In a world made cynical by the experience of World War II, brooding private dicks and fiery femme fatals no longer cut it. A new style of crime fiction emerged, with more realistic themes and characters, and more world-wise attitudes. That new style can only be called Atomic Noir. In this volume, featuring stories handpicked by NoirCon founder Lou Boxer and acclaimed author Duane Swierczynski, four of today's most promising crime fiction talents pay tribute to the often underrated writers who addressed the secret fears and desires of Americans in the postwar period.