Books matching: 1930s new york
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- #1
Save:'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett is a hard-boiled noir mystery classic that centers on Nick Charles, a former PI, and his wife Nora Charles. The couple is reluctantly pulled into a murder case involving an old client, leading them to investigate a wealthy inventor's disappearance and his secretary's murder. Set in the 1930s New York, the story unfolds through witty banter, dialogue-driven narrative, and a tangled web of clues and half-truths that Nick navigates to solve the mystery. portrays Nick as a streetwise detective with a sophisticated edge, while Nora's character, though underused, adds depth to the storyline.
The narrative captures the essence of the era with its portrayal of speakeasies, parties, hard-nosed cops, and a complex plot that keeps the reader engaged. Despite some dated elements and differences from the movie adaptations, 'The Thin Man' is praised for its clean prose, character development, and the chemistry between Nick and Nora Charles. The novel offers a blend of mystery, comedy, and suspense, providing a fast-paced and entertaining read that showcases Hammett's skill in crafting a classic detective story with a unique twist.
1 I was leaning against the bar in a speakeasy on Fifty-second Street, waiting for Nora to finish her Christmas shopping, when a girl got up from the table where she had been sitting with three other ... - #2
Save:'Rules of Civility' by Amor Towles is set in New York City in the 1930s and follows the life of Katey Kontent, a daughter of Russian immigrants who navigates the city alongside her friends Eve and Tinker Grey. The story delves into how individuals from different backgrounds strive to make it in the city during a time of social change and economic challenges. Through vivid storytelling, the book explores themes of class divide, personal growth, and the impact of key decisions on one's life trajectory.
The narrative is enriched by references to historical events and societal norms of the time, creating a vibrant picture of New York society in the late 1930s. The characters, such as Katey Kontent and Tinker Grey, are portrayed with depth and complexity, offering insights into human nature and the dynamics of relationships amidst a backdrop of social upheaval. The writing style is engaging, with some readers appreciating the author's ability to transport them back in time and weave a compelling tale of ambition, friendship, and self-discovery.
From a look around the club, you couldn’t tell that it was New Year’s Eve. There were no hats or streamers; no paper trumpets. At the back of the club, looming over a small empty dance floor, a jazz q... - #3
Save:The Group by Mary McCarthy is a novel that follows the lives of eight Vassar graduates from the Class of '33 in the 1930s through the 1940s. The book delves into the themes of friendship, marriage, career success, and societal conventions, offering a satirical and searing commentary on the changing mores for women during that era. McCarthy's writing style is described as sharp, with elements of satire and strong social commentary, depicting the reality of women's lives with frankness and clarity.
IT WAS JUNE, 1933, one week after Commencement, when Kay Leiland Strong, Vassar ’33, the first of her class to run around the table at the Class Day dinner, was married to Harald Petersen, Reed ’27, i... - #4
Save:Billy Bathgate is a coming of age novel set in 1935, following the journey of a young boy named Billy who gets involved with the infamous Dutch Schultz gang in New York City. The book delves into Billy's experiences within the gang, his relationships with its members, and his growth from a neglected Bronx teenager to a trusted member of the criminal underworld. The narrative style is described as captivating, with a focus on historical fiction elements and a strong sense of setting that immerses the reader in the world of organized crime during the Great Depression era.
He had to have planned it because when we drove onto the dock the boat was there and the engine was running and you could see the water churning up phosphorescence in the river, which was the only lig... - #5The Norths Meet MurderBook 1 in the series:Mr. and Mrs. North
Save:'The Norths Meet Murder' in the series 'Mr. and Mrs. North' by authors Frances Lockridge, Richard & Frances Lockridge is a murder mystery set in 1930s New York City. The story follows Mr. and Mrs. North, an upper-class couple who stumble upon a dead body in a vacant studio they were planning to use for a party. Despite being potential suspects, the Norths befriend Lieutenant Weigand, the detective investigating the murder, and together they uncover intriguing clues, including lobsters, a little bit of letterhead, and an open window. The narrative combines elements of police procedural and amateur sleuthing, all while highlighting the social setting of the time through the lens of cocktails and social interactions.
MR. NORTH came home rather early that Tuesday afternoon, and as soon as he came in Mrs. North realized he was in a mood. He was, for one thing, annoyed about the weather, because it was behaving so ir... - #6
Save:'Modern Girls' by Jennifer S. Brown is a rich and heartwrenching tale set in the Jewish immigrant community of New York's Lower East Side in 1935. The story follows the lives of Rose and Dottie Krasinsky, a mother and daughter facing unwanted pregnancies that expose the challenges and limitations faced by women during that era. Through alternating chapters between Rose and Dottie, the author skillfully captures the evolving mother-daughter relationship, the immigrant experience, and the societal expectations of the time. The book seamlessly weaves historical details, such as the rise of Hitler in Europe and the struggles of Jewish immigrants in America, into the narrative, creating a vivid and compelling portrayal of the characters and their surroundings.
- #7
Save:"Fer-de-Lance" by Rex Stout introduces readers to the eccentric detective Nero Wolfe and his smart sidekick Archie Goodwin in their first mystery together. Set in 1930s New York, the plot revolves around Wolfe being asked to find a missing Italian immigrant, which leads to the investigation of the murder of a college president on a golf course. The story is narrated through Archie's witty and wise-cracking perspective, highlighting the dynamic between the two characters as they solve the case with a touch of humor and clever deduction. The writing style captures the essence of the time period and sets the stage for a series of engaging mysteries with unique characters and intriguing plotlines.
There was no reason why I shouldn’t have been sent for the beer that day, for the last ends of the Fairmont National Bank case had been gathered in the week before and there was nothing for me to do b... - #8
Save:'In Plain Sight' by Dan Willis is a thrilling fantasy noir novel set in a 1930s New York City where magic is real. The story follows Alex Lockerby, a runewright and private detective, as he untangles multiple cases involving missing persons, mysterious diseases, and powerful sorcerers. The writing style is reminiscent of classic pulp noir detective novels, with a unique magic system that intertwines alchemy, sorcery, and rune magic. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the readers guessing until the last page.
The sign on the frosted glass panel read Lockerby Investigations in gold painted letters. The image of a hexagon with an inverted triangle inside it and an inkwell inside that occupied the bottom righ... - #9
Save:The Greek Coffin Mystery by Ellery Queen is a classic detective novel following young Ellery and his father, Inspector Queen, as they unravel a complex mystery involving a missing will, a murdered man found in a coffin, stolen art, and multiple false solutions. The book is known for its intricate plotting, devilishly intricate plot, and a brilliant surprise ending that keeps readers engaged till the end. Set in the 1930s, the story is filled with red herrings, mysterious characters, and unexpected twists that challenge both the detective and the reader.
The writing style of The Greek Coffin Mystery has been described as classic and vintage, with a focus on intricate details and a meticulous unraveling of the plot. The author, Ellery Queen, known for providing all clues to the reader for solving the mystery, challenges readers directly to engage in the puzzle-solving process. Despite some criticisms for stilted writing and offensive language, the book is praised for its suspenseful storytelling and complex puzzle that keeps readers guessing till the surprising conclusion.
FROM THE VERY BEGINNING the Khalkis case struck a somber note. It began, as was peculiarly harmonious in the light of what was to come, with the death of an old man. The death of this old man wove its...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ellery Queen Detective ) 'The Rim of Morning: Two Tales of Cosmic Horror' by William Sloane consists of two novellas, 'To Walk the Night' and 'The Edge of Running Water'. In 'To Walk the Night', the story follows Berkeley Jones as he investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding his friend's tragic death and the unsettling behavior of his friend's widow. On the other hand, 'The Edge of Running Water' presents a psychological thriller set in a remote New England location, where a professor is drawn into a cosmic horror experiment by an old friend. Both novellas blend elements of horror, science fiction, and mystery, with a writing style that is sophisticated, intelligent, and evocative of a bygone era.
THE DRIVEWAY began to dip to the long pitch of the bluff. The old taxi lumbered around curves and dropped heavily down the slope, its tires making a strong, harsh noise as they rolled over the gravel....
