The Big Sleep is the story of Philip Marlowe, a hard-boiled private investigator called in by a wealthy client to deal with blackmail attempts leveled against the client. Marlowe uncovers a nest of familial dysfunction and double-crossing during the course of his investigation. He survives many close calls with death as he exposes the full extent of the labyrinthine plots occurring within his client's family. He is able to solve the case through guile and perseverance.