Apotheosis of Skank Noir

From the way her buttocks looked under the black silk dress, I knew she'd be good in bed.

A while ago I came across a good list of the best private eye novels. One I had never heard of was Solomon's Vineyard. It was published in 1941 in England but banned in the USA. That opening line only hints at why.

It's derivative of Red Harvest but adds some daft plot points and a heavy dose of kink. Definitely presages Mike Hammer. It's not Hammett, but it's a good read. Recommended to anyone who likes hard-boiled detective stories.

As for the Thrilling Detective list ... I was especially pleased to see James Crumley there. His first three books, from the 70s, are the best since Ross Macdonald's.