I thought about perhaps including "Ross Macdonald's Lew
Archer series", as someone suggested, which really isn't all
that many, but I also thought that some are more complex than
others, and wanted to make sure those were considered. I read
that "The Galton Case" and "The Doomsters" were the beginning
of the really interesting ones, and that somewhere near the
end, the books weren't as good. (I've read them all, but have
to think a little outside my own opinions here) So, between
those brackets was where I wanted concentration.
No worries about the guy not being well read in the area.
He's good for it.
For people like Chandler, I would say all the Marlowes except
"Playback," Definitely including "Big Sleep", "Farewell, My
Lovely" and "Long Goodbye".
All the Hammett novels.
Cain's big two.
Patricia Highsmith's "Talented Mr. Ripley". Actually, I'd
probably just include the 2 Crime Novel collections from the
American Library series, including this one, plus Himes,
McCoy, Willeford, etc.
Someone will have to convince me on the Leigh Brackett
book.
Jim Thompson's "Killer Inside Me", "The Grifters"
James Ellroy's "Black Dahlia", "L.A. Confidential" and "My
Dark Places."
George Pelecanos' DC Quartet
Crumley's "Wrong Case" and "Last Good Kiss"
I have big holes to fill in, sure. It'll take a couple weeks
before I have something to show. Robert Parker? Paretsky?
Many many more to think about.
How about this: essential hardboiled short stories?
Neil Smith
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