4.15
"The Simple Art of Murder" is a collection of essays and short stories by renowned mystery writer Raymond Chandler. First published in 1950, the book is a must-read for fans of detective fiction and noir literature. The title essay, "The Simple Art of Murder," is a scathing critique of the "cozy" mystery novels that were popular at the time. Chandler argues that these stories, with their genteel detectives and tidy resolutions, fail to capture the true complexity and darkness of human nature. Instead, he champions the hard-boiled detective story, with its gritty realism and morally ambiguous protagonists. The collection also includes some of Chandler's finest short stories, featuring his iconic detective Philip Marlowe. These stories showcase Chandler's mastery of the genre, with their sharp dialogue, intricate plots, and atmospheric settings. From the seedy back alleys of Los Angeles to the luxurious mansions of the wealthy elite, Chandler's stories take readers on a thrilling ride through a world of crime, corruption, and danger. One of the standout stories in the collection is "Red Wind," which introduces Marlowe in a typically dramatic fashion. Stranded in a bar during a violent storm, Marlowe is drawn into a complex web of intrigue involving a missing person, a stolen jade necklace, and a beautiful but dangerous woman. Another highlight is "Trouble is My Business," which sees Marlowe investigating the death of a wealthy businessman and uncovering a plot involving drug trafficking, blackmail, and murder. Overall, "The Simple Art of Murder" is a classic of the mystery genre, showcasing Chandler's unique blend of hard-boiled realism and poetic prose. Whether you're a fan of detective fiction or simply enjoy a well-crafted story, this collection is sure to delight and entertain...
Raymond Chandler
Farewell, My Lovely
If you enjoyed 'The Simple Art of Murder', you'll love this novel by the same author. It's a classic hard-boiled detective story featuring Philip Marlowe, who gets entangled in a complex web of crime and deceit while searching for a missing person.
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The Big Sleep
Another classic from Raymond Chandler, 'The Big Sleep' is a fast-paced and intricate detective novel that introduces Philip Marlowe, a private investigator who takes on a case involving a wealthy family and a missing person, only to find himself caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
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The Long Goodbye
In this novel, Philip Marlowe becomes embroiled in the lives of a wealthy alcoholic and his troubled wife, leading him down a dark and dangerous path. With its complex plot and sharp dialogue, 'The Long Goodbye' is a must-read for fans of Chandler's earlier works.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Maltese Falcon
If you enjoyed 'The Simple Art of Murder', you'll love this classic detective novel by Dashiell Hammett. It features Sam Spade, a hard-boiled private investigator who takes on a case involving a valuable statue and a cast of shady characters, leading him down a dangerous and unpredictable path.
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The Thin Man
This witty and sophisticated detective novel features Nick and Nora Charles, a retired detective and his wealthy socialite wife, who become embroiled in a murder investigation involving an eccentric inventor and his dysfunctional family.
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Red Harvest
In this gritty and violent novel, a private investigator is hired to clean up a corrupt town, only to find himself caught in the middle of a gang war between rival factions. With its fast-paced plot and vivid characters, 'Red Harvest' is a classic of the hard-boiled detective genre.
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The Glass Key
This complex and atmospheric novel follows a political fixer who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of power and corruption, leading him down a dark and unpredictable path. With its sharp dialogue and vivid characters, 'The Glass Key' is a must-read for fans of Hammett's earlier works.
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The Dain Curse
In this intricate and suspenseful novel, a private investigator is hired to protect a wealthy family from a curse that seems to be haunting them. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and treachery that threatens to destroy them all.
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The Continental Op
This collection of short stories features the Continental Op, a hard-boiled detective who takes on a series of dangerous cases involving organized crime, corruption, and violence. With its gritty realism and sharp dialogue, 'The Continental Op' is a classic of the hard-boiled detective genre.
Learn MoreRoss Macdonald
The Galton Case
In this novel, Lew Archer is hired to find a missing heir to a wealthy family's fortune,
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