Books matching: 1930s new york setting
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- #1
Save:A sassy, smart, and very River Song mystery - essential for Doctor Who fans and a delightful romp from first page to last!
Doctor Who: The Ruby's Curse by Alex Kingston is a captivating novel that weaves an intricate mystery featuring River Song, a beloved character from the Doctor Who franchise. The plot alternates between River writing her own detective story from a prison cell and the noir-themed escapades set in 1930s New York, creating a layered narrative that keeps readers engaged. Fans appreciate the depth of insight into River's character, as Kingston adeptly reveals her intellectual side while maintaining her signature wit and charm.
Kingston's writing style resonates with readers, embodying River's voice and personality perfectly. The story is filled with clever twists and delightful humor, keeping the pacing lively and entertaining. With strong Doctor Who references and engaging imagery, it appeals especially to dedicated fans of the series. Many readers find themselves fully absorbed, eagerly turning the pages until the very end, and expressing a strong desire for more of Kingston's work in the future.
I opened my eyes again, and tried not to feel too smug at my perfect landing – feet poised on the very edge of the next zone. But the danger wasn’t over. This was the Stormcage Containment Facility, t...April 2022•320 pages - #2The Norths Meet MurderBook 1 in the series:Mr. and Mrs. North
Save:An effortlessly charming slice of Manhattan mystery history - perfectly cozy and clever, though perhaps a bit light on suspense for die-hard noir or modern thriller fans.
'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 fun, fast-paced mashup of noir detective work and magic, best suited for those seeking clever entertainment over deeply layered mysteries. Not flawless, but easy to binge and enjoy - especially if you like your urban fantasy with a dash of old-school pulp charm.
'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...December 2018•275 pages - #4
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.
Startled awake by the ammoniated mists, I am roused in one instant from glutinous sleep to grieving awareness; I have done it again. My soaked thighs sting. I cry, I call Mama, knowing I must endure h...1985•306 pages - #5
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.
They sat about the old walnut table in the Queen apartment—five oddly assorted individuals. There was District Attorney Henry Sampson, a slender man with bright eyes. Beside Sampson glowered Salvatore...1930•418 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ellery Queen Detective ) - #6
Save:A heartfelt and immersive journey through family, faith, and changing times - perfect for those who love thoughtful historical fiction and nuanced, relatable characters.
'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.
MY lower back ached as I sat, shoulders rounded, hunched over like a number 9, on the wooden stool at my desk at Dover Insurance. I shifted my bottom, unable to find a comfortable position, as I picke...April 2016•382 pages - #7
Save:A riotous, clever romp bursting with old-school wit and offbeat imagination, best enjoyed with your sense of humor - and maybe a cocktail - fully engaged. Timeless fun if you’re in the mood for some gleeful, slightly tipsy escapism.
'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...1931•316 pages - #8
Save:A gorgeously written gangster coming-of-age story that blends history, violence, and poetry - perfect for literary fiction lovers craving atmosphere and depth, but not ideal for those seeking a fast, simple mob thriller.
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...January 1989•378 pages - #9
Save:A richly-layered, character-driven coming-of-age classic that captures the nuances of youthful ambition and heartbreak - even if it’s a bit long-winded and dated for some tastes.
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...January 1955•587 pages - #10
Save:BUtterfield 8 is a raw, vividly detailed portrait of Jazz Age New York, with a troubled and modern heroine at its center. Not for the faint of heart, but a classic for those who like their literary cocktails strong and unsweetened.
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...1935•268 pages
