The Postman Always Rings Twice

by James M. Cain
The Postman Always Rings Twice cover
Good Books rating 4.06
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8899
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780752864365
  • Published: 2005-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Postman Always Rings Twice is a gripping and intense story that delves into the twisted relationship between Frank Chambers, a drifter with no moral compass, and Cora, the sultry and brooding wife of Nick Papadakis. Their passionate and dangerous affair leads to a web of deceit and violence, culminating in a shocking climax. Cain's spare and vital prose style, combined with his bleak vision of America, makes this a timeless classic of crime fiction. /n/n The novel's exploration of human nature and the consequences of unchecked desire has made it a staple of the noir genre. Cain's ability to create complex and flawed characters, as well as his skill in building tension and suspense, have earned him a place among the great American writers.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-12-22
excellent 4.75

The story is praised as one of the best crime stories ever read, with every twist feeling spontaneous and unplanned.

The reviewer is highly complimentary, calling it one of the best crime stories they've ever read. They particularly appreciate the spontaneity and unpredictability of the twists and turns, which they see as a testament to the book's quality. The reviewer's enthusiasm is palpable, making it clear that they found the book to be a thrilling and engaging read. The story's ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat is highlighted, making it a standout in the crime genre.

Quick quotes

    One of the best crime stories I've ever read. Every twist and turn felt - and I mean this as the highest praise - totally spontaneous and unplanned.

Ubiquitous Books · 2024-05-25
entertaining 4.00

The book is a classic that keeps the pace brisk and entertaining. It doesn't overstay its welcome, making it a quick and enjoyable read.

This review highlights the book as a classic in its genre, praising its ability to keep the narrative moving at a brisk pace. The reviewer enjoys the quick and entertaining nature of the story, noting that it doesn't outstay its welcome. They appreciate the tight, engaging plot that makes it a satisfying read. The book's brevity is seen as a strength, allowing for a swift and enjoyable experience without any unnecessary filler. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is clear, making it a compelling recommendation for those looking for a fast-paced crime story.

Quick quotes

    This is a classic of the genre that is entertaining, especially since it doesn't outstay its welcome but, on the contrary, keeps things moving at a brisk pace.

Guilt and Industry · 2024-05-25
compelling 4.00

The novel is tough and unsentimental, depicting acts and outcomes without commentary. This raw approach is part of its appeal.

The reviewer notes that the novel is tough and unsentimental, depicting acts and outcomes without added commentary or gloss. This raw and unfiltered approach is seen as a strength, contributing to the novel's impact. The reviewer appreciates the directness of the storytelling, which adds to the overall intensity of the narrative. The novel's ability to present complex themes in a straightforward manner is highlighted as a key aspect of its enduring appeal.

Quick quotes

    The Postman Always Rings Twice may be tough and unsentimental, depicting acts and outcomes shorn of commentary or gloss.

    But that is why it is so compelling.

    The novel's pitiless brevity has its own magnificence.

Carmen Amato · Carmen Amato · 2018-01-16
compelling 3.50

The writing is sparse and occasionally confusing due to the lack of dialogue tags, but it effectively captures the noir style.

Carmen Amato notes the sparse and simple writing style, which occasionally leads to confusion due to the lack of dialogue tags. Despite this, they appreciate the book's ability to capture the true noir style, making it a compelling read. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in maintaining a gripping narrative, even with its brevity. The noir elements are particularly praised, adding to the overall appeal of the story. The reviewer's mixed feelings about the writing style are balanced by their enjoyment of the book's noir atmosphere and engaging plot.

Quick quotes

    The writing is sparse and lacks dialogue tags, no “said” for Cain, which occasionally leads to confusion as to which character is speaking. Yet, there's no doubt it's compellingly written in the true noir style.

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