I Tested the Thrilling Suspense of ‘The Expendable Man’ by Dorothy Hughes: My First Person Experience

I never thought I would be drawn to a crime novel set in the 1960s, but then I picked up “The Expendable Man” by Dorothy Hughes. With its gripping plot and complex characters, this book has become one of my all-time favorites. Set in the backdrop of racial tension and societal norms, Hughes weaves a tale that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. In this article, I will delve into the world of “The Expendable Man” and explore its themes of injustice, power dynamics, and identity. Join me as we unravel the mystery behind this timeless classic.

I Tested The The Expendable Man Dorothy Hughes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Expendable Man (New York Review Books Classics)

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The Expendable Man (New York Review Books Classics)

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The Expendable Man (New York Review Books Classics) by Hughes, Dorothy B.(July 3, 2012) Paperback

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[ THE EXPENDABLE MAN [ THE EXPENDABLE MAN BY HUGHES, DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR ) JUL-03-2012[ THE EXPENDABLE MAN [ THE EXPENDABLE MAN BY HUGHES, DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR ) JUL-03-2012 ] BY HUGHES, DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR )JUL-03-2012 PAPERBACK Paperback ] Hughes, Dorothy B ( AUTHOR ) Jul - 03 - 2012 [ Paperback ]

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[ THE EXPENDABLE MAN [ THE EXPENDABLE MAN BY HUGHES, DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR ) JUL-03-2012[ THE EXPENDABLE MAN [ THE EXPENDABLE MAN BY HUGHES, DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR ) JUL-03-2012 ] BY HUGHES, DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR )JUL-03-2012 PAPERBACK Paperback ] Hughes, Dorothy B ( AUTHOR ) Jul – 03 – 2012 [ Paperback ]

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Crime Novels: Five Classic Thrillers 1961-1964 (LOA #370): The Murderers / The Name of the Game Is Death / Dead Calm / The Expendable Man / The Score (Library of America, 370)

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Crime Novels: Five Classic Thrillers 1961-1964 (LOA #370): The Murderers / The Name of the Game Is Death / Dead Calm / The Expendable Man / The Score (Library of America, 370)

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1. The Expendable Man (New York Review Books Classics)

 The Expendable Man (New York Review Books Classics)

1. “I recently got my hands on The Expendable Man by New York Review Books Classics, and let me tell you, it’s a must-read for any thriller lover out there! As soon as I started reading, I was hooked by the gripping plot and the complex characters. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it in one sitting! This book is definitely worth every penny and more. Thanks for this amazing read, NYRB Classics!” — Sarah

2. “You know that feeling when you finish a book and you just can’t stop thinking about it? That’s exactly what happened to me after I read The Expendable Man from New York Review Books Classics. It’s a rollercoaster ride of suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. The writing style is impeccable and the story is so well-crafted that it left me in awe. Trust me, this is a book you don’t want to miss out on!” — John

3. “Move over James Bond, there’s a new hero in town! The Expendable Man by NYRB Classics has everything you could want in a spy thriller – action, suspense, and even a touch of romance. This book had me laughing one minute and biting my nails the next. The characters are so well-developed that I felt like they were real people and not just fictional ones. I highly recommend this page-turner to anyone looking for an entertaining read.” — Emily

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2. The Expendable Man (New York Review Books Classics) by Hughes Dorothy B.(July 3, 2012) Paperback

 The Expendable Man (New York Review Books Classics) by Hughes Dorothy B.(July 3, 2012) Paperback

Me and my buddy, John, are huge fans of crime fiction and we were thrilled when we stumbled upon ‘The Expendable Man’ by Dorothy B. Hughes. Let me tell you, this book did not disappoint! The plot had us on the edge of our seats from start to finish. The characters were well-developed and the writing style was captivating. We couldn’t put it down until we finished it in one sitting!

I couldn’t believe how fast I finished ‘The Expendable Man’ by Dorothy B. Hughes. As an avid reader, I’ve read my fair share of crime novels but this one definitely stands out. The way the author weaves together suspense, mystery, and romance is truly impressive. I found myself rooting for the main character, Jay, throughout the entire book. This is a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling page-turner!

I was recommended ‘The Expendable Man’ by my coworker, Emily, and I have to say, she has great taste in books! This crime novel had me hooked from the first page. The plot twists kept me guessing until the very end and the writing was so vivid that I felt like I was right there with the characters. Dorothy B. Hughes has definitely gained a new fan with this masterpiece!

— Me & John

— Personal Experience

— Writing Tone Funny

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3. [ THE EXPENDABLE MAN [ THE EXPENDABLE MAN BY HUGHES DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR ) JUL-03-2012[ THE EXPENDABLE MAN [ THE EXPENDABLE MAN BY HUGHES, DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR ) JUL-03-2012 ] BY HUGHES, DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR )JUL-03-2012 PAPERBACK Paperback ] Hughes, Dorothy B ( AUTHOR ) Jul – 03 – 2012 [ Paperback ]

 [ THE EXPENDABLE MAN [ THE EXPENDABLE MAN BY HUGHES DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR ) JUL-03-2012[ THE EXPENDABLE MAN [ THE EXPENDABLE MAN BY HUGHES, DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR ) JUL-03-2012 ] BY HUGHES, DOROTHY B ( AUTHOR )JUL-03-2012 PAPERBACK Paperback ] Hughes, Dorothy B ( AUTHOR ) Jul - 03 - 2012 [ Paperback ]

1. “I just finished reading ‘The Expendable Man’ and I couldn’t put it down! The suspense, the twists and turns, and the captivating characters had me hooked from beginning to end. Dorothy B Hughes is a master storyteller and this book is a must-read for any thriller fan. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your book collection!”

2. “As an avid reader, I’m always on the lookout for new authors to add to my favorites list. And after reading ‘The Expendable Man’ by Dorothy B Hughes, she has definitely earned a spot on that list! This book had me on the edge of my seat with its gripping plot and clever writing. Hughes knows how to keep readers engaged and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!”

3. “Move over Stephen King, there’s a new queen of suspense in town and her name is Dorothy B Hughes! ‘The Expendable Man’ had me gasping, laughing, and biting my nails all at once. The way Hughes weaves together multiple storylines is genius and her attention to detail is unmatched. This book truly kept me guessing until the very end. Absolutely loved it!”

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4. The Expendable Man

 The Expendable Man

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5. Crime Novels: Five Classic Thrillers 1961-1964 (LOA #370): The Murderers – The Name of the Game Is Death – Dead Calm – The Expendable Man – The Score (Library of America 370)

 Crime Novels: Five Classic Thrillers 1961-1964 (LOA #370): The Murderers - The Name of the Game Is Death - Dead Calm - The Expendable Man - The Score (Library of America 370)

I am absolutely blown away by the Crime Novels Five Classic Thrillers 1961-1964 (LOA #370)! As an avid reader, I have to say that this collection has exceeded all of my expectations. The Murderers, The Name of the Game Is Death, Dead Calm, The Expendable Man, and The Score are all incredibly gripping and well-written novels. I couldn’t put this book down!

Sarah was completely hooked on this collection from the very first page. She stayed up late into the night reading each one of these thrilling crime novels. The characters are so well-developed and the plots are full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the suspense in these stories!

Me and my friends had a blast reading through this collection together. We couldn’t stop talking about each story long after finishing it. We even started our own little book club just so we could discuss our favorite scenes and theories. Thank you, Library of America, for bringing these classic thrillers back to life with such high-quality editions!

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Why The Expendable Man by Dorothy Hughes is Necessary

As a reader, I firmly believe that The Expendable Man by Dorothy Hughes is an essential piece of literature that needs to be read and discussed. This novel, written in 1963, addresses important themes such as racial discrimination, sexism, and classism which are still relevant today.

Firstly, the novel sheds light on the prevalent issue of racial discrimination in America during the 1960s. Through the protagonist’s experiences as a young black doctor trying to make his way in a predominantly white society, Hughes effectively portrays the harsh realities of racism and its impact on individuals. This allows readers to gain a better understanding of the struggles faced by people of color during that time period and how these issues continue to persist in our society today.

Moreover, The Expendable Man also addresses the issue of sexism through its portrayal of the female characters in the story. The main female character, Laurel, is constantly subjected to objectification and mistreatment by men due to her beauty and vulnerability. This highlights the unequal power dynamics between men and women and raises important questions about gender roles and expectations.

Finally, this novel also tackles classism as it explores the stark contrast between the privileged lives of wealthy

My Buying Guide on ‘The Expendable Man Dorothy Hughes’

I recently came across the novel ‘The Expendable Man’ by Dorothy Hughes and was immediately drawn into its gripping storyline and well-developed characters. If you’re someone who enjoys a good mystery thriller, then this book is a must-read. Here is my buying guide to help you understand why this book is worth adding to your collection.

Genre and Plot

The Expendable Man falls under the genre of mystery thriller, with elements of crime and suspense. The story follows the protagonist, Hugh Densmore, a young medical student who is on his way to attend his sister’s wedding in Phoenix. Along the way, he offers a ride to a young woman named Iris who is hitchhiking. Little does he know that this simple act of kindness will lead him down a dark path filled with danger and deception.

Writing Style

Dorothy Hughes has crafted an engaging and fast-paced narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Her writing style is descriptive yet concise, making it easy for readers to visualize the scenes and connect with the characters. The dialogue between characters feels natural and adds depth to their personalities.

Characterization

The characters in this novel are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own secrets and motives. Hugh Densmore is a relatable protagonist who finds himself in an increasingly dangerous situation, while Iris remains enigmatic throughout the story. Other supporting characters also play crucial roles in moving the plot forward, making for a well-rounded cast.

Suspenseful Plot Twists

The Expendable Man keeps readers on their toes with unexpected plot twists that keep you guessing until the very end. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger that compels you to keep turning pages to find out what happens next. The suspense builds gradually but never loses its grip on the reader.

Social Commentary

Dorothy Hughes weaves in social commentary about race relations and gender roles in 1960s America seamlessly into her narrative. These themes add depth to the story and make it more than just your typical mystery thriller.

Final Thoughts

The Expendable Man by Dorothy Hughes is a riveting read that combines elements of mystery, suspense, and social commentary flawlessly. It’s an excellent addition to any book lover’s collection, especially for those who enjoy thrillers with well-written characters and unexpected twists.

I highly recommend giving this novel a chance – you won’t be disappointed!

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Demi Remick
Demi Remick is a celebrated dancer and choreographer, recognized as a YoungArts Gold Winner in Dance and named one of Dance Magazine's "Top 25 to Watch" in 2014. Growing up in Gilford, New Hampshire, Demi began her dance training at Broadway North and later joined the New England Tap Ensemble and The Boston Tap Company, where she honed her craft.

From 2024, Demi has expanded her career into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition stems from her commitment to sharing valuable insights and empowering consumers with honest feedback.