Raymond Chandler's 'The Big Sleep' introduces the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe, who is hired by the wealthy General Sternwood to deal with a blackmail attempt involving his younger daughter. What begins as a straightforward case quickly spirals into a labyrinth of murder, deception, and moral ambiguity set against the gritty backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles. Marlowe navigates a world of corrupt aristocrats, femme fatales, and dangerous gangsters, unraveling a complex web of family secrets and illicit dealings. This seminal work of hardboiled fiction is celebrated for its sharp dialogue, intricate plot, and Marlowe's cynical yet principled worldview, making it a cornerstone of the noir genre.