The Big Sleep

Chandler's first novel, published in 1939, introduces Philip Marlowe, a 38-year-old P.I. moving through the seamy side of Los Angeles in the 1930s. This classic case includes as characters a paralyzed California millionaire, his two psychotic daughters, plus blackmail, murder, corrupt wealth, secret vices, family scandal, and more.

"Chandler [writes] like a slumming angel and invest[s] the sun-blinded streets of Los Angeles with a romantic presence."
—Ross Macdonald