This is one of my all-time favorite works by Chandler.

Perhaps it's because I served as a San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy for two decades, and the story is set in Big Bear Lake. It bears a resemblance to "Phantoms" by Dean Koonts, which is set in Wrightwood.

The unique voice and prose in all Raymond Chandler books are what truly carry the story forward. This is precisely why he has continued to be highly revered and emulated throughout the ages.

Just writing about this book here has rekindled my desire to go back and read it once again, for what feels like the umpteenth time.

David Putnam, the author of the Bruno Johnson series.

07/2011

Wonderful! This was my third time reading The Lady in the Lake. I find it extremely engaging and highly effective. In fact, it is even more so than some of the other Philip Marlowe books. The mystery within the story appears convoluted at first, but then it simplifies, and it manages to draw me in every single time. I suppose it's fairly easy to guess the outcome, but I never make an attempt to do so. Memory is a funny thing. The way I can remember so much of the story, yet completely forget the end. It's as if my mind focuses on the journey of the narrative rather than the final destination. Each time I read it, it's like experiencing a new adventure, even though I know the general plot. The characters and the atmosphere created by the author are truly captivating, making it a book that I can read again and again with great enjoyment.

The Lady in the Lake is an engaging tale that revolves around Private Detective Marlowe.

He is enlisted by a husband to locate his missing wife. Marlowe discovers a deceased woman in the lake near the couple's cabin getaway. However, it is not the same woman; rather, it is the wife of the caretaker.

With his remarkable detective skills, along with a healthy dose of humor and wit, Marlowe endeavors to solve this mystery, leading to some fascinating outcomes.

I must confess that I have a particular fondness for everything written by Raymond Chandler, especially the Philip Marlowe series. I believe this is the fourth book I have read in this series, and I am determined to read them all.

The Lady in the Lake adheres to the typical Chandler format. Marlowe is hired for a case that seems straightforward on the surface. But as he pursues the case wherever it leads, it gradually becomes more and more intricate.

This book keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eagerly following Marlowe's adventures as he untangles the web of mystery.

I probably said this when I read The Big Sleep, but I don't know why it has taken me so long to enjoy Raymond Chandler.

However, I'll say it again. I truly enjoyed The Lady in the Lake very much. Chandler wasn't a prolific writer; he only penned 7 novels. Lady in the Lake was his 4th Philip Marlowe novel.

Marlowe is engaged by the wealthy Derace Kingsley to locate his wife. Their marriage isn't a happy one. She had journeyed to their cabin in the mountains (Little Fawn Lake) above LA and then dispatched a telegram to inform him she desired a divorce. Now concerned about her, he requests Marlowe to find her. Thus commences an investigation for Marlowe that will lead him to the mountains and then to Bay City. Bodies will start to surface, first the eponymous lady in the lake. Marlowe and Bill Chess discover the body floating beneath the pier in Little Fawn Lake. Chess is Kingsley's handyman and resides in a cabin on the lake. The body is his wife, who, it turns out, vanished around the same time as Kingsley's wife.

I won't delve further into the plot as it is a relatively concise story, yet it is a captivating mystery. Chandler offers a richly descriptive setting. Marlowe is one of the outstanding characters and I adore his investigative style. One aspect I found intriguing about Marlowe is that he isn't in the military, but perhaps it's an age-related matter, or maybe it was mentioned in one of the other novels. The war is alluded to somewhat, noted by the soldiers safeguarding the dam on the way to Little Fawn Lake. That is a minor query on my part.

The story holds your attention and follows interesting trajectories. I found the ending somewhat convoluted but overall, I relished this story a great deal. I'll definitely continue until I complete all the stories. (4.5 stars)

A delightfully convoluted plot!

Philiph Marlowe is assigned to trace a rich man's missing wife, who is believed to have run away with a lover. However, the lover denies it, and so begins the investigation that leads Marlowe into the woods. There, he stumbles upon a caretaker whose wife is also missing, and a body in the lake.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is the cynicism and pessimism regarding people's nature. Almost every character is flawed and lies, and has a rather bleak view of relationships. Philiph Marlowe is almost a philosopher, and with his dogged determination to do the right thing, he uncovers several unpleasant secrets (including more bodies) while taking on the corrupt "system."

I envision Raymond Chandler as an obsessive-compulsive author, tying up every scene and character he introduces. It is impossible to guess the full plot, but if you have already read a Philip Marlowe book, you know that you are not reading it for the mystery alone.

The spunky dialogues and the straightforwardness bordering on rudeness make you grow fond of the character. (Coincidentally, he shares his initial with another of my favorites, Perry Mason.)

Overall, it's a good read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

5-Stars! WOW! A masterpiece. The very best Marlowe of all.

This book is truly a gem. The pacing is great, with the events and clues unfolding in a wonderful progression. There is just enough snappy dialogue to keep the story lively, and the "detective-as-philosopher" quotations are delicious. The genuine tension and suspense keep you on the edge of your seat, and the sprinkling of red herrings adds to the mystery. It's the whole enchilada! Awesome!



I brushed my hair and looked at the grey in it. There was getting to be plenty of grey in it. The face under the hair had a sick look. I didn’t like the face at all. I went back to the desk.... I sat very still and listened to the evening grow quiet outside the open windows. And very slowly I grew quiet with it.



The author does an excellent job of describing the protagonist's state of mind. The image of the grey hair and the sickly face gives a sense of weariness and age. The way he listens to the evening grow quiet and then grows quiet with it is a beautiful and poignant moment.



I particularly enjoy how the clues fit together slowly, progressively throughout. You can see the connections, or think you can *winks*, and by the end, it's mostly all there for you. I correctly pieced together 4-5 aspects of the plot, but MISSED the very clever big twist! Awesome!



It was a •38 Smith and Wesson on a •44 frame, a wicked weapon with a kick like a •45 and a much greater effective range.

The description of the weapon adds to the sense of danger and mystery. You can almost feel the power of the gun and the potential for violence.



I drove on through the piled masses of granite and down through the meadows of coarse grass where cows grazed. The same gaudy slacks and short shorts and peasant handkerchiefs as yesterday, the same light breeze and golden sun and clear blue sky, the same smell of pine needles, the same cool softness of a mountain summer. But yesterday was a hundred years ago, something crystallized in time, like a fly in amber.

The author's use of imagery is outstanding. The description of the scenery is vivid and detailed, creating a sense of place and time. The contrast between the present and the past is also very effective, adding to the overall mood of the story.



Notes and Quotes:

The upper part of his face meant business. The lower part was just saying good-bye.

This quote is a great example of the author's ability to create a vivid image with just a few words. You can almost see the character's face and sense his mood.



12.0%.... it's amazing how modern much of the slang is here. Soap opera, beef, hunk, etc

The use of modern slang in a book set in a different era is an interesting touch. It adds a sense of authenticity and makes the story more relatable to modern readers.



22.0%.... Behind the right-hand lower corner of the windshield there was a white card printed in block capitals. It read: VOTERS, ATTENTION! KEEP JIM PATTON CONSTABLE. HE IS TOO OLD TO GO TO WORK

This quote provides a bit of background information about the setting and the characters. It also adds a touch of humor to the story.



25.0%.... She put a firm brown hand out and I shook it. Clamping bobbie pins into fat blondes had given her a grip like a pair of iceman’s tongs.

The description of the woman's grip is both vivid and humorous. It gives you a sense of her character and her occupation.



30%.... The thing rolled over once more and an arm flapped up barely above the skin of the water and the arm ended in a bloated hand that was the hand of a freak. Then the face came. A swollen pulpy gray white mass without features, without eyes, without mouth. A blotch of gray dough, a nightmare with human hair on it.

This description of the body is truly creepy and adds to the sense of horror and mystery in the story. You can almost see the gruesome scene in your mind's eye.



quintessential Chandler.... I brushed my hair and looked at the grey in it. There was getting to be plenty of grey in it. The face under the hair had a sick look. I didn’t like the face at all. I went back to the desk.... I sat very still and listened to the evening grow quiet outside the open windows. And very slowly I grew quiet with it.

This passage is a perfect example of Chandler's writing style. The description of the protagonist's actions and thoughts is细腻 and introspective, creating a mood of melancholy and reflection.



63.0%.... this is the kind of detective story I enjoy the most, where the clues come in and slowly fit together, piece by piece throughout the book, building the big picture. There is an info-dump at the end, but it's well-presented.

The author does a great job of building the mystery and keeping the reader engaged throughout the story. The info-dump at the end is necessary to tie up all the loose ends, and it's presented in a way that is easy to understand and follow.



72.0%.... this is fabulously good stuff.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of detective stories. The writing is excellent, the pacing is great, and the mystery is engaging and full of twists and turns. I highly recommend it!

This is really an excellent piece of writing that offers a truly good read.

The author's writing style is wonderful, captivating the reader from the very beginning. The mystery presented in the story is tightly woven, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, constantly guessing and trying to solve the puzzle.

Moreover, the characters in the story are extremely well-developed. Each character has their own unique personality, motives, and flaws, which makes them feel real and relatable.

The interactions between the characters add depth and complexity to the story, making it even more engaging. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery with great writing and well-developed characters.

For a detailed review in Hebrew and English, link to my blog -

https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/the-...

This blog post offers a comprehensive exploration of Raymond Chandler's "The Lady in the Lake."

The review delves into the plot, characters, and writing style of the novel.

It provides insights into Chandler's unique brand of mystery and the atmosphere he creates.

Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the story and its significance.

The link takes you directly to the full review, where you can immerse yourself in the world of "The Lady in the Lake."

Whether you're a fan of Chandler or new to his work, this review is sure to pique your interest.

Wow, this is definitely the darkest book I've read so far.

There is so much going on within its pages. The story delves deep into the world of cop corruption, which seems to be getting worse and worse with each passing chapter.

The author does an excellent job of描绘 the seedy underbelly of society and the moral decay that is taking place.

As the plot thickens, the reader is left on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next.

Will the main character be able to expose the corruption and bring those responsible to justice? Or will they be swallowed up by the darkness themselves?

Only time will tell as we continue to journey through this thrilling and thought-provoking novel.

The conversation between Mr. Marlowe and others is filled with tension and mystery.

Mr. Marlowe is a private detective who is hired by a businessman to find his missing wife. However, the case turns out to be much more complex and dark than he initially thought.

As he delves deeper into the investigation, he gets into serious trouble and uncovers a web of interconnected crimes.

The dialogue reveals Marlowe's determination to solve the case, despite the challenges and obstacles in his way.

He refuses to be influenced by the police or other parties and is committed to getting to the truth.

The story also touches on the theme of trust, as Marlowe questions the reliability of witnesses and the motives of those around him.

Overall, "The Lady from the Lake" is a thrilling and engaging crime novel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that make it impossible to put down.

Whether you're a fan of detective stories or just looking for a good read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

I recently reread Chandler's The Lady in the Lake and once again found myself thoroughly enjoying it.

As a private eye story, it is quite challenging to discuss it without giving away the plot. However, I can't help but mention the snappy dialogue that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The colorful setting adds a vivid backdrop to the story, making it feel almost tangible. The striking metaphors Chandler uses are truly remarkable, painting pictures in the reader's mind. And of course, there's the rugged protagonist who embodies the essence of a private eye.

I have always been a fan of Chandler's "hardboiled voice," which has set the standard for future private eye novels. It gives the story a sense of authenticity and grit. At any rate, whenever time permits, I am also planning to reread his other novels. I can't wait to immerse myself in his world of mystery and intrigue once again.

I have a deep love for Raymond Chandler. However, I'm quite certain that I had never read "The Lady in the Lake" before. And now that I have, it's truly a joy. Of course it is.

The structure of the story is familiar, yet for me, it never becomes dull or tiresome. Raymond Chandler has a remarkable ability to pile mystery upon complexity. Marlowe, the protagonist, doggedly pursues leads, unafraid to stick his nose into places where others would prefer he didn't. And without fail, he gets beaten up along the way, all while cracking wise and maintaining his characteristic charm. The elements of corruption, cynicism, dirty cops, manipulative women, and other familiar tropes are all present and accounted for in this engaging narrative.

Overall, it's a splendid read. I would rate it 4 out of 5. It's a testament to Chandler's skill as a writer that even with a somewhat familiar framework, he can still create a story that is both thrilling and captivating.