I'll be Waiting by Raymond Chandler
In a dimly lit hotel lobby, Tony Reseck, the night porter, encounters Eve Cressy, a mysterious woman who has been staying at the Windermere Hotel for five days without venturing outside. Their conversation reveals her discontent and hints at a troubled past, including a connection to a man named Johnny Rails, recently released from prison after serving time for manslaughter. Tony's job is to maintain order in the hotel, but he becomes increasingly drawn to Eve's enigmatic presence. Tony receives a warning from Al, a figure from his past, who informs him that Rails is looking for Eve and that trouble is imminent. Al urges Tony to get Eve out of the hotel quickly, as Rails is known to be dangerous. Despite the threat, Tony remains conflicted about his feelings for Eve and the implications of her past. As the night progresses, Tony learns that a man named James Watterson has checked into the hotel, raising Tony's suspicions. He investigates and discovers that Watterson is actually Johnny Rails, who has been waiting for Eve. Tension escalates when Tony confronts Rails, who is armed and desperate. Rails reveals his intentions to reconnect with Eve, but Tony, aware of the danger, tries to protect her. The narrative unfolds with a blend of suspense and character exploration, as Tony grapples with his role as protector while navigating the complexities of Eve's past and Rails' intentions. The atmosphere is thick with impending danger, and Tony's instincts guide him as he attempts to keep Eve safe from the looming threat of Rails and his associates. Ultimately, the story culminates in a confrontation that tests Tony's resolve and moral compass. The themes of loyalty, danger, and the consequences of past actions intertwine, leading to a tense climax that leaves Tony reflecting on the choices he has made and the lives intertwined in the shadowy world of crime and redemption. The work captures the essence of noir, with its dark undertones and complex characters, ultimately exploring the idea of waiting—not just for a person, but for the resolution of one's own past.
By Raymond Chandler · First published 1953 · Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Noir · 7,569 words
First lines
At one o'clock in the morning, Carl, the night porter, turned down the last of three table lamps in the main lobby of the Windermere Hotel. The blue carpet darkened a shade or two and the walls drew back into remoteness. The chairs filled with shadowy loungers. In the corners were memories like cobwebs.
Tony Reseck yawned. He put his head on one side and listened to the frail, twittery music from the radio room beyond a dim arch at the far side of the lobby. He frowned. That should be his radio room after one A. M. Nobody should be in it. That red-haired girl was spoiling his nights.
What this Textopian page supports
I'll be Waiting is listed on Textopian as a novel by Raymond Chandler, dated 1953 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Raymond Chandler
- Date: 1953 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Noir, Thriller, Literary Fiction
- Length: 7,569 words
- Structure: 1 section, 233 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for I'll be Waiting by Raymond Chandler
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering I'll be Waiting?
- How does this novel by Raymond Chandler fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Crime Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Bay City Blues by Raymond Chandler
- Pickup On Noon Street by Raymond Chandler
- The Bronze Door by Raymond Chandler
- Pearls Are A Nuisance by Raymond Chandler
- Try The Girl by Raymond Chandler
- Mandarins Jade by Raymond Chandler
Genres
- Crime Fiction — The plot revolves around criminal elements, including a character with a criminal past and the threat of violence, typical of Chandler's hard-boiled style.
- Mystery — The narrative involves uncovering secrets and the investigation of a character's background, which is central to the story.
- Noir — The themes of moral ambiguity, complex characters, and a dark atmosphere align with the noir genre.
- Thriller — The tension and suspense surrounding the characters' interactions and the looming threat of violence contribute to a thriller aspect.
Tags
mystery · detective · noir · crime · suspense · thriller · fiction · literature · investigation · pulp · hardboiled · urban