Book Review: Playback by Raymond Chandler (1958)

Playback is a novel by Raymond Chandler, published in 1958. It is the last novel featuring the private detective Philip Marlowe, who has appeared in several of Chandler’s other works. Playback is a classic example of Chandler’s hard-boiled style, with Marlowe navigating a complex web of deceit and corruption in the fictional California city of Bay City. The plot of Playback centers on Marlowe’s investigation … Continue reading Book Review: Playback by Raymond Chandler (1958)

The Impact of Edgar Wallace on the Mystery & Thriller Genres

Edgar Wallace, born in 1875, was a British author, journalist, and playwright who left an indelible mark on the mystery genre. He was a prolific writer, producing over 170 books, 24 plays, and countless short stories, many of which revolved around crime and detective work. Wallace’s influence on the mystery genre is significant, as he helped to create and popularize many of the tropes and … Continue reading The Impact of Edgar Wallace on the Mystery & Thriller Genres

Movie Review: The Big Sleep (1946)

“The Big Sleep” is a classic film noir released in 1946, directed by Howard Hawks and starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Based on the novel of the same name by Raymond Chandler, the movie follows private detective Philip Marlowe (Bogart) as he investigates the complex and dangerous case of the wealthy Sternwood family. The movie is a masterclass in film noir, with a gripping … Continue reading Movie Review: The Big Sleep (1946)

Book Review: Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler (1940)

Farewell, My Lovely is a classic noir detective novel written by Raymond Chandler, first published in 1940. The story follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he investigates the disappearance of a former convict named Moose Malloy, and his subsequent involvement in a series of murders and double-crosses in 1930s Los Angeles. Chandler’s writing style is known for its vivid and hardboiled prose, as well as … Continue reading Book Review: Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler (1940)

Hardboiled Mysteries of the 1920s and 1930s

Hardboiled mysteries were a popular genre of detective fiction in the 1920s and 1930s that typically featured tough, cynical private investigators who were willing to break the law to solve a case. These stories often took place in gritty urban settings and featured morally ambiguous characters. Some of the most well-known hardboiled mystery writers of the era include Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and James M. … Continue reading Hardboiled Mysteries of the 1920s and 1930s

1930s Mysteries: An Overview

The 1930s was a decade of great change and upheaval, marked by the Great Depression, the rise of fascism in Europe, and the looming threat of a second world war. In popular culture, however, the 1930s were also a time of great fascination with mysteries and detective fiction. The decade saw the rise of many iconic characters and series, from Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot to … Continue reading 1930s Mysteries: An Overview

Book Review: The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler (1939)

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler is a classic hard-boiled detective novel, first published in 1939. The book features the iconic private investigator Philip Marlowe, hired by wealthy and retired General Sternwood to investigate a blackmailing case against his younger daughter, Carmen. The plot of the novel is complex, with multiple twists and turns, and involves various characters, including gangsters, gamblers, and corrupt police officers. … Continue reading Book Review: The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler (1939)

Reading List: 10 Popular Mysteries of the 1930s

The 1930s saw the rise of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, and many of the most iconic mystery novels were published during this period. Here are 10 popular mystery books of the 1930s: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (1934): This classic novel features Christie’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, as he investigates a murder that occurs aboard the luxurious Orient Express. … Continue reading Reading List: 10 Popular Mysteries of the 1930s

Reading List: 6 Popular Mysteries of the 1920s

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie (1926): This novel, which is widely regarded as one of Christie’s greatest works, features the detective Hercule Poirot and centers around the murder of a wealthy industrialist in a small English village. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie (1920): Christie’s first published novel, this story features the debut of detective Hercule Poirot and takes place … Continue reading Reading List: 6 Popular Mysteries of the 1920s

Book Review: The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler (1953)

The Long Goodbye is a classic novel by Raymond Chandler, first published in 1953. The novel features Chandler’s iconic private detective, Philip Marlowe, as he investigates the apparent suicide of his friend, Terry Lennox. The investigation takes Marlowe on a dark and twisted journey through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, as he uncovers corruption, betrayal, and murder. One of the strengths of The Long … Continue reading Book Review: The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler (1953)