A gripping biography of Raymond Chandler, the master of hard-boiled crime fiction, revealing the complex life behind the iconic Philip Marlowe.
Explore the enigmatic life of Raymond Chandler, a man haunted by personal demons and driven by literary ambition. Tom Williams uncovers the secrets and half-truths surrounding this influential writer, examining his troubled childhood, struggles with alcoholism, and his unlikely rise to fame in Hollywood.
Discover how Chandler transformed the crime genre, creating the unforgettable Philip Marlowe and capturing the essence of a corrupt and alluring Los Angeles. This biography is for readers fascinated by:
- The dark side of Hollywood's Golden Age
- The evolution of crime fiction
- The life of a literary genius
"Outstanding. . . . Williams writes sensitively about the Cissy relationship and delves illuminatingly into the composition of Chandler's masterpieces. . . . Thanks to his biography Chandler himself is a less mysterious something than he was." —Sunday Times
Precise, kindly, and necessary. —Scotlandon Sunday
A clear-eyed, compassionate biography. —
Kirkus Reviews Meticulously annotated and researched, and written with a tangible fondness, it’s hard not to appreciate Williams’s efforts. —Publishers Weekly
"A fresh and entertaining recounting." —Mystery Scene
"[An] excellent new biography . . . A Mysterious Something in the Lightargues Chandler’s case beautifully. It is well researched, but because it is so well written it should be of interest to scholars and mystery fans alike." —Washington Independent Review of Books
"Williams provides details about Chandler's family background, education, business efforts, and friendships, and shows us how elements of eachl.
![A Mysterious Something in the Light: The Life of Raymond Chandler [Paperback]](/itemImage/2/3/4/6/2_420910.jpg "A Mysterious Something in the Light: The Life of Raymond Chandler [Paperback]")