The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

I am a big fan of the noir / hard-boiled crime novels of James Ellroy. I have also really enjoyed Crumley's Sughrue books and James M. Cain's novels. I would really appreciate it if anyone could point me in the direction of writers who could bear comparison with these guys.

Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett come immediately to mind.

I second Bea's recommendations and add Cornell Woolrich whose stories are very dark indeed.

Thanks for those comments. I have read some Chandler, but not Hammett. I'll also check out Cornell Woolrich.
:)

Woolrich wrote "Rear Window" which was made into the Hitchcock film with James Stewart and Grace Kelly but some of his other stories are pure noir.

He also wrote The Bride Wore Black which I really liked.

Right, Jan.......his works are so strange but it is my understanding that he was a very odd individual.

He'd have to be kind of strange to have written that book.

I think he was a recluse, living all his life in hotel rooms and battling with depression and other issues. But he surely could spin a story to make you look over your shoulder.

Hi Mate
Have you tried Lee Child?

Have you tried Loren D. Estleman , Lawrence Block(Matthew Scudder series)Raymond Chandler,just to name a few Lucy @10:20 on 9-26-11

Thanks for the suggestions Stan and Lucy.

Jill wrote: "I second Bea's recommendations and add Cornell Woolrich whose stories are very dark indeed."

Wow, sounds very good!

Damage Control I have to toot my own horn here. James Ellroy called my novel "A superb psychological thriller." He gave the blurb for my book cover. I hope you get a chance to read it. Thanks.