Hard-Boiled Crime Fiction and the Decline of Moral Authority

Focusing on the hard-boiled detective archetype, Susanna Lee explores its role as a symbol of individual moral authority amidst urban decay and cultural crises. Through a critical analysis of the genre, she argues that these characters reflect the struggle for personal responsibility in a world rife with cynicism. Set against the backdrop of cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Paris, the book highlights how the detective embodies ideals and conscience, serving as a guardian of morality in a corrupt landscape.