Black As He's Painted is a 1974 detective novel by Ngaio Marsh. It is the 28th book in the Roderick Alleyn series. The plot concerns a conspiracy to assassinate the President of the newly independent African nation of Ng'ombwana. The President and Alleyn went to school together. The plot also involves a series of murders connected to the embassy in London.

Some say the book is a combination of a cat mystery and a political thriller. Others say it is a fun, clever book with a unique ending.