3.8
"The Postman Always Rings Twice" by James M. Cain is a classic noir novel that tells the story of a drifter, Frank Chambers, who stops at a roadside diner and finds work there. The diner is owned by a married couple, Cora and Nick Papadakis, and Frank quickly becomes infatuated with Cora. Their passionate and dangerous love affair leads them to plot Nick's murder, with the intention of running off together and starting a new life. Cain's writing is sharp, gritty, and full of raw emotion, capturing the desperation and moral ambiguity of his characters. The novel explores themes of lust, greed, and fate, as Frank and Cora's plans are continually thwarted by unexpected events and their own guilty consciences. First published in 1934, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" was a groundbreaking work of crime fiction, paving the way for the hard-boiled detective stories that would become popular in the following decades. Its influence can still be seen in contemporary noir and crime novels, as well as in films and television shows that have been adapted from the book. Despite its dark subject matter, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" is also a compelling and suspenseful read, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Its unforgettable characters and vivid settings have made it a classic of the genre, and a must-read for fans of noir fiction. Overall, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the darker side of human nature. Its timeless themes and gripping narrative make it a worthy addition to any reader's bookshelf...
James M. Cain
Double Indemnity
If you enjoyed the dark and twisted love story in 'The Postman Always Rings Twice', you'll love 'Double Indemnity'. This novel also explores the dangerous consequences of a illicit love affair, as an insurance salesman and a unhappy housewife plot to kill her husband for the insurance money.
Learn MoreRaymond Chandler
The Big Sleep
Fans of hard-boiled crime fiction will appreciate 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. Like 'The Postman Always Rings Twice', this novel features a morally ambiguous protagonist and a complex plot filled with twists and turns.
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The Long Goodbye
'The Long Goodbye' is another classic novel from Raymond Chandler. This book follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he becomes entangled in the lives of a wealthy alcoholic and a struggling writer, leading to a complex web of deceit and murder.
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The Maltese Falcon
'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a must-read for fans of hard-boiled crime fiction. This novel features a classic detective story, as private investigator Sam Spade takes on a case involving a valuable statue and a cast of shady characters.
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Red Harvest
If you enjoyed the gritty realism of 'The Postman Always Rings Twice', you'll appreciate 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett. This novel is set in a small town overrun by crime and corruption, as a private detective is hired to clean up the mess and finds himself in the middle of a violent power struggle.
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The Glass Key
'The Glass Key' is another classic novel from Dashiell Hammett. This book follows a political boss and his loyal enforcer as they navigate a world of crime, corruption, and political intrigue.
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The Dain Curse
'The Dain Curse' is a complex and thrilling novel from Dashiell Hammett. This book follows private detective John Dalmas as he investigates a series of bizarre and seemingly unrelated crimes, leading to a shocking and unexpected conclusion.
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The Thin Man
'The Thin Man' is a classic detective novel from Dashiell Hammett. This book follows retired detective Nick Charles and his socialite wife Nora as they become embroiled in a murder investigation involving a wealthy inventor and his eccentric family.
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Farewell, My Lovely
'Farewell, My Lovely' is another classic novel from Raymond Chandler. This book follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he investigates the disappearance of a former boxer and becomes embroiled in a complex web of crime and deceit.
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The High Window
'The High Window' is a classic detective novel from Raymond Chandler. This book follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he investigates the theft of a valuable coin and becomes embroiled in a complex web of crime and deceit.
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