An old book, but a darn good one:
I got a compilation of the works of Dashel Hammet (sp?)...he wrote the maltese falcon, basically the father of the hardboiled detective story.
I just got done "Red Harvest", a 137 page masterpiece. He uses local color and his experience as a Pinkerton in the late 19th century to paint a picture of a world that is amazing. after reading this work, I realize Im far from the first. Dozens upon dozens of writers have used his concept of the anti-hero detective (seriously, find this work then watch bladerunner)
Just a sample
The old man flung the covers back from his legs and started to get out of bed. Then, he thought better of it and raised his red face and roared:
"Stanley!"
The door opened to let the secretary glide in.
"Throw this (schmuck) out!" his master ordered, waving a fist at me.
The secretary turned to me, I shook my head and suggested:
"Better get help."
I read that line like six times, it was so awesome. I laughed at how outlandish it was but Hammett paints such a picture of his guy (who remains nameless the ENTIRE novel. he's just known as "the continental detective"), that its more weird because it seems totally authentic this guy saying it.