32 pages 1 hour read

James M. Cain

The Postman Always Rings Twice

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1934

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain follows Frank Chambers, a drifter who arrives at a diner near Glendale, California, and begins an affair with Cora, the wife of the diner’s owner, Nick. Hoping to be together, Frank and Cora plot Nick's murder. Their plan initially fails, but they later succeed, leading to escalating consequences and a tragic conclusion.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

James M. Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice is praised for its taut writing and compelling plot, showcasing raw, intense emotion and psychological depth. Critics commend its noir elements and vivid characters but note that some may find its themes bleak and its morality ambiguous. Overall, it's a gripping, fast-paced read that's a significant contribution to American crime fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Postman Always Rings Twice?

Fans of gritty crime fiction and dark romance, akin to readers of The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett or Double Indemnity by James M. Cain, will relish The Postman Always Rings Twice. Ideal for those who appreciate morally complex characters, intense atmosphere, and suspenseful, fast-paced plots.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Classic Fiction