"The Simple Art of Murder" is hard-boiled detective fiction author Raymond Chandler's critical essay, a magazine article, and his collection of short stories. The essay is considered a seminal piece of literary criticism. Although Chandler's primary topic is the art (and failings) of detective fiction, he touches on general literature and modern society as well.

In addition to the essay, this collection contains eight of Chandler’s early stories, pre-dating his first novel, The Big Sleep:
- Spanish Blood
- I’ll be Waiting
- The King in Yellow
- Pears Are a Nuisance
- Pickup On Noon Street
- Smart-Aleck Kill
- Guns at Cryano’s
- Nevada Gas