Agreed: as good as In a Lonely Place is, it's not a proper gateway. The more mainstream '40s work is most accessible (Casablanca, The Big Sleep) and from there, move forward to older, weirder, paranoid parts (Treasure of the Sierra Madre etc.) or backward to the villainous gangster roles.

Aww, at least there was sad music to set the mood. Where will I get my snark now? Will I have to start watching The Office?

This uses the phrase "Thelma Ritterish"
I probably won't read the book, but just thought that awesome turn of phrase should be noted. More Thelma Ritter for everyone!