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Poodle Springs

Book 8 in the series:Philip Marlowe

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'Poodle Springs' by Raymond Chandler and Robert B. Parker is a posthumous collaboration where Parker completes Chandler's unfinished work. The story follows iconic detective Philip Marlowe as he navigates a new chapter in his life, newly married to Linda, an heiress from Poodle Springs. Marlowe finds himself entangled in a complex plot involving two murders, showcasing Chandler's signature hard-boiled detective style. The novel explores themes of wealth, class divide, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a thinly veiled Palm Springs in the late 1950s.

Characters:

The characters are defined by their social standings, with Marlowe's complexity contrasted against the simpler, wealthier figures surrounding him.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style reflects a blend of Chandler's tough, witty voice early on, while Parker's later contributions lean towards simplicity.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative delves into class disparities, focusing on Marlowe's struggles with his new life and relationships, providing a rich character-driven plot.

Setting:

The setting captures mid-20th century California, highlighting the superficiality of wealth and the dynamics of social class.

Pacing:

The pacing is moderate, allowing for in-depth exploration of themes and relationships, though action is somewhat limited.

Notes:

The novel begins with a promising setup for Philip Marlowe's life.
It explores themes of disparity between the rich and the poor in American society.
Marlowe's relationship with his wife and butler adds depth to the story.
Chandler wrote the first four chapters before his death in 1959.
Robert B. Parker completed the novel based on Chandler's notes 30 years later.
The story questions if Marlowe can adjust to family life.
Poodle Springs is based on Palm Springs in the late 1950s.
Parker captures Chandler's style and creates a good crime mystery.
The plot includes Marlowe dealing with two murders soon after his marriage.
Some readers miss Chandler's vivid descriptions of the desert.
Parker's Spencer novels are also noted for their quality.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains moderate content warnings including themes of murder and domestic issues.

Has Romance?

There is a medium presence of romance as Marlowe navigates his new married life and relationship dynamics.

From The Publisher:

When Raymond Chandler died in 1959, he left behind the first four chapters of a new Philip Marlowe thriller. Now three decades later, Robert B. Parker , the bestselling creator of the Spenser detective novels, has completed Poodle Springs in a full-length masterpiece of criminal passion.

"More than just an impressive homage, this is a first-rate detective novel with all of the suspense, action, and human drama that we have come to expect from the best."-Playboy

Philip Marlowe is alive and well and living in Poodle Springs, California. He's married to a wealthy heiress now. But living in the lap of luxury hasn't made a dent in Marlowe's cynicism-or his talent for attracting trouble. Soon he's on a trail of greed, lust, and murder as dark and cunning as any he's ever seen. Philip Marlowe is back in business.

"Raymond Chandler fans, throw away your dog-eared copies of The Big Sleep...Philip Marlowe has returned!"-Milwaukee Journal

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