Affiliate link · we may earn a commission
Not recommended
Content we'd steer families away from.
Sign in to save your wishlist and reading history across devices.
- Published
- 1939
- Ages
- 16–99
About the book
About the book
Private investigator Philip Marlowe is hired by a wealthy general to deal with a blackmailer, but he quickly finds himself in a web of murder, deceit, and family secrets.
AI summary
Private investigator Philip Marlowe is hired by a wealthy general to deal with a blackmailer, but he quickly finds himself in a web of murder, deceit, and family secrets.
Why parents choose this book
What makes The Big Sleep worth choosing
An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.
Best for
- Age range: 16–99 (fits siblings across a range).
- Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: Mystery.
- Personality fit: puzzle-solvers who like to figure things out.
Parents love this book because
- Written by Raymond Chandler, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy The Big Sleep if they…
- Enjoy solving mysteries
This book helps develop
Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 16–99 age band.
Things parents should know
- Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
- Language: occasional mild words for the older end of the band.
- Sexual content: essentially none.
Reading commitment
Similar books your child may love
- The Family Upstairs · Lisa Jewell
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 16–99.
- The Silent Patient · Alex Michaelides
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 16–99.
- The Da Vinci Code · Dan Brown
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 16–99.
- The Secret History · Donna Tartt
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 16–99.
- The Goldfinch · Donna Tartt
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 16–99.
- The Push · Ashley Audrain
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 16–99.
- In the Woods · Tana French
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 16–99.
- Big Little Lies · Liane Moriarty
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 16–99.
Why we recommend it
We don't broadly recommend The Big Sleep for the 16–99 age band; see the notes above before choosing. It leans into mystery in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Raymond Chandler's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
Content ratings
Genres
You'll probably like
Books parents also bought
Similar authors