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Vancouver Noir
Following the success of Montreal Noir and Toronto Noir, the Noir Series travels to the west coast of Canada.
Akashic Books continues its award-winning series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each book comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city. Following the success of Montreal Noir and Toronto Noir, the Noir Series travels to the west coast of Canada.
Brand-new stories by: Linda L. Richards, Timothy Taylor, Sheena Kamal, Robin Spano, Carleigh Baker, Sam Wiebe, Dietrich Kalteis, Nathan Ripley, Yasuko Thanh, Kristi Charish, Don English, Nick Mamatas, S.G. Wong, and R.M. Greenaway.
From the introduction by Sam Wiebe:
You might wonder what shadows could exist in Vancouver, rain-spattered jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Nestled between the US border and the Coast Mountains, the city’s postcard charms are familiar, even to those who’ve never been here, thanks to the films and TV shows shot in Hollywood North: The X-Files and Deadpool, Rumble in the Bronx and Jason Takes Manhattan. Vancouver is the so-called City of Glass. A nice place, in any case, and much too nice for noir.
Looked at from afar, Vancouver may seem idyllic. But living here is different—cold and baffling and occasionally hostile. While outsiders focus on high-test BC bud, locals see a heroin crisis: Vancouver is home to the first legalized safe-injection site in North America, now heavily taxed by overdoses resulting from street drugs cut with fentanyl. It’s ground zero for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, a nationwide catastrophe involving the deaths and disappearances of hundreds of marginalized women. Money and status trample culture and community . . . If Vancouver is a City of Glass, that glass is underneath our feet.
Akashic Books continues its award-winning series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each book comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city. Following the success of Montreal Noir and Toronto Noir, the Noir Series travels to the west coast of Canada.
Brand-new stories by: Linda L. Richards, Timothy Taylor, Sheena Kamal, Robin Spano, Carleigh Baker, Sam Wiebe, Dietrich Kalteis, Nathan Ripley, Yasuko Thanh, Kristi Charish, Don English, Nick Mamatas, S.G. Wong, and R.M. Greenaway.
From the introduction by Sam Wiebe:
You might wonder what shadows could exist in Vancouver, rain-spattered jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Nestled between the US border and the Coast Mountains, the city’s postcard charms are familiar, even to those who’ve never been here, thanks to the films and TV shows shot in Hollywood North: The X-Files and Deadpool, Rumble in the Bronx and Jason Takes Manhattan. Vancouver is the so-called City of Glass. A nice place, in any case, and much too nice for noir.
Looked at from afar, Vancouver may seem idyllic. But living here is different—cold and baffling and occasionally hostile. While outsiders focus on high-test BC bud, locals see a heroin crisis: Vancouver is home to the first legalized safe-injection site in North America, now heavily taxed by overdoses resulting from street drugs cut with fentanyl. It’s ground zero for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, a nationwide catastrophe involving the deaths and disappearances of hundreds of marginalized women. Money and status trample culture and community . . . If Vancouver is a City of Glass, that glass is underneath our feet.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2018
27 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Sam Wiebe
22 books178 followersSam Wiebe is the author of CUT YOU DOWN, INVISIBLE DEAD, and LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS. He lives in Vancouver.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 5, 2018
I like to travel, vicariously, and there is no better way to travel than a deep dive into a city through one of the Akashic Noir series. This time, I went to a city I have been to in reality, staying for a few days before taking my mother on an Alaskan cruise. I don’t think that is why I loved Vancouver Noir so much, though. I think it was the variety of very truly noir stories that kept me reading until 3 AM.
Vancouver Noir is organized into three sections: Blood Money, Rags and Bones, and Night Visions. It’s nearly impossible to choose a favorite from these murderous little stories, though perhaps “Eight Game-Changing Tips on Public Speaking” which cracked me up, but the first “Terminal City” and the last “The Perfect Playgroup” were emotionally affecting. In Rags & Bones, the stories are sad and desperate like the people who people them, people on the downside of life and struggling to maybe just for a bit do more than subsist. Night Visions was my favorite section and that’s weird as I usually avoid paranormal stories unless I am reading an outright fantasy like something about kids going to learn how to practice magic at some academy.
“The Demon of Steveston” and “Survivor’s Pension” are stories that will have me seeking out more by their authors in spite of the supernatural elements. In fact, reading “The Demon of Steveston” had me thinking SERIES! TV syndication! I would watch that show. I really don’t like paranormal stories but I want to know more about Ricky, lots more.
This is an excellent collection with sections that make sense and hang together. I could recognize the themes even though the editor, Sam Wiebe, did not explain them. I like the sense of justice and humanity that runs through the collection as well. There’s a beating heart at the center of this book that sees people as they are and holds them with compassion, even when they are sometimes on the wrong side of the law. You get the feeling that many of these authors would not turn their head toward the road when they pass a panhandler on the sidewalk.
As always, I am an enthusiastic supporter of Akashic Books marvelous series of books that can make us world travelers – albeit to the noir side of town. More than once, when traveling, I have ignored tourist warnings and had a great day in the noir side of town. I don’t travel any longer, but I can count on Akashic to keep me on the road. Also, let me suggest Akashic Noir books as great presents in time for Christmas. If you have a friend in Vancouver, Vancouver Noir is the perfect book, one written by locals but who will see their home through a different lens. If someone is planning a trip to Vancouver, same thing. Prepare them, maybe scare them.
I received an e-galley for review from the publisher through Edelweiss.
Vancouver Noir at Akashic Noir
Akashic Noir series
Sam Wiebe author site
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
Vancouver Noir is organized into three sections: Blood Money, Rags and Bones, and Night Visions. It’s nearly impossible to choose a favorite from these murderous little stories, though perhaps “Eight Game-Changing Tips on Public Speaking” which cracked me up, but the first “Terminal City” and the last “The Perfect Playgroup” were emotionally affecting. In Rags & Bones, the stories are sad and desperate like the people who people them, people on the downside of life and struggling to maybe just for a bit do more than subsist. Night Visions was my favorite section and that’s weird as I usually avoid paranormal stories unless I am reading an outright fantasy like something about kids going to learn how to practice magic at some academy.
“The Demon of Steveston” and “Survivor’s Pension” are stories that will have me seeking out more by their authors in spite of the supernatural elements. In fact, reading “The Demon of Steveston” had me thinking SERIES! TV syndication! I would watch that show. I really don’t like paranormal stories but I want to know more about Ricky, lots more.
This is an excellent collection with sections that make sense and hang together. I could recognize the themes even though the editor, Sam Wiebe, did not explain them. I like the sense of justice and humanity that runs through the collection as well. There’s a beating heart at the center of this book that sees people as they are and holds them with compassion, even when they are sometimes on the wrong side of the law. You get the feeling that many of these authors would not turn their head toward the road when they pass a panhandler on the sidewalk.
As always, I am an enthusiastic supporter of Akashic Books marvelous series of books that can make us world travelers – albeit to the noir side of town. More than once, when traveling, I have ignored tourist warnings and had a great day in the noir side of town. I don’t travel any longer, but I can count on Akashic to keep me on the road. Also, let me suggest Akashic Noir books as great presents in time for Christmas. If you have a friend in Vancouver, Vancouver Noir is the perfect book, one written by locals but who will see their home through a different lens. If someone is planning a trip to Vancouver, same thing. Prepare them, maybe scare them.
I received an e-galley for review from the publisher through Edelweiss.
Vancouver Noir at Akashic Noir
Akashic Noir series
Sam Wiebe author site
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
October 29, 2018
This is my favorite of all of the NOIR anthologies from Akashic I've read so far. Pretty much 98% of the book was fantastic.
Only one or two of the stories were skimmable and that's pretty good to me.
First story by Linda L. Richards seized on right off the bat. Supremely outstanding. Actually the introduction was the grabber. It invited the reader to go beyond what is shown in the television and movies that are filmed in what looks to be an idyllic setting. Grime and grit, homelessness, poverty, hanging by the skin of the teeth, crime. The book will set the story straight.
Sheena Kamal's story was fab, in particular the setup of each section, How to Give a Speech....perfection.
Robin Spano's story is sneakily intriguing.
Nathan Ripley's story reminded me of my favorite Parker Posey movie, Party Girl.
Kristi Charish's is a superbly edgy police procedural.
Don English has two voices to tell his tale, as does R. M. Greenway's story. Fantastic the both.
I highly enjoyed S. G. Wong's spooky story.
I can definitely recommend this particularly outstanding anthology.
Only one or two of the stories were skimmable and that's pretty good to me.
First story by Linda L. Richards seized on right off the bat. Supremely outstanding. Actually the introduction was the grabber. It invited the reader to go beyond what is shown in the television and movies that are filmed in what looks to be an idyllic setting. Grime and grit, homelessness, poverty, hanging by the skin of the teeth, crime. The book will set the story straight.
Sheena Kamal's story was fab, in particular the setup of each section, How to Give a Speech....perfection.
Robin Spano's story is sneakily intriguing.
Nathan Ripley's story reminded me of my favorite Parker Posey movie, Party Girl.
Kristi Charish's is a superbly edgy police procedural.
Don English has two voices to tell his tale, as does R. M. Greenway's story. Fantastic the both.
I highly enjoyed S. G. Wong's spooky story.
I can definitely recommend this particularly outstanding anthology.
November 13, 2018
A fantastic anthology with a tonne of gifted writers. This collection transcends typical noir tropes; either avoiding cliches to the genre or improving upon them. I didn’t have story I disliked as they were all vastly different yet possessing similar traits within all of them. I highly recommend this to anyone interested noir, crime fiction or those interested in a gritty lens into Vancouver.
August 16, 2020
3.5
Oh man, did I read this book the wrong way! When I started reading this collection of noir stories back in February, I basically only knew a handful of very specific areas of Vancouver: one little section of Point Grey where friends live; Kits; Stanley Park, Waterfront, and 23rd and Main. And that's it! Oh and the North Shore, where I live.
At the front of the book there's a map that shows where each of the stories takes place, and at the start of each story it says which neighborhood most of the plot happens in. So in February, when I started reading this book I thought the book could help me understand the city of Vancouver but instead my lack of knowledge made me understand the stories less.
Then in late June, Jamie and I did a bicycle trip all around Vancouver and finally the geography and socioeconomic and cultural flavors of all the different areas started to become more clear.
I finally finished the last three stories today and I knew exactly where they were located! If only I had read the rest of the stories later.
As with all collections, there were stories I liked more than others. Probably the one that stands out to me the most was Robin Spano's "The Perfect Playgroup", most likely because it is set on the North Shore so I completely understood the satirical undertones.
Oh man, did I read this book the wrong way! When I started reading this collection of noir stories back in February, I basically only knew a handful of very specific areas of Vancouver: one little section of Point Grey where friends live; Kits; Stanley Park, Waterfront, and 23rd and Main. And that's it! Oh and the North Shore, where I live.
At the front of the book there's a map that shows where each of the stories takes place, and at the start of each story it says which neighborhood most of the plot happens in. So in February, when I started reading this book I thought the book could help me understand the city of Vancouver but instead my lack of knowledge made me understand the stories less.
Then in late June, Jamie and I did a bicycle trip all around Vancouver and finally the geography and socioeconomic and cultural flavors of all the different areas started to become more clear.
I finally finished the last three stories today and I knew exactly where they were located! If only I had read the rest of the stories later.
As with all collections, there were stories I liked more than others. Probably the one that stands out to me the most was Robin Spano's "The Perfect Playgroup", most likely because it is set on the North Shore so I completely understood the satirical undertones.
June 23, 2019
This was really great. Not only were the bulk of the stories superb, reading about communities & landmarks of your town is a unique thrill! Kristi Charish's "The Demon of Steveston", Nathan Ripley's "The Landecker Party" & Sam Wiebe's "Wonderful Life" were the standouts of the collection for me, but they were all enjoyable.
April 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this compilation of short stories about Vancouver. Very well written and it introduced me to a selection of great writers.
April 14, 2024
Some stories felt full of cliches others were something I had never experienced before. An odd mix but certainly interesting
October 14, 2018
VANCOUVER NOIR is edited by Sam Wiebe. It is an anthology of 14 stories by 14 different authors that take place in 14 different locations in and around the city of Vancouver, British Columbia. I have read many of the titles in this noir series published by Akashic Books and enjoyed them all. I received this title as part of LibraryThing’s Early Review Giveaway in exchange for an unbiased review. (Thank you.)
I like that the format is the same in all the titles (all the titles that I have read). There is a dark, sepia-toned cover; a dynamite area map with story locations marked by body silhouettes; a Table of Contents; an Introduction by the editor(s); and an About the Contributors section.
I like the familiarity; the thought that I can open the door and sit right down in my favorite chair.
The stories are true noir - a genre of crime fiction characterized by cynicism, fatalism and moral ambiguity. Good noir adjectives are bleak, pessimistic, fatalistic, dark, brooding, raw. One of my personal favorite noir adjectives is selfish. Dennis Lehane calls noir - “working-class tragedy”. Our editor, Sam Wiebe, writes that noir is “bad shit happening to people much like ourselves”.
A true anthology - each story in the anthology is different, interesting, twisted, clever writing.
The Introduction is always one of my favorite parts of the anthology. The editor(s) give the reader a ‘feel’ for the city or area. In VANCOUVER NOIR, I discover that Vancouver is a colonial outpost on the unceded territory of three First Nations: the Musqueam; the Squamish and the Tsleil-Waututh. Vancouver is one of North America’s largest immigration hubs and includes one of the oldest Chinatowns. Land speculation and a lack of low-income housing have created a real estate crisis.
Stories and Authors include:
“Terminal City” by Linda L. Richards (real noir)
“Saturna Island” by Timothy Taylor “You know it’s real when it ends in blood”.
“Eight game-changing tips on public speaking” by Sheena Kamal
“The perfect playgroup” by Robin Spano (nightmares for me)
“The midden” by Carleigh Baker
“Wonderful life” by Sam Wiebe
“Bottom Dollar” by Dietrich Kalteis (liked that one)
“The Landecker Party” by Nathan Ripley (very noir)
“Burned” by Yasuko Thanh
“The demon of Steveston” by Kristi Charish (very macabre)
“Stiches” by Don English
“The one who walks with a limp” by Nick Mamatas
“Survivors’ pension” by S.G. Wong
“The threshold” by R.M. Greenaway
I think you will enjoy this title and this Noir series by Akashic Books.
I like that the format is the same in all the titles (all the titles that I have read). There is a dark, sepia-toned cover; a dynamite area map with story locations marked by body silhouettes; a Table of Contents; an Introduction by the editor(s); and an About the Contributors section.
I like the familiarity; the thought that I can open the door and sit right down in my favorite chair.
The stories are true noir - a genre of crime fiction characterized by cynicism, fatalism and moral ambiguity. Good noir adjectives are bleak, pessimistic, fatalistic, dark, brooding, raw. One of my personal favorite noir adjectives is selfish. Dennis Lehane calls noir - “working-class tragedy”. Our editor, Sam Wiebe, writes that noir is “bad shit happening to people much like ourselves”.
A true anthology - each story in the anthology is different, interesting, twisted, clever writing.
The Introduction is always one of my favorite parts of the anthology. The editor(s) give the reader a ‘feel’ for the city or area. In VANCOUVER NOIR, I discover that Vancouver is a colonial outpost on the unceded territory of three First Nations: the Musqueam; the Squamish and the Tsleil-Waututh. Vancouver is one of North America’s largest immigration hubs and includes one of the oldest Chinatowns. Land speculation and a lack of low-income housing have created a real estate crisis.
Stories and Authors include:
“Terminal City” by Linda L. Richards (real noir)
“Saturna Island” by Timothy Taylor “You know it’s real when it ends in blood”.
“Eight game-changing tips on public speaking” by Sheena Kamal
“The perfect playgroup” by Robin Spano (nightmares for me)
“The midden” by Carleigh Baker
“Wonderful life” by Sam Wiebe
“Bottom Dollar” by Dietrich Kalteis (liked that one)
“The Landecker Party” by Nathan Ripley (very noir)
“Burned” by Yasuko Thanh
“The demon of Steveston” by Kristi Charish (very macabre)
“Stiches” by Don English
“The one who walks with a limp” by Nick Mamatas
“Survivors’ pension” by S.G. Wong
“The threshold” by R.M. Greenaway
I think you will enjoy this title and this Noir series by Akashic Books.
July 7, 2019
This was an outstandingly creepy selection of short noir stories. I probably liked it partly because I know the city well and can envision many of the locations, but it also really emphasized the underbelly quality of the city. I liked that none of the stories emphasized violence, while most of them burrowed deep into the dark side. I particularly liked the stories "Saturna Island", "Wonderful Life", and "The Landecker Party". They were really outstanding.
June 18, 2023
I'm a big fan of the Akashic Noir series. Vancouver Noir, edited by Sam Wiebe, is a truly enjoyable addition to the series. Because it's close to home, it brought Vancouver to life in dark, startling slices ... not as a city but as individual images, not unlike RM Greenaway's photographer does in the final story. Each of the 14 stories, written by some of BC's noir best, are surprising, unexpected, filled with shadows and tension. Great read!
September 2, 2018
Vancouver - "much too nice for noir" or is it. Vancouver a city in flux, trying to redefine itself; a city trying to distance itself from its drug problem and the high toll of missing marginalised woman and girls.
Here, noir is personal, subtle, implied, unspoken, humourous and also feminine.
Enjoy reading about "bad shit happening to people like ourselves".
Here, noir is personal, subtle, implied, unspoken, humourous and also feminine.
Enjoy reading about "bad shit happening to people like ourselves".
November 27, 2018
Read my full review here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.c...
As my readers know, I am intrigued with Akashic Books’ series of noir short stories based in cities all around the world. I was particularly attracted to the stories in Vancouver Noir because we had a marvelous few days in Vancouver on our way to an Alaska cruise. We fell in love with the city. In this collection of 14 stories, however, we see a different side of Vancouver than seen by the tourist traveling through.
Sam Wiebe, the collection’s editor, has written an intriguing story about a elderly policeman with dementia who believes that he is still solving crimes. More importantly, in the collection’s introduction, Wiebe has created an excellent definition of noir, which he used when choosing the stories for the collection. He says, “Noir is bad shit happening to people much like ourselves. At its heart, noir is the ugly shadow of ourselves we always knew was there, but out of convenience, chose to ignore.” He goes on to discuss how it is possible that there can be such a destructive underbelly to a city with such an idyllic image. He says, “So welcome to Vancouver, the place where the west ends. And welcome to Vancouver Noir. It gets dark here. Know that going in.”
The narrator and protagonist of the story, Terminal City, visits the city for the first time. She’s not sure what she will find. “I’m not certain there will be anything good to eat. Maple syrup and beavers. Possibly cheese. I just can’t imagine what Canadians might eat.” However, what she finds when the plane lands far exceeds her expectations. “The city itself is stunning. City of Glass. Of Oceans.” The narrator arrives in Vancouver as a paid hitman—or woman, in this case. The discovery of who she is going to kill comes as a big surprise to her and to us. A great story.
Another story I particularly enjoyed had a Big Little Lies feel to it. Called The Perfect Playgroup, the story has a terrific first line: “Sage is more fabulous dead than alive.” The story takes place in the ritzy neighborhood of West Vancouver and concerns a group of upper middle class moms with young children. The construction of the story is ingenious and keeps you questioning how and when Sage is going to be fabulously dead!
Vancouver Noir is one of my favorites of the Akashic noir collection. It is eminently readable with vibrant characters and haunting stories. Every entry gives us a sterling example of the city I didn’t get a chance to see when I was visiting. The collection’s authors are all renowned writers, as one would expect from a city like Vancouver.
Take a gamble. Take a dip into the sea of noir.
As my readers know, I am intrigued with Akashic Books’ series of noir short stories based in cities all around the world. I was particularly attracted to the stories in Vancouver Noir because we had a marvelous few days in Vancouver on our way to an Alaska cruise. We fell in love with the city. In this collection of 14 stories, however, we see a different side of Vancouver than seen by the tourist traveling through.
Sam Wiebe, the collection’s editor, has written an intriguing story about a elderly policeman with dementia who believes that he is still solving crimes. More importantly, in the collection’s introduction, Wiebe has created an excellent definition of noir, which he used when choosing the stories for the collection. He says, “Noir is bad shit happening to people much like ourselves. At its heart, noir is the ugly shadow of ourselves we always knew was there, but out of convenience, chose to ignore.” He goes on to discuss how it is possible that there can be such a destructive underbelly to a city with such an idyllic image. He says, “So welcome to Vancouver, the place where the west ends. And welcome to Vancouver Noir. It gets dark here. Know that going in.”
The narrator and protagonist of the story, Terminal City, visits the city for the first time. She’s not sure what she will find. “I’m not certain there will be anything good to eat. Maple syrup and beavers. Possibly cheese. I just can’t imagine what Canadians might eat.” However, what she finds when the plane lands far exceeds her expectations. “The city itself is stunning. City of Glass. Of Oceans.” The narrator arrives in Vancouver as a paid hitman—or woman, in this case. The discovery of who she is going to kill comes as a big surprise to her and to us. A great story.
Another story I particularly enjoyed had a Big Little Lies feel to it. Called The Perfect Playgroup, the story has a terrific first line: “Sage is more fabulous dead than alive.” The story takes place in the ritzy neighborhood of West Vancouver and concerns a group of upper middle class moms with young children. The construction of the story is ingenious and keeps you questioning how and when Sage is going to be fabulously dead!
Vancouver Noir is one of my favorites of the Akashic noir collection. It is eminently readable with vibrant characters and haunting stories. Every entry gives us a sterling example of the city I didn’t get a chance to see when I was visiting. The collection’s authors are all renowned writers, as one would expect from a city like Vancouver.
Take a gamble. Take a dip into the sea of noir.
November 15, 2018
Akashic Books offers yet another interesting set of tales to its well-known Noir Series. A gritty, disturbing, and ghostly collection of works based in the city of Vancouver.
The book is broken into three distinctive parts with each focusing on a particular segment or element of Vancouver society. Part One gives a glimpse into the twisted minds of the wealthy.
”Terminal City” allows us to follow a potential hit to be made on a wealthy philanthropist, with a heart of gold, except his would be assassin makes the mistake of getting too close to their target. While “Perfect Playgroup” continues the madness with a too-good-to-be-true friendship that’s based on a deadly obsession.
Both tales are wicked good and present a strong start to this series.
And they only got better.
Every story within Part One was as gripping and addictive as the one before.
Part Two takes a look at shady opportunists. Some of whom are smart enough to dupe even the most criminal of masterminds.I enjoyed “The Landecker Party” by Nathan Ripley—which tells the story of a group of friends who find themselves in position for a come-up like no other—and found myself reading it twice!
Where things bogged down for me, and where this collection lost a ton of speed, was in its final set of stories.
Part Three is mostly about ghosts. Literally. Every story has a supernatural bend. While I understand that may was likely a nod to Vancouver’s reputation as a city with plenty of ghosts to spare, the stories weren’t as exciting, or well-written as the ones offered in the first two thirds of the book. It made for a meh end to an otherwise nice collection.
Overall this is another strong entry in Akashic’s Noir Series and isn’t likely to disappoint many.
*I received an Advanced eGalley of “Vancouver Noir” from Edelweiss+ and Akashic Books. Thank you for the opportunity to experience this work prior to its release.
The book is broken into three distinctive parts with each focusing on a particular segment or element of Vancouver society. Part One gives a glimpse into the twisted minds of the wealthy.
”Terminal City” allows us to follow a potential hit to be made on a wealthy philanthropist, with a heart of gold, except his would be assassin makes the mistake of getting too close to their target. While “Perfect Playgroup” continues the madness with a too-good-to-be-true friendship that’s based on a deadly obsession.
Both tales are wicked good and present a strong start to this series.
And they only got better.
Every story within Part One was as gripping and addictive as the one before.
Part Two takes a look at shady opportunists. Some of whom are smart enough to dupe even the most criminal of masterminds.I enjoyed “The Landecker Party” by Nathan Ripley—which tells the story of a group of friends who find themselves in position for a come-up like no other—and found myself reading it twice!
Where things bogged down for me, and where this collection lost a ton of speed, was in its final set of stories.
Part Three is mostly about ghosts. Literally. Every story has a supernatural bend. While I understand that may was likely a nod to Vancouver’s reputation as a city with plenty of ghosts to spare, the stories weren’t as exciting, or well-written as the ones offered in the first two thirds of the book. It made for a meh end to an otherwise nice collection.
Overall this is another strong entry in Akashic’s Noir Series and isn’t likely to disappoint many.
*I received an Advanced eGalley of “Vancouver Noir” from Edelweiss+ and Akashic Books. Thank you for the opportunity to experience this work prior to its release.
June 13, 2022
Really enjoyed this book, could not put it down. Wish to read more from the series, don't know if I will relate to them as strongly as I am familiar with Vancouver.
Terminal City by Linda L. Richards - Wonderful story, will be looking for more books/stories by her.
Saturna Island by Timothy Taylor - A little too realistic - not sure if that is a compliment or a complaint.
Eight game-changing tips on Public Speaking by Sheena Kamal - loved it!
The Perfect Playgroup by Robin Spano - very good.
The Midden by Carleigh Baker j- Happy that it was hard to relate with these people.
Wonderful Life by Sam Wiebe - Times change for everyone - liked this story a lot.
Bottom Dollar by Dietrich Kalteis - liked it.
The Landecker Party by Nathan Ripley - liked it a lot!
Burned by Yasuko Thanh - Okay, but not relatable by me.
The Demon of Steveston by Kristi Charish - A little scary, freaky, and interesting. I will be looking for other works by Kristi Charish.
Stitches by Don English - Didn't like the story, it bothered me, I thought about it later - well written.
The one Who Walks with a Limp by Nick Mamatas - Different, liked it.
Survivor's Pension by S.G. Wong - Enjoyed this story, I like to think the elderly can be still tricky.
The Threshold by R.M. Greenaway - A little creepy, non likeable "hero" or is he just a participant?
Terminal City by Linda L. Richards - Wonderful story, will be looking for more books/stories by her.
Saturna Island by Timothy Taylor - A little too realistic - not sure if that is a compliment or a complaint.
Eight game-changing tips on Public Speaking by Sheena Kamal - loved it!
The Perfect Playgroup by Robin Spano - very good.
The Midden by Carleigh Baker j- Happy that it was hard to relate with these people.
Wonderful Life by Sam Wiebe - Times change for everyone - liked this story a lot.
Bottom Dollar by Dietrich Kalteis - liked it.
The Landecker Party by Nathan Ripley - liked it a lot!
Burned by Yasuko Thanh - Okay, but not relatable by me.
The Demon of Steveston by Kristi Charish - A little scary, freaky, and interesting. I will be looking for other works by Kristi Charish.
Stitches by Don English - Didn't like the story, it bothered me, I thought about it later - well written.
The one Who Walks with a Limp by Nick Mamatas - Different, liked it.
Survivor's Pension by S.G. Wong - Enjoyed this story, I like to think the elderly can be still tricky.
The Threshold by R.M. Greenaway - A little creepy, non likeable "hero" or is he just a participant?
September 19, 2021
The new Vancouver is a rich city.
Having been raised here, my short story description of this cover:
"A new kid in town" kicking back under the Cambie bridge looking north across False Creek during
"Expo 86" contemplating his next move. To the left, "Monk Mc Queens." with it's pink or indigo neon lit logo, beckoning "underground economy" players while a cop tracks them on a rubber raft bought 5 minutes away at "3 Vets" since the layout of False creek streets make it a pain to monitor
questionable 's via ghost car and newfangled phones shaped like compact suitcases can't be bugged. Back to the "GVRD" being rich, residences even have elevators in then now.
Having been raised here, my short story description of this cover:
"A new kid in town" kicking back under the Cambie bridge looking north across False Creek during
"Expo 86" contemplating his next move. To the left, "Monk Mc Queens." with it's pink or indigo neon lit logo, beckoning "underground economy" players while a cop tracks them on a rubber raft bought 5 minutes away at "3 Vets" since the layout of False creek streets make it a pain to monitor
questionable 's via ghost car and newfangled phones shaped like compact suitcases can't be bugged. Back to the "GVRD" being rich, residences even have elevators in then now.
August 9, 2025
Books in the Akashic Noir series are best savored over time rather than gobbled in a few sittings. Vancouver Noir edited by Sam Wiebe offers 14 short stories and only a couple left me with a "too dark for me" reaction. Most are just right. Two do feel somewhat unresolved—as if they really are the beginning of novels.
My last visit to Vancouver was nine years prior to the publication of this book. Gentrification is wider and deeper in these stories than it was at that time. While noir's usual unknowables contribute to the tone, gentrification lurks.
Of the 14 stories, "The One Who Walks with a Limp" by Nick Namatas is a favorite. "Survivors' Pension" by S. G. Wong nips at its heals.
My last visit to Vancouver was nine years prior to the publication of this book. Gentrification is wider and deeper in these stories than it was at that time. While noir's usual unknowables contribute to the tone, gentrification lurks.
Of the 14 stories, "The One Who Walks with a Limp" by Nick Namatas is a favorite. "Survivors' Pension" by S. G. Wong nips at its heals.
July 10, 2020
This book was quite a mixed bag. There are some quality stories hidden in here but, as a whole, I thoroughly did not enjoy reading this compilation. Overall, it felt like there as a desperate attempt to write in a "noir" voice. I'm having trouble articulating exactly what I mean but much of this just felt contrived and very few of the stories did I actually find enjoyable -- and I'm a fan of the gritty and dark at times.
February 11, 2023
A really great anthology that also gives you a nice peek into the Vancouver area. Albeit it's a much darker take on this beautiful city than the tourist bureau would like but that's what makes this book so good.
I can honestly say I at least liked most of the stories and loved quite a few. The first story being the best. I hope the other Noir books are as good because I intend to look for more in the series.
I can honestly say I at least liked most of the stories and loved quite a few. The first story being the best. I hope the other Noir books are as good because I intend to look for more in the series.
August 16, 2024
every short story is great
all ive ever wanted, forever, is to live in vancouver. now i do
i like that this collection shows the things about this city not to aspire for
i know the author personally. he told me my writing is good. i didn't let it get to my head. but i could have. (lol....)
i think a short story is a very valuable unit of character development and i like how that feels to read it so... briefly. you feel everything, but only for a second.
all ive ever wanted, forever, is to live in vancouver. now i do
i like that this collection shows the things about this city not to aspire for
i know the author personally. he told me my writing is good. i didn't let it get to my head. but i could have. (lol....)
i think a short story is a very valuable unit of character development and i like how that feels to read it so... briefly. you feel everything, but only for a second.
December 23, 2018
Sam Wiebe has done an excellent job gathering this group of writers to create a wonderful tribute to the roots of noir, while still giving it a little modern sheen. Each author does such a wonderful job of setting such rich settings, that they become characters within the stories themselves. Highlights for me include Wiebe's own story, Carleigh Baker's, R.M. Greenway's, and Linda L. Richards'.
May 7, 2019
Pretty solid collection of short stories, a few of them werent exactly my flavour, but part of why I enjoy short story collections is trying things from new authors and styles to see what sticks.
Sam put together a great collection, and a great story in the collection. Looking forward to more from him in the future.
Sam put together a great collection, and a great story in the collection. Looking forward to more from him in the future.
December 12, 2018
A fun read for any Vancouver natives, this collection of noir short stories are set in different neighborhoods around the city. Although Vancouver at first doesn't really seem an ideal setting for a collection of noir stories, the authors do well to make the setting and tone meet.
May 10, 2019
Some very good short stories all set in Vancouver. They give you a chance to learn about the past and not necessarily the best parts of the city. The collection also leads you to some new authors. I’ve already picked up several other books in the series.
September 10, 2019
DNF at around 60%
I was on vacation in Vancouver for a week so I wanted to read some stories set there and get a sense of some of the city's underbelly.
There was one story that was quite good, but most of them felt too much alike and didn't really hold my interest beyond the trip itself.
I was on vacation in Vancouver for a week so I wanted to read some stories set there and get a sense of some of the city's underbelly.
There was one story that was quite good, but most of them felt too much alike and didn't really hold my interest beyond the trip itself.
November 10, 2020
Great collection of short stories set in Vancouver. An excellent way to discover new (to me and you) writers and savour ones well known. This collection won't be for everyone. I believe it helps but isn't important to be familiar with Vancouver.
June 20, 2021
Loved this book of short stories set in my city. Like any such collection, some stories felt stronger than others, but it was great to see the breadth of talent on display and the different ways in which the genre could be pushed.
November 20, 2021
Mediocre collection
No great stories, less than half are even good enough, therefore two stars.
To be fair, the city is vibrantly present throughput the collection; somehow not even the very bad stories didn’t manage to spoil that.
No great stories, less than half are even good enough, therefore two stars.
To be fair, the city is vibrantly present throughput the collection; somehow not even the very bad stories didn’t manage to spoil that.
February 22, 2024
I was a bit disappointed when I began this book because when I initially picked it up I thought it was nonfiction. The topics are as varied as the authors, and some were good but some made little sense and few really caught my interest.
January 16, 2019
Couple of really good stories by Sam Wiebe and R.M. Greenway in here.
April 6, 2019
...well that was a binge.
These anthologies are always a fantastic selection.
These anthologies are always a fantastic selection.
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