Books matching: 1930s new york city
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- #1
Save:A witty, character-driven mystery classic packed with clever banter and 1930s style - less about the crime, more about the charismatic couple. Worth it for the sparkling dialogue alone!
The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett is a clever and engaging detective novel featuring a charming married couple, Nick and Nora Charles. Set in 1930s New York, the story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of an eccentric inventor, which Nick, a retired private eye, is reluctantly drawn into solving. The writing is sharp and often humorous, characterized by witty banter between Nick and Nora, reflecting their deep affection for each other while navigating the chaotic world of crime and alcohol.
While the plot involves murder and intrigue, some readers feel less invested in the central crime and its victims. The novel's pacing can be uneven, with certain scenes dragging on, but it captivates with its lively characters and vivid portrayal of urban life. Nick and Nora’s relationship stands out, combining a rich social life filled with drinks and laughter amidst the backdrop of murder. Hammett's crisp prose allows the story to flow effectively, making for a quick yet entertaining read that has earned its legacy as a classic of American literature.
1934•205 pages - #2The 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...1940•262 pages - #3
Save:A gorgeously written, jazz-era love letter to New York with memorable characters and thoughtful reflections on class, choice, and ambition. Not for action seekers, but ideal for fans of literary, atmospheric, and nostalgic fiction.
'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...July 2011•395 pages - #4
Save:A witty, cleverly-plotted vintage mystery with memorable characters - perfect for classic whodunit fans willing to roll with a few old-fashioned quirks.
"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...1934•294 pages - #5
Save:A witty, pioneering novel that boldly tackled taboo issues and the complexities of women's lives - still sharp and relevant, though not always easy or warm. Worth your time if you like incisive social fiction.
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...January 1954•496 pages - #6
Save:"World's Fair" by E.L. Doctorow is a novel that follows the life of a young Jewish boy named Edgar Altschuler in New York City during the 1930s. The book is described as a detailed work that captures the sense of time and place vividly, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the mind of a child. The narrative is primarily from Edgar's perspective, with occasional chapters from other characters like his mother, brother, and aunt, adding richness to the story. The book is praised for its masterful handling of the child narrator, presenting a poignant portrayal of growing up in a tumultuous period of American history.
1985•306 pages - #7
Save: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.
1930•418 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ellery Queen Detective ) - #8
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...1932•296 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ellery Queen Detective ) - #9
Save:Miller’s Tropic of Capricorn is a divisive classic - electrifying when it soars, frustrating when it wanders. If you’re up for an uncensored, lyrical journey through the chaos of the human heart and society, give it a shot. Otherwise, you might find yourself tossing it out the window (only to retrieve it, perhaps, in a moment of curiosity).
'Tropic of Capricorn' by Henry Miller is a novel that delves into the life and experiences of the author, exploring themes of disillusionment, sexual escapades, and the rejection of societal norms. Through a stream of consciousness narrative, Miller paints a vivid picture of his early days working in New York and the eventual move to Paris as an expatriate. The book is characterized by detailed descriptions of personal experiences, including relationships, work, and reflections on life in the 1930s.
0NCE you have given up the ghost, everything follows with dead certainty, even in the midst of chaos. From the beginning it was never anything but chaos: it was a fluid which enveloped me, which I bre...1939•349 pages - #10
Save:A clever, retro locked-room whodunit bursting with magical misdirection - perfect for puzzle lovers and classic mystery fans, but a bit slow and dated for some tastes.
Death from a Top Hat by Clayton Rawson is a mystery novel set in the 1930s, revolving around the murders of two magicians in locked rooms. The story follows The Great Merlini, a magician and consultant to the police, who uses his knowledge of magic tricks to help solve the case. The book is filled with tricks, illusions, and red herrings, keeping readers engaged in unraveling the mysteries behind the murders.
The author, Clayton Rawson, weaves a clever plot that delves into the world of magic and deception, with detailed explanations of magic tricks used in the murders. The narrative is enriched with vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, offering a glimpse into the language of the 1930s and showcasing the author's expertise in the field of magic.
1938•297 pages
