Manhattan Noir — Akashic Books

The publisher's fast-growing Noir series includes Brooklyn, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Dublin, Chicago, San Francisco--and now Manhattan. The volumes are uneven, but when the right editor sits at the desk, the results can be well worthwhile, as is the case here. Where George Pelecanos' D.C. Noir felt more political, with sympathies for the downtrodden little guys, Block's selections, generally speaking, span the social spectrum. But all involve moral compromise, existential hells, or revenge (even if a couple of sort-of-happy endings may offend noir purists). Quality is high throughout, but standouts include Carol Lea Benjamin's "The Last Supper," a snappy story of spousal separation; Jeffery Deaver's "A Nice Place to Visit," a twisty tale of con men, cops, and comeuppance; and Justin Scott's "The Most Beautiful Apartment in New York," which gives a dark twist to the New York obsession, real estate. Any irony in the evolution--a book created to celebrate Brooklyn becomes a series in which one of the best installments honors Manhattan--is New Yorkers' to enjoy.