If you can read past the misogyny and racism, this is a classic noir detective story littered with dead bodies and quippy one-liners. Our star detective is Phillip Marlowe, a fellow with a lot of class and plenty of professional standards that stay steadfast or go by the wayside, depending on his feelings on the matter. This being the first in a series, I imagine a lot more character development is in store for those who continue. I will happily not be in their number, as the misogyny/racism simply isn’t for me.

Highly recommend the audiobook, narrated by Elliot Gould. His voice is absolute perfection for this story.