diverse range of noir stories, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, but overall, it provides an interesting glimpse into the world of 1950s noir fiction.

From the 1930s and 1940s, these are truly remarkable.

They come in a variety of styles, each with its own unique charm and character.

Despite being decades old, they remain highly relevant in today's world.

The designs and aesthetics of that era continue to inspire and influence contemporary fashion, art, and design.

Whether it's the elegance of the 1930s or the boldness of the 1940s, there is something for everyone to appreciate.

These pieces serve as a reminder of a bygone era, yet they also have the power to bring a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to the present.

They are not just relics of the past, but rather living works of art that continue to evolve and adapt with the times.

So, the next time you come across something from the 1930s or 1940s, take a moment to admire its beauty and significance.

You may just discover a newfound appreciation for the styles and trends of that remarkable era.