The Thin Man / Dashiell Hammett

Nick and Nora Charles are Hammett’s most charming creations, a rich, glamorous couple who solve murders between wisecracks and martinis. The Thin Man is a crime thriller that is as knowledgeable as it is outrageously romantic, and also a sophisticated comedy of manners.

The story is set in New York City in December 1932, during the last days of Prohibition. The main characters are Nick Charles, a former private detective, and Nora, his smart young wife. Nick, the son of a Greek immigrant, has given up his career since marrying Nora, a wealthy socialite, and spends most of his time getting drunk in hotel rooms and speakeasies. Nick and Nora have no children, but they own a schnauzer dog named Asta. Charles is drawn into investigating a murder, mostly against his will. The case brings them into contact with the Wynants, a rather grotesque family, and with various policemen and shady characters. As they try to solve the case, Nick and Nora entertain themselves with much banter and witty dialogue and drink copious amounts of alcohol.