Synopsis: In this two-volume set, Raymond Chandler transforms the pulp crime story into a haunting exploration of power and corruption, set against a modern cityscape. His first novel, *The Big Sleep* (1939), introduces private detective Philip Marlowe, a tough yet sensitive character navigating a world of blackmail, corruption, and murder. In *Farewell, My Lovely* (1940), Marlowe’s search for a missing woman leads him through various social strata, encountering a range of compelling characters. *The High Window* (1942) revolves around a rare coin that reopens a buried crime within a wealthy family, blending humor with noir elements. Additionally, the collection includes thirteen classic noir stories from the 1930s that showcase Chandler's ability to rework the conventions of pulp fiction into a unique narrative style reflective of 20th-century America.

Synopsis: This Library of America volume presents five influential American novels known for their literary qualities and impact on language and culture. Jim Thompson’s *The Killer Inside Me* (1952) is a stark crime novel told from the perspective of a charming yet murderous Texas sheriff, exploring the mind of a psychotic. Patricia Highsmith’s *The Talented Mr. Ripley* (1955) follows an American con man in Europe, showcasing her masterful plotting and ironic characterizations. Charles Willeford’s *Pick-Up* (1955) traces two self-destructive lovers through San Francisco’s seedy underbelly. David Goodis’s *Down There* (1956) tells the story of a struggling musician entangled in family crime, later adapted into the film *Shoot the Piano Player*. Chester Himes’s *The Real Cool Killers* (1959) features gritty realism and humor in the tale of Harlem detectives Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones. Each novel includes biographies, notes, and an essay on textual selection.

Synopsis: Raymond Chandler crafted a distinctive fictional universe in the dark side of sunlit Los Angeles, transforming crime writing and the American language. In *The Lady in the Lake* (1943), Philip Marlowe ventures from the seedy streets of L.A. to the tranquil mountains while searching for a businessman’s missing wife, revealing themes of loneliness and loss. *The Little Sister* (1949) features an ambitious starlet, a blackmailer, and a naïve young woman in a plot that critiques Hollywood and reflects Chandler’s harsh view of his adopted city. *The Long Goodbye* (1953) delves into betrayal and the compromises of middle age through a more introspective Marlowe. *Playback* (1958), originally a screenplay, is Chandler’s last novel. This volume also includes his screenplay for *Double Indemnity* (1944) and a selection of letters and essays, including “The Simple Art of Murder,” which offers insight into Chandler’s writing and philosophy.

Synopsis: Raymond Chandler’s first three novels, collected in this volume, showcase his mastery of hard-boiled detective fiction. In *The Big Sleep*, private detective Philip Marlowe navigates the dark side of 1930s Los Angeles while solving a case involving a paralyzed millionaire and his troubled daughters. *Farewell, My Lovely* sees Marlowe entangled in the gambling circuit and confronted by murder and dangerous women. In *The High Window*, he seeks a priceless gold coin amidst the affairs of a deceased collector. Chandler’s sharp prose and complex characters solidify his place in the genre and literary history.

Synopsis: This historically accurate edition of the modern classic, first published in 1943, presents the original story of Philip Marlowe's mysterious search for a missing woman. Perfect for those who appreciate classic literature.

Synopsis: Frank Mansfield is a silent, fiercely contrary man obsessed with winning in the world of cockfighting. This haunting and violent narrative explores the cockpits and criminal underbelly of the rural South, revealing the costs of his obsession. Originally published in 1962, this work offers a vivid portrayal of its gritty setting.

Synopsis: Miami Homicide Detective Hoke Moseley is unexpectedly ordered to grow a beard, amidst personal turmoil at home. With a man he helped convict now living across the street, and his former partner and two teenage daughters staying with him, Hoke is not pleased. He is soon assigned to work undercover miles away, without his badge, gun, or teeth, impersonating a drifter to investigate a farm operation suspected of murdering migrant workers. In this gripping conclusion of the Hoke Moseley series, Charles Willeford delivers a story that is both humorous and disturbing.

Synopsis: Florida homicide detective Hoke Moseley seeks a peaceful life on Singer Island after his ex-wife marries a pro athlete and his daughters move in. However, he quickly finds himself drawn back into the chaos of police work when a charismatic psychopath plans an armed robbery nearby. This heist, which could turn a retiree into a criminal and result in multiple deaths, reignites Hoke's instincts as he confronts a disturbing case that challenges his desire to leave the force.

Synopsis: Ex-PI Joe Kurtz finds himself in a life-or-death struggle after an ambush leaves him severely injured and his parole officer, Peg O'Toole, on the brink of death. With enemies lurking from their pasts, determining the intended target becomes a challenge. Both Angelina Farino Ferrara, the lethal leader of the Farino crime family, and her rival, Toma Gonzaga, seek Kurtz's help to uncover who is instigating violence in western New York. As the fallout escalates, including the attention of the Buffalo PD and Detective Rigby King, Kurtz must navigate the dangers posed by the warring mob families and law enforcement, all while an unseen threat approaches.

Synopsis: Raymond Chandler’s last four novels featuring the iconic detective Philip Marlowe are presented in one volume. In **The Lady in the Lake**, Marlowe ventures into the mountains outside Los Angeles in search of a missing woman. **The Little Sister** sees him in Hollywood, investigating the disappearance of a young man's brother while confronting blackmail, drugs, and murder. In **The Long Goodbye**, Marlowe navigates a tumultuous case involving a troubled war veteran and his wife, facing threats from a gangster and escalating violence. **Playback** follows Marlowe to the California coast, where he uncovers a story of wealth and murder linked to a mysterious redhead. Throughout these novels, Marlowe’s wit and existential approach to detective work reveal the layers of his character and the complexity of the narratives.