51 pages • 1 hour read
The Lady in the Lake
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Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
California • 1940s
1943
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Raymond Chandler's detective novel The Lady in the Lake, private investigator Philip Marlowe is hired by wealthy businessman Derace Kingsley to find his estranged wife, Crystal, who has disappeared. Marlowe's investigation leads him to a small mountain village and unravels a complex web involving multiple disappearances, murders, and corrupt police officers. Contains themes of domestic violence and drug use.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Gritty
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
28,723 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Raymond Chandler's The Lady in the Lake is lauded for its sharp, hard-boiled prose and complex plot, immersing readers in 1940s Los Angeles. Marlowe's character is compelling, yet some find the pacing uneven and the secondary characters underdeveloped. The novel's dark, gritty atmosphere is both a highlight and occasionally overwhelming for readers.
Who Should Read The Lady in the Lake?
Readers who enjoy The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler appreciate hard-boiled detective fiction. Fans of Chandler’s Philip Marlowe series or Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon will relish its gritty atmosphere, sharp dialogue, and complex plotting. The novel appeals to those who appreciate classic noir and intricate mysteries.
28,723 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mildred
Mildred
A femme fatale who assumes multiple identities throughout the story, leveraging the perceptions of those around her for her own ends.
Al Degarmo
Al Degarmo
A detective lieutenant in the Bay City police department, known for his corrupt practices and conflicts with other characters.
Captain Webber
Captain Webber
A small, middle-aged police captain with a sensible approach, contrasting with Degarmo's corruption.
Adrienne Fromsett
Adrienne Fromsett
Kingsley's resourceful and intelligent assistant who aids Marlowe in his investigation.
Derace Kingsley
Derace Kingsley
A wealthy businessman who hires Marlowe to find his missing wife, Crystal, while discreetly managing other personal matters.
Chris Lavery
Chris Lavery
A charming but shallow playboy involved with multiple women and ultimately caught in the intricacies of the story.
Albert S. Almore
Albert S. Almore
A doctor from Bay City with a thin build, who exhibits suspicious behavior tied to underlying plot elements.
Bill Chess
Bill Chess
A disabled veteran working as a caretaker at Kingsley's cabins, directly linked to a significant plot point.
Sheriff Patton
Sheriff Patton
A small-town sheriff known for his impeccable marksmanship and consistent demeanor throughout the narrative.
272
Novel • Fiction
California • 1940s
1943
Adult
18+ years
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