The Postman Always Rings Twice

by James M. Cain
The Postman Always Rings Twice cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8899
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780752864365
  • Published: 2005-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Postman Always Rings Twice is a gripping story of Frank Chambers, a drifter who becomes entangled in a passionate and destructive affair with Cora, the wife of a Greek immigrant named Nick Papadakis. Their intense desire for each other leads to a series of events that culminate in a chilling crime. The novel is renowned for its taut, punchy prose and its unflinching portrayal of human nature at its most primal. /n/n James M. Cain's masterpiece is a cornerstone of American crime fiction, celebrated for its stark realism and the bleak vision it presents of a world driven by lust and greed. The novel's influence can be seen in countless works of literature and film, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

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.

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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