Mon. Jan. 25

It's dark and cold out there, dead of winter. Perfect opportunity to set yourself up at a dark but cozy bar and listen to some dark and twisted tales. Oh, and have a cocktail or two. Such is the inspiration, we'd guess behind what we'd call Noir at Noir. See, Noir is a neat little well-appointed cubbyhole in the Charles Hotel, downstairs from Regattabar and Riolto. "Boston Noir" is the collection of noir-ish short stories from Bostob-based writers edited by Dennis Lehane. And four authors from "Boston Noir" will read Monday January 27 at 7: Lynne Heitman, "Exit Interview,' Brenda DuBois, "The Dark Island," Dana Cameron, "Femme Sole," and Russ Aborn "Turn Speed." Murder, robbery, deceit all set among the locales you know and love. We don't think any Whitey Bulger surrogates make any appearances in these books - and that would be welcome relief - but we're sure you'll find yourself entertained by ficitional criminals as we so often are. Signed copies for sale of course. Co-sponsored by the Harvard Coop. The Noir bar folks suggest you try new cocktails like "Murder, My Sweet" and "White Heat." No cover.

One Bennett St., Cambridge, 617-661-8010 www.noir-bar.com/news