Toby Stephens stars in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatization of Raymond Chandler s second Philip Marlowe mystery

Fast-talking, trouble-seeking private eye Philip Marlowe is a different kind of detective: a moral man in an amoral world. California in the 40s and 50s is as beautiful as a ripe fruit and rotten to the core, and Marlowe must struggle to retain his integrity amid the corruption he encounters daily.

In Farewell, My Lovely, Marlowe has a chance encounter with a not-so-gentle giant outside Florian s nightclub. Just released from prison, Moose Malloy is looking for his old flame, red-haired Velma Valento, who he last saw eight years ago.

Before Marlowe can blink, Malloy has smashed up the club, broken the manager s neck, and headed out of the door. Marlowe knows this mess is none of his business, but he has a hunch that he can find Velma. He just has to hope that curiosity doesn t get him killed as well

Starring Toby Stephens, this fast-paced dramatization is full of wisecracks and colorful characters, and retains all the charm and humor of Chandler s stylish, suspenseful novel.