Rating: 
Summary: Light fun
Review: I had fun reading this murder mystery involving a set of interesting, if not quite likeable, characters (who, as others have noted, drink a *lot*). The resolution was mildly unsatisfactory, because it relied partially on information known to the hero, but not to us, so it's unlikely even the sharpest reader could have figured it out. Still, the fun is in getting there, so it really doesn't matter whodunnit. I haven't read anything else by Hammett, so I can't make any comparisons to his other books. _The Thin Man_ was just good enough to make me want to check them out sometime.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun, fun fun!!
Review: I imagine for people way into the detectival genre, this is not the book for them. However, the characters in this book are a hoot!! Nobody's telling anyone the whole truth, no one is sure who they can trust. The mystery, as with everything else in this novel, is a bit bizarre, but I think the important part of this book is the characterization. The Wynants/Jorgensons are all nuts. Many of the men are womanizers and boozers. And then there's Nick and Nora. They are one of the most fun couples I've read about. You get the impression that Nora doesn't know much about Nick's past (and really doesn't care). Nick is a good deal older than her, but she has money, so that's all that matters. They are probably the best part of this book. Overall, it is just a fun book to spend an evening with.
Rating: 
Summary: Terrific!
Review: I love Hammett's fat detective from Red Harvest, etc. but I think this is a wonderful story. The characterizations are razor sharp, the pacing incredible, and there are no false notes, for me at least, through many readings. In a fairly short novel with dozens of characters and settings this is remarkable. The Maltese Falcon is at the top of the genre, but I would put this one just behind. Great fun!
Rating:
Summary: Not Hammett's best
Review: If you are looking for vintage, hard-boiled crime fiction this isn't it. While Hammett's talent is still evident, it is only wasted on this type of writintg. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad book. It's just that the man who gave us The Continental Op and Sam Spade wrote this well after his writing had peaked. It is a very quick read because there isn't much to miss. Nick and Nora could best be described as one of the hardy boys marrying Nacy Drew, and then they become high society drunks who solve a mystery involving very one dimensional characters.
Rating:
Summary: The Detective Novel at it's Sheer Best
Review: If you've never read a detective novel, this is a terrific place to start. If you happen to be a seasoned veteran of the genre, you'll find yourself remembering why you started loving detective novels in the first place. The precise, well-crafted plot, lively pace, and vibrant characters help make this underappreciated work a classic.
Rating: 
Summary: Hammett's Lukewarm send-off
Review: It always saddens me to think that Hammett, who created hard-boiled literature with THE MALETESE FALCON and RED HARVEST, should close out his writing career with this polite fluff about a married couple solving a socialite murder. Chandler would years later praise Hammett as the man "who gave murder back to people who had reason to committ it", but THIN MAN shows an unfortunate regression back to the old school that Hammett helped to eclipse. This is lightware fare, and nothing else.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Acting in This Audio Cassette Version
Review: Let me begin by noting that I am reviewing the audio cassette version of The Thin Man that stars Daniel J. Travanti as Nick Charles and Lynne Lipton as his young and wealthy wife, Nora. If you are like me, you met The Thin Man first in the movie series. Those movies have Nick Charles straddling the gap between the "haves" and the tough guy world with insouciance as he waltzes with the wealthy socialites and unravels fatal plots. The book itself is much darker, directly suggesting alcoholism, incest, adultery, and all the minor crimes . . . and deadly sins. The view is that humans are thoroughly flawed, but some can rise above that to serve others anyway. That is the nobility of the Nick Charles character . . . as he staggers out of bed in the afternoon with yet another hangover. Helping out old clients is his source of redemption against the temptations he cannot resist. The world view is probably somewhat autobiographical as Hammett spent more of his time in Hollywood late in his career, rather than working as a fiction writer. The echoes of F. Scott Fitzgerald are very strong, especially to Tender Is The Night. For those who love the classic "tough guy" stories by Hammett, this one can never have the same appeal. Nick is still tough, but he mostly shows it by taking abuse with style. That's a feminine kind of toughness that comes from maturity. He passes off the chances to trade punches when they arise. The characterizations of Nick and Nora Charles are the strength of the novel. But the book transcends that by also creating a picture of a flawed marriage between two people with hearts of gold who love each other, but are also killing each other. The development of the relationship is brilliant. I would like to especially note that the acting by Daniel J. Travanti as Nick brings a great sensitivity to the role. When I read the book, I put a snarl into a lot of the Nick lines when he is beset by yet another visitor or telephone call. Mr. Travanti wisely chooses to share an equivocal openness instead. I think his reading is correct, and added much to my appreciation of the story. Whoever cast him for this role deserves commendation as well. The mystery itself isn't very mysterious. It just has lots of red herrings. If you judge mysteries by the quality of the plot unfolding of that mystery, you will probably rate this book at 3 or 4 stars. I rated this audio cassette version for 5 stars based on the story line about the nature of modern people and relationships, and the superb acting by Mr. Travanti. After enjoying this dramatization of the story, I suggest that you think about what temptations are difficult for you to resist. How will those temptations undermine your life and your relationships? How can you occupy yourself in ways so that there will either be less temptation or you will be more able to resist it? To your good health and that of all your relationships!
Rating:
Summary: no match for Raymond Chandler, yet fun escapism..
Review: Most folks know The Thin Man for the famous 1930s/1940s film series about detective Nick Charles and his socialite wife Nora. The films are known for being breezy and comedic rather than for the actual plot, which typically involves a murder mystery. The original novel The Thin Man is certainly of this mold, which for some might be perfect but for others (like me) a bit disappointing. In The Thin Man we have our handsome couple tinkling champagne glasses in 1930s Manhatten. Our reluctant detective is asked to sort out some shenanigans of a former client, and his very dysfunctional family. We are entertained by cameo appearances of thugs, crooks, and Asta (the family dog). It is all very cutsie without being too silly. However fans of other private detective novels of that genre, especially the Philip Marlowe stories by Raymond Chandler, will find The Thin Man to be too ... thin. No sparkling dialogue, no real nasty characters, ... no "oomph". Bottom line: painless reading. But see the film, forget the book.
Rating:
Summary: no match for Raymond Chandler, yet fun escapism..
Review: Most folks know The Thin Man for the famous 1930s/1940s film series about detective Nick Charles and his socialite wife Nora. The films are known for being breezy and comedic rather than for the actual plot, which typically involves a murder mystery. The original novel The Thin Man is certainly of this mold, which for some might be perfect but for others (like me) a bit disappointing. In The Thin Man we have our handsome couple tinkling champagne glasses in 1930s Manhatten. Our reluctant detective is asked to sort out some shenanigans of a former client, and his very dysfunctional family. We are entertained by cameo appearances of thugs, crooks, and Asta (the family dog). It is all very cutsie without being too silly. However fans of other private detective novels of that genre, especially the Philip Marlowe stories by Raymond Chandler, will find The Thin Man to be too ... thin. No sparkling dialogue, no real nasty characters, ... no "oomph". Bottom line: painless reading. But see the film, forget the book.
Rating:
Summary: One of a kind crime novel
Review: My first Dashiell Hammett book and after reading it I decided I'm hooked on his writing. The plot is tight no doubt, but the ending especially left me thoroughly impressed at the skillful crafting of the story. That aside, the playful banter between Nick and Nora Charles amused, and surely the dry wit of Nick will elicit a chuckle. Add to the whole mix a bunch of crazy characters like the Wynant family who can't seem to talk straight, and you get an absorbing whodunnit with a generous dose of humour.
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