Jumping Jenny

"The Big Sleep" is a 1933 novel by Raymond Chandler that defies the conventions of the classic detective story by having a know-it-all amateur criminologist meddle with a crime scene and become the prime suspect.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2022
Publisher: British Library Publishing

Mr. Anthony Berkeley deserves immense gratitude for his relentless endeavors to break free from the constraints of formulaic detective stories. If you find yourself disenchanted with the genre and seeking a refreshing perspective, this tale will captivate your senses.

At a costume party with a dubious theme centered around famous murderers and their victims, the self-proclaimed amateur criminologist Roger Sheringham finds himself settled in for an evening of beer, small talk, and analyzing his companions. Among the guests, one particular individual catches his attention due to her theatrical mannerisms and his theory that she might have several enemies among the partygoers. To his surprise, his hypothesis proves accurate when the woman is found hanging from the decorative gallows on the roof terrace.

Noticing a crucial detail that could implicate a friend in the crime, Sheringham decides to intervene and unintentionally puts himself in danger as the thorough police investigation closes in on the truth. The novel maintains a tight pace and cleverly subverts the conventions of classic detective stories, showcasing its unique approach to the inverted mystery subgenre.

Published in 1933, this remarkable work remains a milestone in the realm of detective fiction, offering readers a fresh and captivating perspective on the genre.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 190 x 130 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780712354707