Big Books of 2026
LiNdSeY asked this question about The Long Goodbye (Philip Marlowe, #6):
Do you have to read the other 5 books of his series before reading The Long Goodbye?!?
Aki Umemoto To really appreciate Marlowe, I say yes! The first 3 are basically standalone since there are no tone or story connections, but when you get to "Lady …moreTo really appreciate Marlowe, I say yes! The first 3 are basically standalone since there are no tone or story connections, but when you get to "Lady in the Lake", his tone changes. it's written during WWII which he despised and it's more melancholy than previous novels and we feel sorry for the murderer. Next in "The Little Sister", Chandler just had a horrible time in Hollywood and it showed with his treatment toward the movie industry. Also, by the way, I feel he has his best similes and metaphors in this one, Next, his finest book "The Long Goodbye", he's not on a case and the story focuses on friendship, it slowly gets involved with murder and a missing writer, but you don't see the connection until later. It's his longest, most personal novel and his best. Unfortunately, his last novel "Playback" isn't up to par with his previous books but there is a continuing character from "The Long Goodbye". In essence, as someone said previously, this is not a series but separate episodes, but to appreciate Chandler, they should be read in order.(less)
flag
More questions about The Long Goodbye…
Image for The Long Goodbye
The Long Goodbye
by Raymond Chandler
Rate this book
Clear rating
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more