Los Angeles Noir 2: The Classics (Akashic Noir)

What this collection of older stories goes to show is how lost modern writers of noir have become, how far from the mark they have strayed. Although a dark vein of violence and brutality weaves its way through many of the stories, it never becomes the sole reason for a story's existence. The characters and situations, even without overt violence, become manifestations of a nihilistic universe. In these older stories, restraint is also shown in language, which only serves to highlight characters, situations and dire fates. Without the crutches depended upon by modern writers, there is nothing to diminish the impact of shattering climaxes.

Akaschic scores again with another Noir book. I think that I have read almost all of them and enjoyed each one.

Sure, there are some classics here, but also a lot of filler from the 1990s. Stuff that's not even noir. Disappointing. I am hesitant to buy anymore of this series.

This was a required book in my critical thinking class but I really enjoyed all the stories. It introduced me to the noir genre with femme fatale characters and detectives of the generation solving crimes. One particular story I found stimulating was the one with the chirashi. The vivid description of the dish preparation and stylized murder together is thrilling.

not bad

...Even if you're not an aficionado of the noir genre.But then, a number of the inclusions here don't really qualify under that sobriquet.Still, several of the older entries are classic noir and it was refreshing to re-read them.My compliments to the editor for the painstaking effort in assembling this superior anthology.

It is just a good as the first Los Angeles Noir anthology. Great writers, gripping stories, what's not to love? Definitely must read this. I highly recommend it.

Los Angeles Noir 2 the Classics edited by Denise Hamilton is a 15 story anthology. All of the entries were originally published elsewhere in years ranging from 1933 to 2007. Most of the diverse slate of contributors have immediately recognizable names.Among the best of the 15 are: "Find the Woman" by Ross Macdonald (1946) and "The Chirashi Covenant" by Naomi Hirahara (2007).Worthwhile reading for fans of noir, given the prominent role played by Los Angeles in the historical underpinnings of the genre.

I was so looking forward to this Kindle edition and there are so many typos/missing words - it is very distracting and annoying!UPDATE: Just learned that OCR is used to make digital books (how did I not know this?) and is not perfect. So that’s that.