Everything thrives in L.A. You have crime, and you have crimefighters. And, as my homie authors see it, it's productive ground for all kinds of noirish mystery yarns and not only because of its size.

L.A. County comprises 450 square miles and is actually a collection of cities on two sides of a mountain range, from Calabasas to the Pacific Ocean (Santa Monica, say). You might call it The United Cities of Los Angeles, though it envelops a few that reject the prevailing homogeneity. Bevery Hills, for example, is independent, with a government of its own, with mayor, council and police force.

Happily, it's a hotbed of talent with a crossover inter-breeding of literary activity between movie and book authors. Exploiting that elite population, those who write mysteries -- set in the town where noir was born -- is this book compiled and edited by Denise Hamilton. Raymond Chandler would have been glad to have contributed.

Lacking the availability of the master himself, however, Hamilton had no problem assembling a fine posse of modern exponents of the genre for these collected works, 21 in all, including her own contribution. The organization of the book is apparent by a table of contents which breaks it down into four sections: "Police & Thieves," "Hollywoodlandia," "East of La Cienega," and "The Gold Coast." In other words, all over the map.

Here's a taste:

Michael Connellly's little tale of irony concerning a corrupt police specialist in car crashes, "Mulholland Drive." It's just that no one's invulnerable.

A case of self delusion and misplaced activism in Korea Town. "Number 19" by Naomi Hirahara.

A noir homicide holiday on Halloween turns into a game of hidden identities and quick dealth in Leimert Park. "Dangerous Days" by Emory Holmes II.

A state of high tech success in the immigrant class of San Marino (think an enclave of the super-rich). "Midnight in Silicon Valley" by Denise Hamilton.

Getting down to acting chops on Los Feliz with a little sex... and murder. "The Method" by Janet Fitch.

A genuine suicide and a discerning crime ring in Beverly Hills. "Morocco Junction 90210" by Patt Morrison.

And, stories by Christopher Rice, Hector Tobar, Susan Straight, Jim Pascoe, Neal Pollack, Lienna Silver, Gary Phillips, Scott Phillips, Brian Ascalon Roley, Robert Ferrigno and Diana Wagman.

It's enough to convince you that the possibilities for fiction in this genre and neighborhood haven't been exhausted, but I must say that the familiar settings provide extra wrinkles for a local mystery fan. (Why I haven't run into Michael Connelly on Mulholland Drive is a mystery, but I'm on the look out). Of course good writing and taut suspense works for everyone anywhere, and that's what makes this superb gathering of L.A. writers a worthy read for everyone no matter where you do it.