What is Hardboiled Fiction? 

You may have come across the term hardboiled fiction here and there but you aren’t sure what it is. We will be explaining exactly what hardboiled fiction is, when it started, and the authors that popularized the genre. Keep reading to find out! 

What is Hardboiled Fiction? 

Hardboiled fiction is a literary genre that is like crime fiction but is centered around a detective and includes a lot of violence. The genre is also reminiscent of noir fiction and can be easily distinguished from other genres. 

Black Mask The Maltese Falcon detective fiction hardboiled
The Maltese Falcone and Black Mask

Who Created the genre?  

The fruition of the genre is credited to Carroll John Daly in the mid-1920s. He was one of the most popular writers of crime novels. In 1923, Dashiell Hammett wrote his first story in 1923, a year after Daly. Hammett is credited for popularizing the genre over the years alongside James M. Cain and by Raymond Chandler.  

The golden age of the genre is considered to be from the 1930s to the 1950’s. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any more novels being released. Authors still write these types of books but the sensationism around them isn’t the same. If you are a fan of the genre or like detective novels, then there are more than enough books to keep you satisfied. 

Conclusion 

Now you know what hardboiled fiction is and which authors popularized this genre. And yes, it may be violent and not for everyone. But it is great writing and storytelling that once captured the hearts of millions of readers in the mid 1900’s. You can still find authors writing hardboiled fiction and continuing a genre that is a century old.  

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