St. Louis Noir: Uncovering the Hidden Histories of the Gateway City

St. Louis Noir (Akashic Noir)

by Paul D. Marks

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4263 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

St. Louis, Missouri, a city steeped in history and culture, has long been known as the "Gateway City" to the American West. But beneath its bustling surface and iconic landmarks lies a hidden history, a gritty and often violent underbelly that has inspired a growing body of crime fiction.

St. Louis Noir is an anthology of crime fiction that delves into the dark and gritty underbelly of the Gateway City, exposing the hidden histories and untold stories that lurk beneath its surface. Edited by St. Louis native Kathleen Kaska, the anthology features a diverse cast of characters and stories that explore the city's complex racial and social history, its organized crime connections, and its struggles with poverty and inequality.

The stories in St. Louis Noir are as varied as the city itself. There's the tale of a young black man who witnesses a police shooting and must decide whether to speak out or stay silent. A female private investigator investigates the disappearance of a young woman from a wealthy family, only to uncover a web of secrets and lies. A group of friends reunite at their old high school for a reunion, only to find themselves embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse. And a down-on-his-luck gambler gets caught up in a high-stakes poker game with a dangerous loan shark.

These are just a few of the stories that make up St. Louis Noir, an anthology that offers a unique and unflinching look at the Gateway City. Through its diverse cast of characters and gritty storylines, St. Louis Noir exposes the hidden histories and untold stories that lurk beneath the surface of this complex and fascinating city.

The Authors

The authors who contributed to St. Louis Noir are a diverse group of writers, each with their own unique perspective on the city. They include:

• Kathleen Kaska (editor)
• Ace Atkins
• Gabino Iglesias
• Joe R. Lansdale
• Sarah M. Chen
• Ashley Winstead
• Steph Cha
• Terry Shames
• Alafair Burke
• C.J. Box
• Dennis Lehane
• Michael Connelly
• Laura Lippman

These authors bring a wealth of experience and expertise to St. Louis Noir, and their stories offer a unique and unflinching look at the Gateway City.

The City

St. Louis is a city with a rich and complex history. It was founded in 1764 by French fur traders, and it quickly became a major center of commerce and trade. In the 19th century, St. Louis was a major stop on the Underground Railroad, and it was home to a large and vibrant African American community. The city also played a key role in the Civil War, and it was the site of the infamous Dred Scott case.

In the 20th century, St. Louis experienced a period of rapid industrial growth. The city became a major center of manufacturing, and it was home to a number of large corporations, including Anheuser-Busch, Ralston Purina, and McDonnell Douglas. However, the city also experienced a period of decline in the late 20th century, as many of its manufacturing jobs were lost to automation and outsourcing.

Today, St. Louis is a city of contrasts. It is home to a number of world-renowned institutions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri Botanical Garden. However, the city also struggles with poverty and inequality, and it has one of the highest crime rates in the United States.

The Stories

The stories in St. Louis Noir reflect the city's complex and often contradictory nature. They are stories of crime and violence, but they are also stories of hope and redemption. They are stories of the human condition, and they offer a unique and unflinching look at the Gateway City.

Here are a few examples of the stories included in St. Louis Noir:

• "The Man Who Shot the Policeman" by Ace Atkins: A young black man witnesses a police shooting and must decide whether to speak out or stay silent.
• "The Girl Who Disappeared" by Gabino Iglesias: A female private investigator investigates the disappearance of a young woman from a wealthy family, only to uncover a web of secrets and lies.
• "The Reunion" by Joe R. Lansdale: A group of friends reunite at their old high school for a reunion, only to find themselves embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
• "The Gambler" by Sarah M. Chen: A down-on-his-luck gambler gets caught up in a high-stakes poker game with a dangerous loan shark.

These are just a few of the many stories that make up St. Louis Noir, an anthology that offers a unique and unflinching look at the Gateway City.

St. Louis Noir is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the complex and fascinating city of St. Louis. Through its diverse cast of characters and gritty storylines, St. Louis Noir exposes the hidden histories and untold stories that lurk beneath the surface of this complex and fascinating city.

St. Louis Noir (Akashic Noir)

by Paul D. Marks

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4263 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE