Jean-Patrick Manchette

Jean-Patrick Manchette was a French crime novelist, screenwriter, and critic, known for his work in the noir genre. He is considered one of the leading figures of the French neo-noir movement.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Three To Kill

    A Noir Novel

    The novel follows Georges Gerfaut, a disillusioned Parisian businessman who becomes embroiled in a violent and chaotic series of events after witnessing a murder. As he is pursued by relentless hitmen, Gerfaut is forced to abandon his mundane life and confront his own survival instincts. The story delves into themes of existential dread, the randomness of violence, and the thin veneer of civilization, all while maintaining a gripping, fast-paced narrative that explores the transformation of an ordinary man into someone capable of extraordinary actions.

    The 5090th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Prone Gunman

    Martin Terrier is a hired killer who wants out of the game — so he can settle down and marry his childhood sweetheart. After all, that's why he took up this profession! But \the company\ won't let him go: they have other plans. Once again, the gunman must assume the prone firing position. A tour de force, this violent tale shatters as many illusions about life and politics as it does bodies. Jean-Patrick Manchette subjects his characters and the reader alike to a fierce exercise in style. This tightly plotted, corrosive parody of \the success story\ is widely considered to be Manchette's masterpiece, and was named a *New York Times* \Notable Book\ in 2002. *The Prone Gunman* is a classic of modern noir.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Nada

    A Novel of Noir Intrigue

    The book is a gripping crime novel that follows a group of radical left-wing revolutionaries in 1970s France as they plot to kidnap the American ambassador. The story delves into the chaotic and violent world of political extremism, exploring the motivations and internal conflicts of the group members. As their plan unfolds, the narrative exposes the futility and disillusionment inherent in their revolutionary ideals, leading to a tense and explosive climax. Through sharp prose and a darkly satirical lens, the novel critiques the era's political landscape and the personal costs of ideological fanaticism.

  4. 4. The Mad And The Bad

    In this gripping noir thriller, a wealthy architect hires a hitman to eliminate his young nephew and the boy's newly appointed caretaker, a woman recently released from a psychiatric institution. As the caretaker and the boy embark on a harrowing journey to escape their relentless pursuer, the narrative unfolds with a tense blend of violence, dark humor, and social commentary. The story delves into themes of madness, morality, and the blurred lines between sanity and insanity, all set against a backdrop of gritty urban landscapes and relentless suspense.

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