Crime/Pulp Classics part 1

Bleak, funny, brutal and filled with beautiful language, I love crime novels. I’m trying to create a list of what I believe forms the bedrock of this literature. From apocalyptic violence in corrupt California company towns, ruthless detectives in violence and drug filled Harlem, assassins in Europe’s years of lead, people trying to make it through the day in rusted out New Jersey industrial towns, misery is manifold(to paraphrase Poe) and crime novels can shine some light in our forgotten corners like little other literature even attempts.
Chester Himes: A Rage in Harlem (Vintage Crime)

Cotton Comes to Harlem

Raymond Chandler:The Big Sleep (Vintage Crime)

Farewell, My Lovely (Vintage Crime)