I had an old boss who apparently would have been right at home in 1950.

We worked in a roughly 10 foot by 10 foot room divided up by cubicle walls, meaning any and every conversation was a public affair.  One day he was meeting with someone at the table that served as a conference room and after a long while of hearing about whatever service was being offered he said, “Let’s get down to brass tacks here.”

I’ve never before or since heard anyone use that phrase in real life.  But Raymond Chandler basically does in his book “The Simple Art of Murder.”

The book is a collection of short stories involving, or course, murders.  Most feature a detective who is/was employed by a hotel, which gets a little repetitive, but Chandler’s distinct language and style are clear throughout.

“Sit down — or rather take a look at Exhibit One first.  In the bathtub, behind you.  Yeah, take a look at that.  Then we can get down to tacks.”

(Exhibit One was a fellow who suffered from a case of murder.)

His books usually tell one story with detective Philip Marlowe leading the way as a private investigator.  Marlowe would fit right into any of these stories, but I was surprised he wasn’t anywhere to be found.  What is there is the super macho hard-boiled style he possesses.  Reading it in 2016 can sometimes be quite comical.

Perhaps the best example comes from a woman talking to her detective boyfriend before he goes to confront a guy about stuff.

“There is just one thing, Walter.  I don’t mind a little fighting because it is manly.  But you mustn’t cause a disturbance that would bring the police in, you know.  And although you are very big and strong and played right tackle at college, you are a little weak about one thing.  Will you promise me not to drink any whiskey?”

For the love of Pete, Walter, don’t be so manly you get the police involved!  It’s clear the writing is from another time, something I become more and more distracted by as I read Chandler novels.  I think it’s easier to just get lost in the story when it’s one long one instead of starting over every 40 pages or so, but I didn’t hate this book.

Plus it taught me a new phrase I can’t wait to use.

“Five grand — out of a business guy — just like that.  Why, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle.  I’ll be a snake’s daddy.”

If that’s not the pig’s pajamas, I don’t know what is.