One of my literature weak spots is the pulp fiction/noir genre which is why I am a big fan of the Hard Case Crime series. When HCC debuted back in 2004 I immediately scooped up their initial offerings and submerged myself in their gritty world of dames, gumshoes, and murder. It was a welcome change from the CSI crime solving style that I fear is slowly taking over mystery novels. When Portland Noir was released back in June, I had to have it simply because I love Portland and I love Noir. Really this is just basic math. Put two good things together and you get something even greater. This book seemed perfect.

Portland Noir spans 16 stories that each take place in a different Portland neighborhood. From the pretentious, dog filled Montgomery Park area to the shady 82nd Avenue where the women walk the streets. Each story has a distinct feel to it and none of them feel as if they are telling the same story.

One of the defining characteristics of Portland Noir is that it features all local authors/illustrator. Some of these authors I am familiar with, some are new to me but I now I want to check out in the near future.

I worry that this book will only appeal to Portlanders. Luckily, the publisher (Akashic Books) has put out many books in the Noir series that take place in other big cites like Las Vegas or Seattle. But those books don’t interest me because Portland Noir was filled with so many little references to the city that I call my home. The authors don’t spend much time going in to detail about the locations but because I am familiar with them, I can picture them in my mind. It’s pretty much a given that Portlanders will get the most out of this book while readers who have never been visited this fine city wont know what a Burnside is.

On that note, I now feel compelled to read Portland Confidential.

Second Opinions:
Feminist Review

Saturday, September 5th, 2009 at 8:08 pm.
Filed under: 20in2009, Book Review.