A couple of months back, crime writer Jonathan Kellerman selected his Top 10 LA Noir Novels for the Guardian, focusing on the older generation of noir authors. He took 'LA noir' to cover southern California as a whole, saying:
'LA isn't a city, it's a concept which applies anywhere in the Golden State where nice weather abounds, a chasm yawns between the haves and the have-nots, and delusional blind ambition is habitually confused with work ethic and wisdom.'
As a huge Raymond Chandler fan I wanted to share this list, and also have it as a reminder to myself to read all these books!
For the last couple of years now Swedish crime writing has dominated the UK and US book charts, as well as topping bestseller lists across Europe. In 2009 Stieg Larsson was the no.1 bestselling author in Europe, and Camilla Läckberg came in 6th. With the Swedish films of Larsson's 'Millenium' trilogy releasing this year, it looks like the Swedes could be on top for a fair while longer. With this is mind I tried to find out what's hot in crime writing now in the icy climes of Sweden.
