Authorized by the estate of the late Raymond Chandler, this volume reveals the missing life history and detective adventures of Philip Marlowe, one of the 20th century's most enduring and beloved characters. Marlowe is the quintessential American detective: cynical yet idealistic; romantic yet full of despair; a gentleman capable of rough violence.

The stories are written by some of the detective-mystery genre's leading lights, including Max Allan Collins, Sara Paretsky, Roger L. Simon, Stuart M. Kaminsky, Robert Crais, Edward Hoch, Ed Gorman, Eric Van Lustbader, Loren Estleman, Simon Brett, and Joyce Harrington. The final story in the volume is Raymond Chandler's last Marlowe adventure:"The Pencil."

The stories run chronologically through the career of Marlowe, from 1935 through 1960. These are classic Marlowe tales of betrayal, mistrust, and double-dealing on the seamy side of Los Angeles.

Contents:

• Dealer's Choice by Sara Paretsky
• The Man Who Knew Dick Bong by Robert Crais
• Gun Music by Loren D. Estleman
• Malibu Tag Team by Jonathan Valin
• Mice by Robert Campbell
• Asia by Eric Van Lustbader
• Stardust Kill by Simon Brett
• Red Rock by Julie Smith
• In the Line of Duty by Jeremiah Healy
• In the Jungle of Cities by Roger L. Simon
• The Devil's Playground by James Grady
• The Perfect Crime by Max Allan Collins
• Sad-Eyed Blonde by Dick Lochte
• The Black-Eyed Blonde by Benjamin M. Schutz
• Saving Grace by Joyce Harrington
• The Empty Sleeve by W.R. Philbrick
• The Deepest South by Paco Ignacio Taibo II
• Consultation in the Dark by Francis M. Nevins Jr.
• Star Bright by John Lutz
• Locker 246 by Robert J. Randisi
• Bitter Lemons by Stuart M. Kaminsky
• Essence D'Orient by Edward D. Hoch
• The Alibi by Ed Gorman
• The Pencil by Raymond Chandler