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Books matching: 1930s new york setting

10 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 10 
  1. #1

    The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett
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    '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. #2

    The Norths Meet Murder - Mr. and Mrs. North by Frances Lockridge, Richard & Frances Lockridge
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    '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...

  3. #3
    In Plain Sight
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    Book 1 in the series:Arcane Casebook

    In Plain Sight - Arcane Casebook by Dan Willis
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    '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...

  4. #4

    The French Powder Mystery - Ellery Queen Detective by Ellery Queen
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    The French Powder Mystery by Ellery Queen is a classic detective novel set in 1930s New York City. The story revolves around the murder of the wife of a department store owner, which occurs in a dramatic fashion in the store's display window. Ellery Queen, the protagonist, along with his father Inspector Queen and the NYPD, sets out to solve the complex case filled with false clues and multiple suspects. The book is praised for its intricate plot, engaging storytelling, and the way it provides all the clues for the reader to follow along and try to solve the mystery themselves.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ellery Queen Detective )

  5. #5

    BUtterfield 8 by John O'Hara
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    BUtterfield 8 by John O'Hara is a novel set in New York City during the Great Depression, following the sordid story of Gloria Wandrous, a young woman entangled in a world of sexual desires, abortions, affairs, and substance abuse. The book explores the lives of characters from both the wealthy elite and those on the edge of morality, providing a vivid depiction of the contrasting lifestyles in 1930s New York. O'Hara's writing style is characterized by realistic American dialogue, colorful characters, slangy dialogue, and a keen attention to descriptive detail, making the story both historical fiction and a portrayal of the allure of vices in destroying lives.

    On this Sunday morning in May, this girl who later was to be the cause of a sensation in New York, awoke much too early for her night before. One minute she was asleep, the next she was completely awa...

  6. #6

    The Night Life of the Gods by Thorne Smith
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    'The Night Life of the Gods' by Thorne Smith follows the story of a main character who invents a ray that brings Greek gods and one hero to life in modern-day America. Chaos ensues as the unclad gods must be clothed, fed, and entertained, all while navigating through the bustling city of New York. The plot is filled with humorous escapades, eccentric characters, and mischievous antics that keep the readers entertained from start to finish, capturing the essence of zaniness and fun that defines the author's writing style.

    The writing style of 'The Night Life of the Gods' is described as witty, humorous, and engaging by readers. The author's ability to blend absurdity with believability creates a unique and entertaining narrative that is both ridiculous and captivating. is set in the 1930s, just before Prohibition, and features a cast of characters that, while not entirely likable, are intriguing in their rogue behaviors and escapades, making the second half of the book particularly enjoyable.

    With bleak eyes she surveyed the fragments of a shattered vase. Its disastrous dive from the piano as a result of the shock had had in it something of the mad deliberation of a suicide's plunge. Its h...

  7. #7

    Billy Bathgate by E.L. Doctorow
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    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...

  8. #8

    Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk
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    Marjorie Morningstar is a novel by Herman Wouk that follows the story of Marjorie, a middle-class Jewish girl who aspires to become an actress. The plot revolves around her first love, Noel Airman, a charming but unreliable man, and their tumultuous relationship over the years. Set mainly in the 1930s, the book delves into Marjorie's struggles, ambitions, and relationships, providing a glimpse into her coming-of-age journey. The writing style includes philosophical monologues, witty dialogues, and detailed character development, capturing the essence of New York City prior to World War II.

    Marjorie’s mother looked in on her sleeping daughter at half past ten of a Sunday morning with feelings of puzzlement and dread. She disapproved of everything she saw. She disapproved of the expensive...

  9. #9

    Modern Girls by Jennifer S. Brown
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    '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.


  10. #10

    The Greek Coffin Mystery - Ellery Queen Detective by Ellery Queen
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    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 )

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