The Geiger Investigation

The Big Sleep

Philip Marlowe’s inquiry into a blackmail demand uncovers a murder, an illicit business, and a much darker family secret.

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Bearing strength in each event

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The General’s Summons The General’s Summons from "The Big Sleep". The General’s Summons A paid inquiry Philip Marlowe visits General Guy Sternwood to address a blackmail threat.

The General’s Summons from "The Big Sleep". The General’s Summons A paid inquiry Philip Marlowe visits General Guy Sternwood to address a blackmail threat.

The General’s Summons A paid inquiry Philip Marlowe visits General Guy Sternwood to address a blackmail threat. The assignment appears limited to a set of promissory notes. A larger mystery The General’s account of Terence Regan’s disappearance complicates the meeting. Marlowe accepts the immediate job without yet agreeing to search for Regan.

The Bookstore Front The Bookstore Front from "The Big Sleep". The Bookstore Front A false business Philip Marlowe visits Arthur Gwynn Geiger’s bookstore and discovers that its staff cannot answer basic questions about…

The Bookstore Front from "The Big Sleep". The Bookstore Front A false business Philip Marlowe visits Arthur Gwynn Geiger’s bookstore and discovers that its staff cannot answer basic questions about…

The Bookstore Front A false business Philip Marlowe visits Arthur Gwynn Geiger’s bookstore and discovers that its staff cannot answer basic questions about rare books. The shop appears to be a cover. A hidden trade A customer’s concealed parcel leads Marlowe to an illicit lending library. The discovery gives the apparent blackmail case a criminal setting.

The Flash and the Shots The Flash and the Shots from "The Big Sleep". The Flash and the Shots A dangerous visit Philip Marlowe follows Arthur Gwynn Geiger home and sees Carmen Sternwood arrive.

The Flash and the Shots from "The Big Sleep". The Flash and the Shots A dangerous visit Philip Marlowe follows Arthur Gwynn Geiger home and sees Carmen Sternwood arrive.

The Flash and the Shots A dangerous visit Philip Marlowe follows Arthur Gwynn Geiger home and sees Carmen Sternwood arrive. A flash and a scream are followed by three gunshots. Evidence at the scene Marlowe finds Geiger dead beside a concealed camera, while Carmen is drugged and naked. The plate is missing, leaving both the killer’s identity and the photograph’s whereabouts uncertain.

The Hidden Body The Hidden Body from "The Big Sleep". The Hidden Body Protecting Carmen Philip Marlowe dresses and removes Carmen Sternwood from the crime scene.

The Hidden Body from "The Big Sleep". The Hidden Body Protecting Carmen Philip Marlowe dresses and removes Carmen Sternwood from the crime scene.

The Hidden Body Protecting Carmen Philip Marlowe dresses and removes Carmen Sternwood from the crime scene. He returns later to find that Arthur Gwynn Geiger’s body has disappeared. An incomplete case The room has been altered, but the concealed notebook remains. Marlowe keeps evidence while avoiding a police report that would expose Carmen.

A Murder Solved A Murder Solved from "The Big Sleep". A Murder Solved The mistaken suspect Philip Marlowe identifies Carol Lundgren as Arthur Gwynn Geiger’s killer.

A Murder Solved from "The Big Sleep". A Murder Solved The mistaken suspect Philip Marlowe identifies Carol Lundgren as Arthur Gwynn Geiger’s killer.

A Murder Solved The mistaken suspect Philip Marlowe identifies Carol Lundgren as Arthur Gwynn Geiger’s killer. Lundgren has murdered Joe Brody, believing Brody killed Geiger. A limited resolution Marlowe turns Lundgren and the evidence over to the authorities, while withholding details that would expose the Sternwoods. The cases close publicly, but the concealed family crime remains unresolved.

mid-October, the first morning

the first afternoon

the first rainy evening, around 7:20 p.m.

later that rainy night

the following night