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TL;DR: Los Angeles private detective Philip Marlowe befriends Terry Lennox, a charming, scarred war veteran who drinks too much. When Terry's wealthy wife is murdered, Terry flees to Mexico with Marlowe's help, then confesses and dies. Marlowe doesn't believe it, and his investigation leads him through a world of rich, troubled people to a bitter truth.
Table of Contents
The Long Goodbye at a Glance
| Author | Raymond Chandler |
| First published | 1953 |
| Type | Crime novel |
| Best for | readers who want a rich, melancholy classic of detective fiction |
The Long Goodbye is a novel by Raymond Chandler, published in 1953. Many consider it his finest book. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes murders, suicide and alcoholism.
Main Characters
- Philip Marlowe: A tough, honorable private detective.
- Terry Lennox: Marlowe's charming, troubled friend.
- Sylvia Lennox: Terry's wealthy wife, who is murdered.
- Roger Wade: An alcoholic novelist.
- Eileen Wade: Roger's beautiful wife.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Friendship
Marlowe meets Terry Lennox, a drunk veteran with a scarred face, and helps him. They become friends over drinks. Terry married Sylvia, the rich daughter of a powerful man.
Murder
Sylvia is found brutally murdered. Terry asks Marlowe to drive him to Mexico. Marlowe is jailed for refusing to cooperate with police. Terry is then reported to have confessed and killed himself in Mexico.
The Wades
Marlowe is hired to find Roger Wade, an alcoholic novelist who has disappeared. Marlowe finds him and becomes involved with Roger and his wife, Eileen. Roger later dies, apparently by suicide.
The truth
Marlowe discovers that Eileen was once married to Terry, under another name, during the war. Eileen killed both Sylvia and Roger out of jealousy. Confronted, Eileen kills herself.
The goodbye
Marlowe learns Terry is alive, having faked his death with help from powerful friends. Terry visits Marlowe in disguise. Marlowe, disappointed in him, says goodbye, ending their friendship.
5 Key Takeaways
- Loyalty can be betrayed.
- Wealth and power can hide crimes.
- Integrity matters, even when it costs.
- Alcohol can destroy lives.
- Friendship requires honesty.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- To say goodbye is to die a little.
- Some people are not who they seem.
- Honor is lonely but valuable.
Who Should Read The Long Goodbye?
Read The Long Goodbye if you enjoy classic detective fiction and noir. It suits adults.
About Raymond Chandler
Raymond Chandler (1888–1959) was an American novelist and screenwriter who created the detective Philip Marlowe. Born in Chicago and educated in England, he began writing after losing his job as an oil executive during the Depression. His novels include The Big Sleep and Farewell, My Lovely. The Long Goodbye won the Edgar Award.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Long Goodbye:
- Why does Marlowe help Terry?
- What does the title mean?
- How does the novel show Los Angeles?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Long Goodbye is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Long Goodbye, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is beautifully written, melancholy and complex, often called Chandler's masterpiece.
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What to Read Next
- The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler: Marlowe's first case
- Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler: another Marlowe novel
- The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett: a classic hard-boiled detective
Related: The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Long Goodbye about?
Philip Marlowe investigates a murder linked to his friend Terry Lennox.
Who wrote it?
Raymond Chandler, in 1953.
Who is Terry Lennox?
Marlowe's friend, suspected of murdering his wife.
Who killed Sylvia?
Eileen Wade.
Is Terry dead?
No, he faked his death.
Did it win awards?
Yes, the Edgar Award for Best Novel.
Is there a film?
Yes, the 1973 film by Robert Altman.
What age is it for?
Adults.
How long is it?
About 380 pages.
Where is it set?
In Los Angeles.
Who is Roger Wade?
An alcoholic novelist whose wife hires Marlowe to find him.
Why is it Chandler's masterpiece?
It combines a complex mystery with deep themes of friendship, loyalty and loss.
What is Marlowe's code?
He refuses bribes, stays loyal to friends and tells the truth even when it costs him.
Do I need to read the earlier Marlowe books first?
No. The Long Goodbye stands alone, although readers who know The Big Sleep will notice how much older and wearier Marlowe has become.
Why do critics rank The Long Goodbye so highly?
It is Chandler's most personal and ambitious novel, mixing a mystery plot with a long look at friendship, loyalty and the drinking culture of 1950s Los Angeles.
Who are the main characters in The Long Goodbye?
The main characters are Philip Marlowe, Terry Lennox, Sylvia Lennox, Roger Wade and Eileen Wade. Philip Marlowe: A tough, honorable private detective. Terry Lennox: Marlowe's charming, troubled friend. Sylvia Lennox: Terry's wealthy wife, who is murdered.
Is The Long Goodbye worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a rich, melancholy classic of detective fiction. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.