Women Crime Writers: Eight Suspense Novels of the 1940s & 50s: A Library of America Boxed Set

I'm a long-time collector of Library of America editions, especially having followed their mystery/noir publications and volumes on historic eras of journalism and public documents. I have their entire Philip Roth series and also the special set of "books" from classic Broadway shows. I say that to underline the importance of this publishing effort over many years. I like the look and feel of these editions. They're convenient to carry and read and this new edition is more of the same -- a top-rate set of books.In the mystery-noir genres, I've found myself reading twice through the earlier Crime Novels set (1883011493). And now I'm certain I may read these more than once over the years. I'm very familiar with some of these classics, Laura especially, and I'm discovering some new gems I haven't read before.I'm writing this review to suggest a way to enjoy this set with a friend. In this case, I'm going through these with my wife, who also loves mysteries. We're reading each one and then we're also watching the classic films made of several of these. If you're thinking about investing in this set, that's a fun way to think about it -- challenge a spouse or a friend to read with you -- and then watch the films together.Lots of fun!

I've been waiting a long time for a book like this. Thank you Sarah Weinman.I'm a Noir Nut, both on the written page and the silver screen. I also really, really like the Library of America publications so when I saw this two volume set was available I rushed right out in a buying frenzy, waving my wallet in the air to get these. Ha, ha. But seriously I have virtually all the Library of America Noir volumes-- Chandler, Hammett, Goodis, Crime Novels of the 30's and 40's, Crime Novels of the 50's and only one author is a woman-- Patricia Highsmith.So this set fixes this problem nicely. If you love Noir buy these books. Seriously. The stories are top notch with authors I've heard of and some I haven't. Taught suspense and humor, fascinating characters portrayed as real people. And so far no one as depressing as a David Goodis' character can be. Tragic, of course, but no one so darn bleak as to be unreadable. At least so far.I want to put in a plug for the Library of America. 99 and 44 one hundredths percent American authors, ranging from the Founding Fathers to Science fiction and popular literature bound in books that last and make a 1200 page book manageable to read.

The books themselves were a great disappointment in that when opened the book fell apart. The pages came loose and not attached to the spine. I was also disappointed with the works that were chosen with the exception of Laura. The writeups on the authors was so terse that it was as of tje authors were not entitled to a nicer, thoughtful treatment. I have long been a buyer of this publishers works and felt sorely short changed by this two volume set. Too expensive for what I received.

I've only read two of the 8 stories, but am loving the style and sophistication. People really were smarter thinkers before we willingly turned over our intelligence to the on-eyed ogre that is television. My one criticism is that the copy I received has a serious printing flaw: random pages are extremely faint...barely legible.

Interesting to read crime stories written by women in the 40's and 50's.

This is a gift for my wife since she loves crime novels by women; the gorier the better. She just got started reading it, but,except for the exceptionally small print....we are almost 80....she likes the story she is on right now.

8 very well done novels. A different style (of course) from today's authors, but very entertaining.

LAURA is really full of surprises.

used for reading

This is a follow-up to Library of America`s "Crime Novels of the `30`s, `40`s and `50`s", and a good one it is. Eight suspense novels byfemale writers from the 1940`s and `50`s. They are:Vera Caspary - "Laura". Filmed with Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews and Clifton Webb.Helen Eustis - "The Horizontal Man." Edgar for Best First Novel.Dorothy B Hughes - "In a Lonely Place." Filmed with Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame.Elisabeth Holding - "The Blank Wall." Filmed in 1949 as "The Reckless Moment" and again in 2001 as"The Deep End."Charlotte Armstrong - "Mischief." Filmed as "Don`t Bother to Knock." with Marilyn Monroe.Patricia Highsmith - "The Blunderer." Best known for her "Mr. Ripley" novels.Margaret Millar - "Beast in View." Edgar for Best Novel, 1955. She, along with her husband Ross Macdonald, named Grand Masters by the Mystery Writers of America.Dolores Hitchens - "Fool`s Gold." Filmed as "Band of Outsiders."A "must" collection for the mystery fan.