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Domestic Noir good writing

16 replies

Oneearringlost · 04/12/2023 17:36

I read a range of genres but recently find myself needing a bit of light reading.
I really like Lisa Jewell but have found trying to find similar authors in that domestic Noir genre a bit difficult sometimes as I find the writing style so often disappointing; so disappointing, in fact, that no amount of plot can make me continue (think more' tell not show' rather than the other way round). I find Lisa Jewell is effortless; she weaves a good story while not making me huff and puff!
So, anyone, can you recommend some good authors, in this genre, who, you reckon, write well?

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clowniform · 04/12/2023 19:29

I'm in similar-ish straits around this time of year so listening in.
Have you read the Celias? Fremlin and Dale, both recently 'rediscovered' midcentury writers of domestic noir.

Oneearringlost · 04/12/2023 20:07

Oh, no I haven't, I'll look them up now.
Thank you

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Windowinyourheart · 04/12/2023 20:13

Have tried Sabine Durrant? I think her writing is a cut above most others in the genre. I like Harriet Tyce too.

Oneearringlost · 04/12/2023 20:39

Lovely, I've got some really good suggestions
I do know the name Sabine Durrant, just haven't explored yet. Havent come across Harriet Tyce. Thank you.

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AlanTeeth · 04/12/2023 20:40

I second Harriet Tyce. Loved Blood Orange.

Goandplay · 05/12/2023 07:46

Another vote for Blood Orange. I was gripped!

Oneearringlost · 05/12/2023 08:44

Oh, yes! Blood Irange, I HAVE read a Harriet Tyce! It was v good.
I remember now, I like Jane Shemilt, 'Daughter', she writes well.
Not quite in the domestic Noir vein, but Jodie Picult, 'My Sister's Keeper' was compelling, about a sibling saviour who takes her parents to court in order to have the right to keep her kidney. Written so beautifully and without judgement for her parents or resentment for her sister. Extraordinary.
Please keep them coming.

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Oneearringlost · 05/12/2023 08:45

'Orange'!

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oceanskye · 05/12/2023 09:07

Have you read any of Liane Moriarty's books? I thought Big Little Lies and The Husbands Secret were both great!

Oneearringlost · 05/12/2023 09:16

My last three books have been 'A Terrible Kindness' Jo Browning Wroe, about an undertaker at the coalface of Aberfan...
'The Heart's Invisable Furies' John Boyne, and just finished 'A Little Life', Hanya Yanagihara...all so, so good but no surprise that I want something lighter.
Back to domestic Noir, 'Playing Nice,' JP Delaney was v good, 'Lies Lies Lies,' Adele Parks was good and 'The Good Sister', Sally Hepworth, all written well, without the curling, cringing, sometimes maudlin writing that can crop up .

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Oneearringlost · 05/12/2023 09:26

@oceanskye. Yes! Both really, really good.
I can't remember, off the top of my head, but I think 'The Hypnotist' was Lianne Moriaty. That was so good too. I love Lianne Moriaty.

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Oneearringlost · 05/12/2023 09:30

Sorry, it was 'The Hypnotist's Love Story', and it was Lianne Moriarty...

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Oneearringlost · 05/12/2023 09:43

Sorry, I seem to be monopolising my own thread...but 'The Push' Ashley Audrain was fabulous, her second novel 'The Whispers', readable, well written, but, in my opinion, not quite as good as 'The Push'.
'The Herd', Emily Edwards, compelling!

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Oneearringlost · 05/12/2023 09:53

'Worst idea Ever' Jane Fallon. ( I think she's the partner of Ricky Gervais?). That was v good.

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tobee · 10/12/2023 21:53

Also recommend Celia Fremlin.

How about Sarah Moss?

GlobalCitz · 13/12/2023 16:58

I like that genre (when well written) and have enjoyed Gillian McAllister, Sarah Vaughn and Harriet Tyce.

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