8vo. Half-title. Original orange cloth stamped in blue, top edge stained blue; in unrestored unclipped dust jacket (a few scuffs, some overall browning, spine darkened, light chipping).

FIRST EDITION of Chandler's second novel. "Shocks and thrills aplenty lie ahead in this fast, close-knit, and utterly hard-boiled story of murder, extortion, and assorted rackets and depravities on the criminal fringes of Los Angeles. Readers of The Big Sleep know what to expect of Mr. Chandler; all others have a real experience in store" (dust jacket). Bruccoli A2.1.a