Only to Sleep
Only to Sleep
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Brief
Beta259
Novel • Fiction
Mexico • 1980s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Only to Sleep, an elderly private investigator, Philip Marlowe, emerges from retirement for one last case. Set in the late 1980s, Marlowe navigates a complex investigation involving insurance fraud across Mexico, reflecting on his past while seeking justice. The novel explores themes of aging and identity within a vivid, atmospheric landscape.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Dark
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
2,922 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Only to Sleep by Lawrence Osborne is praised for its atmospheric prose and deep character exploration, revitalizing the iconic Philip Marlowe with a fresh, introspective lens. Critics laud Osborne's ability to emulate Chandler's style while imbuing his own voice. Some reviewers, however, find the pacing slow. Overall, it's a compelling and thoughtful addition to the noir genre.
Who Should Read Only to Sleep?
Readers who enjoy classic noir with a modern twist will savor Lawrence Osborne's Only to Sleep. Fans of Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep and Graham Greene’s The Quiet American will appreciate Osborne’s atmospheric storytelling and introspective take on Philip Marlowe’s late-life adventure.
2,922 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
259
Novel • Fiction
Mexico • 1980s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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