"The Big Sleep," written by Raymond Chandler, is a classic noir detective novel that follows private investigator Philip Marlowe. Assigned to investigate the blackmail of a wealthy family, Marlowe quickly finds himself entangled in a complex web of deceit, murder, and romance. The narrative is rich with Chandler's signature hardboiled style, showcasing the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles in the 1930s.
The plot revolves around General Sternwood, who seeks Marlowe's help regarding his troubled daughters, particularly the reckless Carmen and the more mysterious, but equally complicated, Vivian. As Marlowe delves deeper into the case, he encounters a host of shady characters and unravels a story that intertwines betrayal, lust, and moral ambiguity.