After the success of earlier entries in his 'Noir' series Barry Forshaw tackles the largest body of crime fiction from a single country: the United States. The result is a perfect reader's guide to modern American crime fiction. Genre giants appear beside exciting new talents, and Forshaw's knowledge of, and personal acquaintance with, many of the writers allows valuable insights into this massively popular field. Included as well are some of the best crime films to ever have been produced in the US. An indispensable guide to any crime fiction lover.