What is the author's style in The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler?

The book is written in first person from the limited view of the hero, Private Investigator Phillip Marlowe. Marlowe is described by critics as the "quintessential detective" of the time period. His comments are full of sarcasm and wit. Having the insight of Marlowe makes the book flow well though there are few of Marlowe's thoughts revealed before it's the proper time for the "punch line." For example, when he wants to go to Eileen Wade's house with Howard Spencer, he says only that he wants a witness for what he's going to tell her.