1.5 stars -

The writing style of this book, for a plethora of reasons, was simply unbearable to me. The crude and inappropriate references to gender, weight, and race were not only offensive but also failed to stand the test of time. It was quite evident that these aspects of the writing were out of touch with the modern sensibilities.

The similes used in the book were often nonsensical, making it difficult for me to connect with the author's intended meaning. At times, they seemed to be randomly thrown in without any real thought or purpose.

The dialogue was another major drawback. It was simultaneously unrealistically fabricated and all over the place. It lacked the authenticity and flow that would have made the characters come alive on the page.

The ending of the book was predictable from a mile away. However, even though it was foreseeable, it still didn't really add up. It is possible that I missed some crucial explanation due to the convoluted dialogue style, but overall, the ending felt rushed and unsatisfactory.

On the positive side, the story itself was okay, and the characters were unique, at least in terms of their visual description. However, these redeeming qualities were not enough to outweigh the numerous flaws in the writing.

I would not recommend this book to anyone unless they have a deep appreciation for the noir atmosphere and/or an excellent understanding of 1930's LA slang. I understand that this is an influential book by an important author, and perhaps I could try to give it more credit, but based on my reading experience, this is my honest opinion.

Trouble is my business, I said.

Let's go upstairs a minute.

I walked over to a cabinet and opened it. To my surprise, I found a bottle of Scotch.

As I held the bottle in my hand, I couldn't help but think about the cases I had dealt with before.

Each one was unique, filled with its own set of challenges and mysteries.

Take the case of Canales, for example. He had a noseful of junk a lot of the time.

It was like trying to untangle a knot that just kept getting tighter.

But that was what made my job so interesting.

Ohls nodded casually at me, got out of his chair and fixed the door latch.

"Well?" he said.

I looked at him, trying to gauge his thoughts.

Ohls glanced that way and said absently, "I got to get to where there's a phone pretty quick."

Again, he said, "Well?"

This time, he grinned.

"Maybe they thought you'd highball," Ohls grunted.

The Mexican said purringly, "No understand, seor."

He repeated it, "No understand, seor."

I shook my head, wondering what was going on.

Tall, pretty, brown hair, in a print bolero jacket over a blue crpe silk dress.

She was a sight to behold.

Printed bolero jacket over blue crpe silk dress.

And I might have said blue dress or even blue silk dress, but never blue crpe silk dress.

She wore a blue dress that might have been crpe silk, simple in lines but not missing any curves.

"…When I got home and stepped out of the elevator this girl, in the printed bolero jacket and the wide hat and the blue silk crpe dress--all as he had described them--was waiting for the elevator, here on my floor…"

His toe gradually uncovered the contractor's stencil in the cement.

There was a narrow cement walk behind the house and green wooden steps down to the street.

A few stories retrofitted with Chandler's trademark shamus, Philip Marlowe (it was originally Carmady in Goldfish and John Dalmas in Red Wind--the rest I've never had opportunity to read prior to the changeup).

4.5 stars. This book is an absolute page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Just when you think you’ve got the mystery all figured out, Marlowe, the brilliant detective, will suddenly pull the rug out from under you in the final couple of paragraphs. It’s truly astonishing how he manages to completely change the direction of the story and leave you in a state of shock and awe. The author’s writing is so engaging and vivid that you can almost picture yourself right there in the middle of the investigation, following Marlowe’s every move. The plot is full of twists and turns, and you’ll find yourself constantly second-guessing your own theories. If you’re a fan of mystery novels, then this one is an absolute must-read.

After reading all Sherlock Holmes books, and some of the adventures of Hercule Poirot,

I thought it would be a great idea to finally get to know Philip Marlowe - an archetype of all private investigators.

Without going into too many details, he most definitely has a distinct character and way of conducting business.

I was astonished at how frequently he finds himself at the wrong end of a gun barrel, yet he doesn't immediately transform into a badass who disarms the bad guys and saves the day.

Because of this, I believe Raymond Chandler was successful in creating a protagonist who feels like a real man trying to do his job, rather than saving the world or blindly following the law.

Marlowe's flaws and vulnerabilities make him relatable and add depth to his character.

He is not a superhero, but rather a flawed individual navigating the seedy underbelly of society.

This makes his stories all the more engaging and realistic.

Overall, I am glad I took the time to explore the world of Philip Marlowe and look forward to reading more of his adventures.

This is one of my epidemic binge reads.

I had heard a great deal about Raymond Chandler before, yet I had never delved into any of his works. At that time, I was in a noir mood, yearning for the kind of dark and mysterious stories that could transport me to a different world.

And this particular book by Chandler turned out to be perfect for that very mood. It had all the elements that I craved - the gritty characters, the shadowy settings, and the complex web of mysteries that kept me on the edge of my seat.

As I read, I was completely immersed in Chandler's world, unable to put the book down until I had reached the very end. It was a truly captivating and unforgettable reading experience.

How does Marlowe manage to stay in business? It's truly a mystery as he always seems to give away everything.

One can't help but wonder how his business model functions.

Sometimes, when I come across someone asking him a question, I find myself pausing and thinking about what my own response would be before reading his.

There's something about his approach that is both fascinating and endearing.

I just have this profound love for him.

Maybe it's his selflessness or the way he freely shares his knowledge and resources.

Whatever it is, it keeps me coming back, eager to see what he'll do or say next.

His actions and words have a certain charm that draws people in and makes them want to be a part of his world.

Despite giving away so much, he still manages to maintain a presence and make an impact.

It's a testament to his character and the value he brings.

I can't wait to see what the future holds for Marlowe and his unique way of doing business.

For me, they are simply perfect.

Chandler's stories stand in sharp contrast to the classic British detective works. The term "Crime Stories" truly encapsulates them. I firmly believe that the short story form suits them to a tee. And these particular four stories gathered in this book are veritable masterpieces of the Hard-boiled genre.

Sure, it might sound like a cliché, but I, for one, have a genuine affection for those clichés. I can't help but envision an episodic mini-series that precisely adapts these very stories. I'm convinced it would be an absolute success!

It would bring the gritty and thrilling world of Chandler's crime stories to life in a whole new way, captivating audiences with its raw authenticity and engaging narratives.

Each story has the potential to be a standalone episode, filled with intrigue, mystery, and unforgettable characters.

I truly hope that one day, someone will take on this project and give Chandler's works the visual adaptation they deserve.

Until then, I'll continue to enjoy these wonderful stories in their written form, imagining the vivid scenes and characters in my mind's eye.

To quote the man himself, Raymond Chandler’s stories are like alcohol, which is like love. The first kiss is magic, the second intimate, the third routine. After that you take the girl’s clothes off.

I’ve read enough of Chandler's works that I've reached a point where reading him is like returning to a neighborhood bar you’ve haunted every Friday for more years than is worth counting.

You don’t expect magic anymore. You don’t anticipate excitement or novelty. In fact, it is the familiarity and routine that draw you back. All the little details - like the stain on the bar that has taken up permanent residence, or the regular who sits at the end of the bar and drinks exactly one and a half beers before leaving - imbue the place with a personal character, such that your mind has begun to consider it an actual friend.

Chandler’s style, which I once found sharp and exciting, is now old hat. His plot structures are similar enough to please even the most tyrannical home-owner’s association. It’s all a bit like owning ten slightly different copies of a treasure map that lead to the same treasure.

But then again, I don’t expect magic or novelty or excitement. The pleasure of reading is still there. It’s just different. The small changes in style and plot become tremendously exciting. Like if that beer-and-a-half regular brought a lady friend one evening. A new patron wouldn’t even notice it. Wouldn’t know why it mattered. But us regulars would understand its significance.

And Chandler’s Philip Marlowe remains largely unparalleled. This is mostly because so many imitation anti-heroes miss the point. It’s not his toughness, his perception, or his sarcastic wit that make the character. It’s the rare - but consistent - acts of kindness. Despite all the venality and vice of the world, he manages to keep one hand - one pinky, even - above the muck.

Title: The Incomparable Charm of Title Story

Title story is indeed the best. The copy that I had the pleasure of reading was sourced from Stories and Early Novels: Pulp Stories / The Big Sleep / Farewell, My Lovely / The High Window. What made it truly special was that it utilized the original pulp character names.

These stories have since been updated and collected as Phillip Marlowe stories. The allure of these tales lies in their vivid characters, intricate plots, and the unique atmosphere of the pulp fiction era. Raymond Chandler's writing style brings these stories to life, captivating readers with his sharp dialogue and descriptive prose.

The Phillip Marlowe character has become an iconic figure in the world of mystery and detective fiction. His tough yet charming personality, along with his unwavering sense of justice, makes him a beloved protagonist. Whether solving a complex murder mystery or uncovering a web of corruption, Marlowe always manages to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

In conclusion, the title story and the Phillip Marlowe stories as a whole are a must-read for any fan of mystery and detective fiction. Their enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of Chandler's writing and the captivating nature of these classic tales.

Short stories featuring Philip Marlowe were an absolute delight to read.

Chandler's lexicon is nothing short of astonishing. Consider the phrase: "His eyes were raisins dipped in fresh tar". Just think about that! It's a vivid and unique description that really makes you stop and picture the scene. I happened to come across the author while reading Stephen King's "On Writing", and he was mentioned in the section about dialogue. And he definitely didn't disappoint. His similes are extremely strong, adding a layer of depth and color to the stories. Combined with the excellent pacing of the narratives, it makes them truly interesting and engaging to read.

The character of Philip Marlowe is also a big draw. He's a tough, yet charming detective with a sharp wit and a moral compass that often leads him into trouble. The stories are filled with mystery, intrigue, and a touch of noir, making them a must-read for any fan of the genre.

Overall, Chandler's short stories featuring Philip Marlowe are a masterclass in writing. The combination of great characters, vivid descriptions, and engaging plots make them a joy to read and a true classic of American literature.

The collection of short stories titled "Trouble is my business" that I read was truly captivating. It included several remarkable tales such as "Red Wind", "I'll be waiting", "Goldfish" and "Guns at Cyrano's".

In "Trouble is my business", the hero was one of the tougher Chandler heroes. He was less inclined to drink and lacked the weaknesses of some of his other characters. He treated his employer with contempt yet managed to navigate through a series of murders.

"Red Wind" had the same protagonist, John Dalmas, but with a softer and more lyrical first-person perspective. In this story, he witnessed a murder and helped a girl retrieve the pearls stolen from her. What made it interesting was that the pearls she thought were real, given to her by her dead lover, turned out to be fake. So, Dalmas had a fake pair made to deceive her and protect her feelings.

"I'll be waiting" was a short and unique story about a house detective who did a favour for a couple in the hotel, which ended up costing him dearly. Although I'm usually not a big fan of hotel stories, this one was very well-written.

"Goldfish" was rather strange, especially since the detective went to Olympia, Wa (where I went to university). It was fascinating to see the town through the eyes of a detective in the 30s and observe how run-down it was even back then.

"Guns at Cyrano's" was okay, but it was my least favourite of the stories. It involved a boxer who took a dive and a lot of bodies, but it didn't have quite as much personality and charm as the others.

One thing that stands out when reading these pulp stories compared to simply watching their film noir interpretations is how much grittier and more realistic they are. In these stories, people are using cocaine, and the towns are populated with African Americans and Hispanics. There are Hispanic police officers, and surprisingly, there seems to be less prejudice than there is now. Maybe it's because when looking at the underbelly of society, people tend to hate each other indiscriminately. Nevertheless, I am still greatly enjoying these stories.

Here are four absolutely terrific Chandler stories. The moment you start reading them, the time just seems to fly by. It really shouldn't take you very long to finish them, yet they are so potent and engaging. It's truly a great read!

Apparently, many people are unfamiliar with Chandler. I guess it's because there are just so many writers out there and many people don't take the time to explore and get to know them all. While I was reading this book, I couldn't help but go on Facebook and write something like, "I am in love with Raymond Chandler and I don't care who knows it." To my surprise, a number of people got back to me, happy for me and even congratulating me on having a new "boyfriend" in a joking way. It just goes to show how much of an impact Chandler's writing can have on someone.