A novel about youthful friendships, rivalry, unspeakable crimes and the way memories mutate when dark secrets are revealed, this is probably Ward’s most complex and brilliant book yet.

Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway | Goodreads

Hardaway nicely infuses tension and intrigue as this crime investigation morphs into a near-future dystopian noir mystery. Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf/Pantheon Publishing for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. As Cal delves deeper into the investigation, it becomes evident that the roots of the crime run deep and threaten to shatter his world and the lives of those around him. Once journalists get their hands on them,those curt, day-to-day messages can be just a tad embarrassing — as this week’s expletive-laden evidence to the UK Covid Inquiry confirms.

Having noted a few anomalies at the scene, Cal follows up with a janitor with a hair fetish, the apartment commissionaire, neighbours, a casual lover, and the source of Roddy’s take-out last meal: he’s thorough. Looking back at the books above, you’ll notice they share a thread of individuals caught up in oppressive, unreasonable systems — and that theme also animates “ Some Desperate Glory” by Emily Tesh. In between, Lily and Atlas steal away for romantic moments that are even sweeter for their authenticity as Lily struggles with child care, breastfeeding, and running a business while trying to find time for herself. However, there is room at the end of the book for a sequel and it’s possible that he could become more interesting. It seems to try to add a little critique to the genre, while nearly doubling down on some of its misogynistic tendencies.

Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway | Hachette UK

I would add that it is almost indistinguishable from a Chandler noir because of the writing style Harkaway is using for his story appears to be an exact copying of Chandler’s writing style. He provides snappy exchanges and lightning-paced dialogue, nuanced characters, and a dark vision of future society. Only the richest and most privileged can afford the therapy, and it makes the Titans almost godlike on earth.They're admired, envied, and hated, and they tend to keep to themselves, particularly after a few rounds of T7 treatment. Of course you're only a small businessman, but you are, undeniably, something of a figure in all of this, and I cannot for the life of me see how it comes to be so.