"The Big Sleep" is a classic hardboiled detective novel written by Raymond Chandler and published in 1939.

It is the first novel featuring the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe. The story is set in Los Angeles, and
it's known for its complex, labyrinthine plot, memorable characters, and Chandler's sharp, witty writing.

The plot follows Philip Marlowe as he is hired by the elderly, wealthy General Sternwood to investigate a
case of blackmail involving his younger daughter, Carmen Sternwood. Carmen is being blackmailed due to a
gambling debt. Marlowe quickly becomes entangled in a web of deception, crime, and corruption, as he
delves into the seedy underbelly of L.A.

As Marlowe investigates Carmen's case, he encounters a series of eccentric and shady characters, including
the sultry and enigmatic Vivian Sternwood, the family chauffeur Owen Taylor, and various criminals and
gangsters. The case becomes increasingly convoluted as more layers of deceit and hidden motives are
revealed.

Throughout the novel, Marlowe's character is defined by his code of honor and integrity, which he
maintains in a world filled with moral ambiguity and corruption. He navigates the dark and dangerous
terrain of the city, using his wit and fists to uncover the truth.

"The Big Sleep" is celebrated not only for its intricate plot but also for its vivid depiction of Los Angeles in
the 1930s and its memorable characters. The novel is a quintessential work of the hardboiled detective
genre, and Raymond Chandler's writing style and Marlowe's character have had a lasting influence on crime
fiction.

The title, "The Big Sleep," refers to a euphemism for death, which is a recurring theme throughout the
novel, reflecting the underlying darkness and moral decay that Marlowe confronts as he unravels the case.