The Simple Art of Murder is the title of several quasi-connected publications by hard-boiled detective fiction author Raymond Chandler: The Atlantic essay is considered a seminal piece of literary criticism.

Although Chandler's primary topic is the art (and failings) of contemporary detective fiction, he touches on general literature and modern society as well.

He expands his criticism to the bulk of detective fiction, especially of the English variety which he complains is preoccupied with "hand-wrought dueling pistols, curare and tropical fish."

In addition to Milne, Chandler confronts Dame Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, E. C. Bentley, and Freeman Wills Crofts.

The Geraldine McEwan telemovie based on Agatha Christie's novel The Murder at the Vicarage shows Miss Marple reading Chandler's book.