Plain Murder. Illustrated

Plain Murder is a dark and compelling psychological crime novel by C. S. Forester, best known for his Horatio Hornblower series. First published in 1930, this early stand-alone work offers a chilling exploration of guilt, ambition, and the lengths to which ordinary people will go to protect their secrets.

Set in the cutthroat world of London advertising, the story follows three colleagues—Singer, Hooper, and Morris—who conspire to commit the perfect crime. Fearing exposure for unethical behavior that could cost them their jobs, they hatch a plan to murder a fellow employee who threatens their careers.

What begins as a cold and calculated scheme soon spirals into paranoia, suspicion, and psychological unraveling. As guilt begins to take hold and trust erodes, the conspirators realize that murder may be simple—but escaping its consequences is anything but.

With razor-sharp prose and a deeply atmospheric setting, Forester crafts a tense narrative that explores the moral decay hidden beneath everyday respectability. Unlike traditional detective stories, Plain Murder offers no comforting sleuth or tidy resolution—only the haunting reality of crime’s psychological toll.

This is a gripping, character-driven thriller for readers who enjoy noir fiction, moral ambiguity, and suspense rooted in the darkest corners of the human mind.