Denver Noir (Akashic Books) “Denver Noir,” edited by Cynthia Swanson (Akashic Books) Denver has a dark side. And more than a dozen local authors are telling you all about it. “Denver Noir” is one of 100 “Noir” books put out by Akashic Books. They range from Istanbul to Wall Street to New Orleans (which has two.) This is Denver’s first, and some of Colorado’s top authors have contributed to it. Among the best is “Northside Nocturne” by Manuel Ramos, whose own series of noir books is set in North Denver. Like Ramos’ other writings, “Nocturne” has a strong sense of place.