Some of the best vintage crime novels include 'Gaudy Night' by Dorothy L. Sayers. This novel combines the mystery element with academic life. Lord Peter Wimsey is the detective who tries to solve a series of disturbing events at a women's college. 'The Thin Man' by Dashiell Hammett is also a great pick. It's a bit different as it has a more light - hearted tone compared to some of his other works while still having a solid crime mystery at its core. 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins is an early example of a great crime - mystery novel. It has a complex plot with multiple narrators and a lot of twists and turns.
For beginners, 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie is a great start. It's easy to follow and the mystery is really engaging. Another good one is 'The Maltese Falcon' as it has a classic detective story setup. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' is also suitable as it has a straightforward crime plot.
The atmosphere. Vintage crime novels often create a very distinct mood, like the smoky, seedy bars in a Raymond Chandler novel. It draws you into a different time and place.
Vintage crime fiction often has a strong sense of place. For example, in many noir stories, the seedy city streets are as much a character as the people. It also usually features a detective or investigator figure, like Sherlock Holmes, who uses their wits and deductive skills to solve the crime.
Sure. 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a classic. It features the hard - boiled detective Sam Spade and a complex web of intrigue surrounding a valuable statuette. Another great one is 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie. Poirot has to solve a murder on a train full of suspects with their own secrets.
'The Great Gatsby' is also among the best vintage novels. F. Scott Fitzgerald's work delves into the decadence and disillusionment of the Jazz Age. It has memorable characters like Jay Gatsby and his unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan, and it gives a vivid picture of the era's excesses.
One interesting vintage true crime story is the case of Lizzie Borden. In 1892, her father and stepmother were brutally murdered with an axe in Fall River, Massachusetts. Lizzie was a suspect, and the trial was highly publicized. Another is the Jack the Ripper killings in London in 1888. These unsolved murders of prostitutes in the Whitechapel area created a huge panic and have fascinated people for generations. Also, the Black Dahlia case in 1947 in Los Angeles, where the body of Elizabeth Short was found mutilated, is a well - known vintage true crime mystery.
eBay can be a great site. It has a large and diverse user base from all over the world. There are many collectors and enthusiasts who regularly browse eBay for vintage items, including novels. You can easily set up your listing, add clear pictures of the novels, and describe their condition accurately.
One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that has endured for centuries. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is full of tension, misunderstandings, and ultimately love. Another great one is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. The story of the plain yet strong - willed Jane and her complex relationship with Mr. Rochester is captivating.
Some local flea markets or antique shops can be a goldmine for vintage crime fiction books. You might have to dig a bit, but it can be really rewarding. There are also some specialized book fairs that focus on vintage and rare books, where you can find a wide variety of crime fiction from different eras.