Books in Order: Comprehensive Guide to Raymond Chandler's Works

Books in Order: Spotlight on Renowned Author, Raymond Chandler

The Life and Times of Raymond Chandler

Raymond Chandler (1888-1959), an American novelist and screenwriter, has left an indelible mark on the literary world. His foremost contributions have been in the realm of hardboiled detective novels, primarily featuring the character Philip Marlowe. His distinct style and powerful narratives influenced countless other literary figures such as Robert B. Parker, Robert Crais, and Michael Connelly, as well as iconic filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and the Coen Brothers.

Chandler’s Unique Narrative Style

Despite his first novel, The Big Sleep, being published relatively late in his career in 1939, Chandler’s foray into the literary world began with the short story, Blackmailers Don’t Shoot, in 1933. His work is characterized by a strong sense of realism, engrossing drama, and a dark examination of human morality, all wrapped in a gripping narrative style that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Chandler’s Books in Order

Books in order of publication present a fascinating journey through Chandler’s evolution as a writer. Below is a list of all of Raymond Chandler’s novels, arranged in the order they were originally published:

Publication Order of Philip Marlowe Books

The Big Sleep (1939) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Farewell, My Lovely (1940) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The High Window (1942) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Lady in the Lake (1943) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Little Sister (1949) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Long Goodbye (1953) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Playback (1958) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Poodle Springs (With: Robert B. Parker) (1989) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Perchance to Dream (By: Robert B. Parker) (1991) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Black-Eyed Blonde (By: Benjamin Black) (2014) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Only to Sleep (By: Lawrence Osborne) (2018) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Goodbye Coast (By: Joe Ide) (2022) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Second Murderer (By: Denise Mina) (2023) 📚 Buy on Amazon