This book examines the contrasting forms neo-noir has taken on screen, asking what prompts our continued interest in tales of criminality and moral uncertainty. Neo-noir plots are both familiar and diverse, found in a host of media formats today, and now span the globe. Yet despite its apparent prevalence—and increased academic attention—many core questions remain unanswered. What has propelled noir’s appeal, half a century on after its supposed decline? What has led film-makers and series-creators to rework given tropes? What debates continue to divide critics? And why are we, as viewers, so drawn to stories that often show us at our worst? Referencing a range of films and series, citing critical work in the field—while also challenging many of the assumptions made—this book sets out to advance our understanding of a subject that has fascinated audiences and academics alike. Theories relating to gender identity and neo-noir’s tricky generic status are discussed, together with an evaluation of differing comic inflections and socio-political concerns, concluding that, although neo-noir is capable of being both progressive and reactionary, it also mobilises potentially radical questions about who we are and what we might be capable of.

When Cook County State's Attorney's special investigator Pierce Chandler finds a business card in the possession of a murder suspect, it reopens a chapter of his life closed fifteen years before, but one look at Rachel Dolan and Pierce realizes he can't let the same woman walk out of his life twice. Nor is Rachel willing to allow a past riddled with betrayal rip him out of her arms again. When Rachel's dirty cop brother tangles with men who have no problem killing anyone who gets in their way, the stakes go higher. Pierce must play a game of cat and mouse to bring down the man who shredded his life years ago. He faces only one problem: He needs to do it before Rachel takes steps to bring her brother down once and for all and he loses the only thing worth living for-the woman he loves.

'A thrilling new talent' Peter James 'Mightily impressive . . . Deviously plotted' Daily Mail 'Utterly compelling' Lesley Kara 'As many twists and turns as a rollercoaster!' Amy Lloyd THE KILLING STARTS WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT . . . Holly Wakefield works as a criminal psychologist specialising in serial killers. She has particular reason to be good at her job - but she keeps that to herself. When DI Bishop from the Met Police approaches Holly to investigate a recent killing, Holly is horrified by the dismembered bodies and the way they have been theatrically positioned. More shocking still is when the pathologist reveals this is not the first time she has seen these mutilations. It means a serial killer is out there, and they're going to kill again - soon. Holly is used to chasing serial killers. But this killer has something in common with Holly that she's kept hidden for as long as she can remember. And for the first time since she was a child, Holly is forced to face the darkness of her past . . . The thrilling first novel in an electrifying crime series starring criminal psychologist Holly Wakefield, perfect for fans of Robert Bryndza, Mark Billingham and Stuart MacBride. ***DON'T MISS THE NEXT HOLLY WAKEFIELD THRILLER, WHEN ANGELS SLEEP*** What readers are saying about When Darkness Calls: 'Gripping, shocking, nail biting!' Reader review, 5 stars 'A must read book!' Reader review, 5 stars 'Outstanding!' Reader review, 5 stars 'A moving, intense rollercoaster!' Reader review, 5 stars 'You have to read this book!' Reader review, 5 stars 'Dark, twisty and disturbing' Reader review, 5 stars 'Brilliant . . . you won't want to put it down' Reader review, 5 stars 'Compulsive' Reader review, 5 stars 'One of the very best books I've read' Reader review, 5 stars 'I was glued to this cover to cover' Reader review, 5 stars 'Captivating, thrilling and brilliant' Reader review, 5 stars 'I lost count of how many times I held my breath - fantastic twists and turns' Reader review, 5 stars 'A fast-paced, page-turning thriller' Reader review, 5 stars 'So gripping, so cleverly written' Reader review, 5 stars 'An amazing storyline that kept me hooked' Reader review, 5 stars

"Evocative and transportive, filled with nuance and spiked with the violence of war, Darkness Calls the Tiger is a story of redemption in the midst of hopelessness." —Tosca Lee, New York Times best-selling author After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japan devours the southern portion of Burma, intent on taking over mainland Asia. Unaware of the coming darkness, Kailyn Moran drifts in her role as the only daughter of a widowed missionary. As whispers of war snake through the Kachin mountains, Kai's father is convinced God will protect the mission. He entrusts the village to her and the kind yet inexperienced new missionary, Ryan McDonough, while he makes routine visits to neighboring villages. War descends like a tempest upon the mountain peaks, and an unbreakable bond forms between Kailyn and Ryan as they unite to provide solace to both villagers and the flood of refugees. Despite their tireless efforts, a brutal enemy shatters almost everything they love, pushing Kailyn to embark on a path of unrestrained vengeance. Afraid he's losing the woman he loves, Ryan fights to protect Kai from the deadly consequences of her choices. But in the face of destruction, can he convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness?

Hellboy's struggle with Koshchei continues, as Gruagach and the witches draw closer to their sinister quarry. The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_, the six-issue _Darkness Calls_ sees Mike Mignola pushing his greatest creation, Hellboy, toward the next major turning point in his life, with haunting art by Duncan Fegredo (_Enigma_, _Ultimate Adventures_). **Hellboy vs. Koshchei the Deathless!**

Witches all across the world seek out Hellboy, but this time, they're not just after revenge. The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_, the six-issue miniseries _Darkness Calls_ sees Mike Mignola pushing his greatest creation, Hellboy, toward the next major turning point in his life, with haunting art by Duncan Fegredo (_Enigma_, _Ultimate Adventures_).

The Baba Yaga enlists the help of a deathless Russian warrior who may be more than a match for Hellboy. The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_, the six-issue _Darkness Calls_ sees Mike Mignola pushing his greatest creation, Hellboy, toward the next major turning point in his life, with haunting art by Duncan Fegredo (_Enigma_, _Ultimate Adventures_). The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_!