The Simple Art of Murder

The Simple Art of Murder
The Simple Art of Murder is both a collection of Raymond Chandler’s hardboiled short stories and his famous essay of the same name, which reshaped the philosophy of detective fiction. In the title essay, Chandler argues that mystery stories should reflect real life—where crime arises from human motives, not artificial puzzles—and that the detective must be a man of honor “down these mean streets.” The stories that follow, originally published in pulp magazines, showcase this gritty realism. Featuring early versions of Philip Marlowe and other tough, morally steadfast investigators, tales like Trouble Is My Business, Red Wind, and Goldfish depict betrayal, corruption, and the search for integrity in a corrupt world. Chandler’s prose is lyrical and razor-sharp, blending cynicism with beauty. Together, the essay and stories define the hardboiled tradition, elevating crime fiction into art through moral depth, psychological realism, and unforgettable atmosphere.