Pittsburgh Noir

April 18, 2011
Despite Pittsburgh being labeled the country's most livable city, the fictional citizens populating the 14 high quality stories in Akashic's noir anthology centered on the Steel City have the same dreams, frustrations, passions, and vices as anyone else. Lila Shaara gets things off to a nice start with "Atom Smasher," an ironic story of a laid-off journalist preoccupied with his youthful sexual conquests at the local particle accelerator. An apparently straightforward justified homicide, involving a homeowner protecting his attractive teenage daughter, rankles the investigating officers in editor George's "Intruder," but she packs a wallop into the ending in perhaps the volume's best entry. A similar lethal bite is in store for the reader in Rebecca Drake's "Loaded," which shows that something new still can be done with the repercussions of a married man's affair. Other contributors include Stewart O'Nan, Nancy Martin, and Kathryn Miller Haines.

June 1, 2011

For my money, the "Akashic Noir" series has been one of the best bargains of the past decade. Started in 2004, the series has almost 50 titles thus far. These regional gems give us a chance to sample new stories from the locals, writers who know the dark sides of their cities, regions, or even countries. The introductions, maps, and author bios all enhance the respective volumes. George, author of an Edgar-nominated Pittsburgh-based series (Hideout; The Odds) shares the "dark underbelly" of her city, sectioning her anthology off thematically: "Prime Real Estate"; "Three Rivers"; "Universities, Parks, Recreation"; and "Neighbors Who Care." The volume is solidly anchored with familiar names like K.C. Constantine, Thomas Lipinski, and Nancy Martin--plus others you might not have expected.

The San Diego volume, edited by the co-owner of San Diego bookstore Mysterious Galaxy, is structured much the same, but this city's themes run to "Working Stiffs"; "Neighborhood Watch"; "Life's a Beach"; and "Boundaries & Borders." T. Jefferson Parker and Don Winslow are headliner choices, but it is delightful to find Martha C. Lawrence, Taffy Cannon, and Luis Alberto Urrea included, too. Maria Lima brings in a bonus urban fantasy. VERDICT Keep in mind these are noir collections, not at all cozy. I get the feeling that the contributors enjoy stretching their wings and trying new personas, so proceed accordingly. Perfect for adventurous book groups and for travelers seeking the less rosy side of the cities they're planning to visit.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.