This article explores the pedagogical potential of closely reading and writing hardboiled detective fiction in a Canadian secondary English Language Arts classroom. Grounded in narrative theory and co-taught with a local high-school teacher, the unit focused on the cynical narration and stylistic elements of authors like Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. Through close readings and creative writing exercises, students engaged with the genre's thematic concerns of societal corruption and urban decay, honing their narrative skills by crafting their own detective stories. Emphasising the genre's relevance amidst contemporary social and political challenges, the study highlights how teaching hardboiled fiction enabled students to critically explore narrative voice, genre conventions, and the expressive potential of literary cynicism. By fostering a nuanced understanding of narrative construction and perspective, the unit aimed to empower students to articulate their own perspectives on societal issues through literary expression.