Movie Review: The Thin Man (1934)

The Thin Man” is a 1934 American comedy-mystery film directed by W. S. Van Dyke, based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The movie follows the eccentric and charming detective Nick Charles and his equally witty and sophisticated wife, Nora, as they investigate a murder case involving a wealthy inventor, Clyde Wynant. The film begins with Nick and Nora, who have … Continue reading Movie Review: The Thin Man (1934)

The Impact of Edgar Wallace on the Mystery & Thriller Genres

Edgar Wallace, born in 1875, was a British author, journalist, and playwright who left an indelible mark on the mystery genre. He was a prolific writer, producing over 170 books, 24 plays, and countless short stories, many of which revolved around crime and detective work. Wallace’s influence on the mystery genre is significant, as he helped to create and popularize many of the tropes and … Continue reading The Impact of Edgar Wallace on the Mystery & Thriller Genres

Book Review: The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett (1933)

The Thin Man is a classic detective novel written by Dashiell Hammett, published in 1933. The novel follows the story of retired detective Nick Charles, who is drawn into a murder case by his wife, Nora, and their dog, Asta. The novel is known for its wit, humor, and its depiction of the glamorous lifestyle of the wealthy elite in 1930s New York. The novel’s … Continue reading Book Review: The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett (1933)

Book Review: The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett (1929)

The Maltese Falcon is a detective novel by Dashiell Hammett, first published in 1929. The novel is known for its intricate plot, memorable characters, and gritty depiction of the criminal underworld in 1920s San Francisco. The story follows private detective Sam Spade as he becomes embroiled in a complex web of deceit and greed surrounding the eponymous statuette, a priceless artifact sought after by several … Continue reading Book Review: The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett (1929)

1930s Mysteries: An Overview

The 1930s was a decade of great change and upheaval, marked by the Great Depression, the rise of fascism in Europe, and the looming threat of a second world war. In popular culture, however, the 1930s were also a time of great fascination with mysteries and detective fiction. The decade saw the rise of many iconic characters and series, from Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot to … Continue reading 1930s Mysteries: An Overview

Reading List: 10 Popular Mysteries of the 1930s

The 1930s saw the rise of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, and many of the most iconic mystery novels were published during this period. Here are 10 popular mystery books of the 1930s: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (1934): This classic novel features Christie’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, as he investigates a murder that occurs aboard the luxurious Orient Express. … Continue reading Reading List: 10 Popular Mysteries of the 1930s

Reading List: 6 Popular Mysteries of the 1920s

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie (1926): This novel, which is widely regarded as one of Christie’s greatest works, features the detective Hercule Poirot and centers around the murder of a wealthy industrialist in a small English village. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie (1920): Christie’s first published novel, this story features the debut of detective Hercule Poirot and takes place … Continue reading Reading List: 6 Popular Mysteries of the 1920s

Sam Spade: An Essay

Sam Spade is one of the most iconic characters in the history of detective fiction. Created by Dashiell Hammett, Spade first appeared in the novel The Maltese Falcon and has since become a symbol of the hardboiled detective genre. Spade is a complex and enigmatic character, known for his tough demeanor, sharp wit, and unflinching moral code. He is a private detective who operates in … Continue reading Sam Spade: An Essay

Reading List: The 5 Best Noir Mysteries of The Golden Age of Detective Fiction

The golden age of detective fiction is considered to be the period between World War I and World War II when a new genre of crime fiction emerged. This genre is commonly referred to as Noir, which is French for “black.” Noir is characterized by its dark and pessimistic view of the world, its complex plots, and its hardboiled detectives who operate outside the law … Continue reading Reading List: The 5 Best Noir Mysteries of The Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Nick & Nora Charles: A Primer

Nick and Nora Charles are the main characters in a series of detective novels written by Dashiell Hammett in the 1930s. They are a wealthy, glamorous couple who solve crimes together, creating a unique and memorable dynamic in the world of detective fiction. The first novel in the series, The Thin Man, was published in 1934 and was an instant success. The novel tells the … Continue reading Nick & Nora Charles: A Primer