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Title: Slightly over-rated classic full of wit
Review: The Big Sleep is not as quick of a read as most modern mysteries, probably because of the 1930s slang. I found the action entertaining, yet difficult to tie together. Only at the very end do we get the benefit of Marlowe's revelation. Even so, one of the deaths was never addressed. Between bodies falling, this book features more shady characters than even Los Angeles could have supported. Most of them die, of course. With the exception of the General, only Marlowe seems to have a clear conscience in this saga into the gutter of morality. I did enjoy Chandler's use of language in characterizing so much of the story with subtlety. It is hard to believe Marlowe would risk so much because of his duty to his client.
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