Vivid descriptions of locations and classic banter define this complex crime mystery within a mystery. I read the annotated version, which pointed out not just common definitions of the day, but also where Chandler borrowed from his earlier pulp stories to create this masterpiece.

The annotation also touched on both movie adaptations and the unsolved mysteries, such as who killed the chauffeur? Original story is on the left hand page, annotations, location photos and maps on the right hand page - this is essentially two books in one. The introduction also contains full detail on the author and his history, along with comparisons with Hammett and others.

I haven't read many hardboiled crime novels, and hadn't read this before now. While I've seen portions of Bogart's movie version, I haven't seen Mitchum's version at all, and look forward to seeing both soon. This book was a great way to end the old year and kick off the new - recommended!