Who is known as the American author of hard-boiled detective novels?

• A. Raymond Chandler
• B. Dashiell Hammett
• C. Agatha Christie
• D. Arthur Conan Doyle

Answer: (B)

Dashiell Hammett is recognized as the American author who significantly contributed to the hard-boiled detective genre. He is best known for his novels featuring tough, cynical protagonists and plots that involve crime and moral ambiguity, which are hallmarks of hard-boiled fiction. His seminal works, such as "The Maltese Falcon" and "The Thin Man," encapsulate the gritty realism and complex characters that define this style.

Hammett's approach often deviates from traditional detective fiction, emphasizing a more realistic portrayal of violence and human behavior, setting the stage for later writers in the genre. His influence is evident in both literature and film noir, and he played a crucial role in shaping the modern detective story within American literature.