Lady in the Lake
First published 1943 · English · 172 pages
- Novels
- Mystery and crime
A Los Angeles businessman hires Philip Marlowe to find his wife, who has vanished after leaving for a mountain resort. The search takes Marlowe from the city to a quiet lakeside community, where a body is found and old grudges surface. Local police are suspicious and unhelpful. The novel combines puzzle plotting with Chandler's trademark wit and sharp observation of California life, and shows Marlowe working stubbornly against official indifference.
Quotes
The little blonde at the PBX cocked a shell-like ear and smiled a small fluffy smile. She looked playful and eager, but not quite sure of herself, like a new kitten in a house where they don't care much about kittens.
The minutes went by on tiptoe, with their fingers to their lips.