Nothing More Than Murder by Jim Thompson is a noir novel set in the 1950s USA, revolving around the despicable protagonist Joe Wilmot, who is involved in murder and insurance fraud in the context of a small town movie theater. The book delves into the intricate details of the movie business, competition, and the seedy dealings behind the scenes. The plot is a complex web of deceit and manipulation, with a slow-moving narrative that unfolds like a cat and mouse game, keeping the reader engaged with unexpected twists and turns. Thompson's writing style immerses the reader in a world of greed, lust, and conniving characters, painting a dark and gritty atmosphere that sets the stage for a suspenseful and unpredictable story.

Characters:

The characters are morally ambiguous, with Joe Wilmot epitomizing self-serving traits and the supporting cast lacking redeeming qualities.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by its engaging and gritty voice, highlighting the psychological complexities and moral failings of its characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on a convoluted murder and insurance fraud involving a scheming husband, showcasing a dark take on human relationships and greed.

Setting:

The setting captures the essence of 1950s America, highlighting the nuances of running a small-town cinema amidst competition and corruption.

Pacing:

The novel's pacing is deliberate, focusing on intricate plotting rather than fast-paced action, resulting in a more reflective reading experience.

I told her I was placing the ad for a friend, "Mrs. J.J. Williamson, room four-nineteen, Crystal Arms Hotel," and she wrote it down on a printed slip of paper and stabbed it over a spike with a lot of...

Notes:

Nothing More Than Murder was published in 1949 and is considered Jim Thompson's first major success.

The book is about a husband, Joe Wilmot, who has an affair and becomes involved in a murder and insurance scam.

Jim Thompson is known for creating morally complex characters and dark narratives.

The narrative is told from the first-person perspective of Joe Wilmot, who is depicted as a despicable protagonist.

Thompson's writing style includes a blend of humor and bleakness, contributing to the noir genre.

The plot involves a scheme where the wife agrees to be 'murdered' for insurance money.

The novel illustrates the corrupt nature of its characters, showcasing themes of deception and greed.

Thompson's characters often lack redeeming qualities, making them unlikable yet compelling.

This book provides insights into the workings of a small-town movie theater, reflecting Thompson's personal experiences in the industry.

The novel has been praised for its intricate plot and character development, despite being slower than Thompson's later works.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of murder, fraud, and psychological manipulation.

From The Publisher:

Joe Wilmot can't stand his wife Elizabeth. But he sure loves her movie theater. It's a modest establishment in a beat-down town-but Joe has the run of the place, and inside its walls, he's king. Without the theater, he'd be sunk. Without his leadership, the theater would close in a heartbeat. If it isn't the life Joe imagined for himself, at the very least, it's livable.

Everything changes when Joe falls for the housemaid Carol, and the two can't keep it a secret from Elizabeth. Elizabeth won't leave Joe the theater unless he provides for her…but he's put all his money into the show house.

Carol and Joe's only hope is the life insurance policies they've taken out on each other. If one of them were to be presumed dead, they'd have more than enough money to solve all their problems…

No one knows murder better than Jim Thompson and in this incisive foray into the dark dealings of the mid-20th century movie industry, he doesn't disappoint, in the riveting story of a love triangle gone horribly wrong, and just how far one man will go to hold on to a desperate dream.

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Nothing More Than Murder

Jim Thompson