Dashiell Hammett was a crime writer who elevated the genre to true literature, and The Thin Man was Hammett’s last—and most successful—novel. Following the enormous success of “The Thin Man” movie in 1934, Hammett was commissioned to write stories for additional films. He wrote two full-length novellas for the films that became “After the Thin Man” and “Another Thin Man.” Hammett brought back his classic characters, retired private investigator Nick Charles and his former debutante wife Nora, in these two fully satisfying “Thin Man” stories, written with classic, barbed Hammett dialogue.

Neither of these stories has been previously published (except for a partial in a small magazine 25 years ago). Now together in Return of the Thin Man, these hugely entertaining novellas are destined to remain essential listening for Hammett’s millions of fans and a new generation of mystery lovers the world over.

HighBridge’s multi-voiced audiobook captures the wit and classic appeal of the “Nick and Nora” stories with an almost old-time-radio feel. Producer and director Paul Ruben notes:

“The Return of the Thin Man offered me and the narrators a unique opportunity: To engage a genre that none of us knew first hand and that is no longer in vogue. Specifically, the style of this crime/comedy caper is particularized by its time, the 1930s: big, broad, over-the-top, but not cartoonish. Brazenly speaking for all the narrators I would suggest that, for us, this was a deliciously unique chance to let loose, to have fun and to voice these emotionally ‘big-rig’ characters as if they were flamboyantly real!”
 

The recording features Peter Ganim as Nick, Nicola Barber as Nora, and Scott Brick as the narrator.

Additional character readings are provided by Emily Bauer, Dan Bittner, Cynthia Darlow, Richard Ferrone, Eliza Foss, Emma Galvin, Johnny Heller, Pete Larkin, Bill Lobley, Carol Monda, Rich Orlow, Paula Parker, Vinnie Penna, with Zane Birdwell, Nathan Rosborough, Iris McElroy, Barbara Vlahides, Fametta Sawyer, Tim Bader, Tyrrell Harrell, Kevin Fecu, and Alan Winter.

Paul Ruben was assisted in his production and direction by recording engineer Nathan Rosborough.

Digital review copies available 9/7; finished CD review copies available 10/3.

For footage from the studio recording, and an excerpt
from the final recording, watch the audiobook trailer:

About the lead narrators

PETER GANIM is an award-winning stage, film, and television actor and the narrator of over 100 audiobooks. He lives in New York City.

NICOLA BARBER has appeared on stage in New York and across the country. She holds a degree in theatre arts from UNC-Chapel Hill, and has taken classes at the London Academy of Dramatic Art. She can be heard in video games, animation, commercials, and corporate videos, as well as on award-winning audiobooks.

SCOTT BRICK is an American actor and writer and a prolific, award-winning narrator of hundreds of audiobooks. He has narrated works for a number of high profile authors. In addition to numerous “Best Voice” awards, he has been recognized by AudioFile magazine as a Golden Voice.

A landmark publishing event:
A pair of never before published “Thin Man” novellas from the legendary Dashiell Hammett.

On Sale Oct 31

Request audio review copy.

About the author

DASHIELL HAMMETT was an American author of hard-boiled detective novels and short stories, screenplay writer, and political activist. He created enduring characters including Sam Spade (The Maltese Falcon), Nick and Nora Charles (The Thin Man), and the Continental Op (Red Harvest and The Dain Curse). He died in 1961 in New York City. As a veteran of two world wars, he is buried in Arlington Cemetery.