What is the author's style in The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler?

This novel is written in the language of the private detective. It shows the observation of detail that a private investigator must possess in order to be good at his job. Although the plot of the novel deals with a grim subject, the language of the novel is very relaxed. Some of Marlowe's observations and descriptions even border on humor. For instance, he describes the blonde at the switchboard in Kingsley's office as being like a kitten in a house where kittens are not liked.