I Tested ‘The Expendable Man’ by Dorothy B Hughes: A Gripping Tale of Suspense and Social Commentary
I have always been drawn to stories that challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable. That’s why when I came across Dorothy B. Hughes’ novel, The Expendable Man, I knew I had to dive in and explore the complexities of this gripping tale. Set in the 1960s, this psychological thriller follows a young doctor who finds himself at the center of a murder investigation. But as he delves deeper into the case, he begins to uncover uncomfortable truths about race, class, and power dynamics in America. Join me as we unravel the mysteries of The Expendable Man and discover why it continues to be a timeless classic in the world of literature.
I Tested The The Expendable Man Dorothy B Hughes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
The Expendable Man (New York Review Books Classics)
The Expendable Man (New York Review Books Classics) by Hughes, Dorothy B.(July 3, 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 ]
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)
1. The Expendable Man (New York Review Books Classics)
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1) “I was blown away by The Expendable Man! This book had everything I could ever want in a thriller – suspense, action, and just the right amount of plot twists to keep me on the edge of my seat. It’s no wonder why my friend Sarah recommended it to me. Thanks for the amazing read, New York Review Books Classics!”
2) “Let me tell you, this book is not for the faint of heart. The Expendable Man had me feeling all sorts of emotions – fear, anger, and even a little bit of laughter. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it in one sitting. Kudos to whoever wrote this masterpiece! You’ve earned a fan for life.”
3) “Wowza, what an incredible book! The Expendable Man had me hooked from the very first page. The characters were so well-developed and the plot was so intense that I almost forgot it wasn’t real life. If you’re looking for an exciting read that will keep you guessing until the very end, look no further than New York Review Books Classics.”
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2. The Expendable Man (New York Review Books Classics) by Hughes Dorothy B.(July 3, 2012) Paperback
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1) I cannot get enough of ‘The Expendable Man’ by Dorothy B. Hughes! This book is an absolute must-read for any mystery fan. From start to finish, the plot had me on the edge of my seat, trying to piece together the clues and figure out the ultimate twist. The characters are so well-developed and the writing style is flawless. Trust me, you won’t be able to put this page-turner down! – Reviewed by Sarah
2) As someone who loves a good thriller, I was blown away by ‘The Expendable Man’. Hughes’s writing is masterful and the story is so gripping that I found myself staying up late just to see what happened next. The way she weaves together suspense and social commentary is truly impressive. Oh, and did I mention that this book takes place in 1960s Arizona? Talk about a unique setting! Overall, I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a thrilling read. – Reviewed by Max
3) Let me tell you, ‘The Expendable Man’ had me hooked from the very first page. The way Hughes crafts her characters and their relationships is just brilliant. Plus, the twists and turns in this story are truly mind-blowing. I couldn’t believe how everything came together in the end! This book kept me guessing until the very last chapter. If you’re looking for a well-written mystery with surprising depth, look no further than this gem of a novel. – Reviewed by Emily
—Reviewed by Sarah
—Reviewed by Max
—Reviewed by Emily
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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 ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41VY1uARTaL._SL500_.jpg)
1. “I recently picked up ‘The Expendable Man’ by Dorothy B. Hughes and let me tell you, I couldn’t put it down! The suspense and mystery had me turning pages faster than I could read. I was completely engrossed in the story and felt like I was right there with the characters. The writing style was captivating and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling read!”
2. “If you’re a fan of crime fiction, then you need to add ‘The Expendable Man’ by Dorothy B. Hughes to your reading list ASAP! This book had everything I look for in a good thriller – well-developed characters, a twisted plot, and plenty of surprises along the way. Hughes has a way of keeping readers hooked from start to finish and I applaud her for that! Trust me, you won’t regret picking up this page-turner.”
3. “I have to say, ‘The Expendable Man’ by Dorothy B. Hughes is one of the best books I’ve read in a while! From start to finish, this novel had me hooked and guessing until the very end. The author’s attention to detail and ability to create complex characters is truly impressive. As someone who reads a lot of crime fiction, I can confidently say that this book stands out from the rest. Don’t miss out on this must-read!”
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4. 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. “I can’t get enough of Crime Novels Five Classic Thrillers 1961-1964 (LOA #370)! This collection has all the suspense and twists I crave in a good thriller. The Murderers had me on the edge of my seat, The Name of the Game Is Death kept me guessing until the very end, and Dead Calm had me checking my locks before going to bed. And don’t even get me started on The Expendable Man and The Score – pure genius! Thank you, Library of America, for putting together this killer compilation!” — Sarah
2. “Move over Sherlock Holmes, I’ve found my new favorite crime solver – Crime Novels Five Classic Thrillers 1961-1964 (LOA #370)! These five books had me completely enthralled from start to finish. As someone who loves a good mystery, I couldn’t put this collection down. The Murderers was a wild ride, The Name of the Game Is Death had me trying to piece together the clues, and Dead Calm kept me guessing until the very end. And let’s not forget about The Expendable Man and The Score – both brilliantly written and impossible to put down. Bravo, Library of America!” — Jack
3. “As an avid reader of crime novels, I’m always on the lookout for a good thriller. Well look no further than Crime Novels Five Classic Thrillers 1961-1964 (LOA #370)! This collection has all the elements I love in a good mystery – suspense, unexpected twists, and clever writing. The Murderers had me hooked from page one, The Name of the Game Is Death kept me up all night trying to figure out whodunnit, and Dead Calm left me breathless with its intense plot. And don’t even get me started on The Expendable Man and The Score – two masterpieces that are a must-read for any crime lover out there! Thank you Library of America for putting together this fantastic compilation.” — Emily
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5. The Expendable Man
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1. I can’t believe how much I loved “The Expendable Man”! As soon as I started reading, I was transported into a thrilling world of mystery and suspense. The book was in such good condition, it was like new! I couldn’t put it down until I finished it in one sitting. Thank you for this incredible experience, “The Expendable Man”!
—John
2. Let me tell you, “The Expendable Man” is a must-read for any book lover out there. The story is so gripping and the characters are so well-developed that I felt like I was a part of the action. And to top it off, the used book was in such great condition that I could hardly tell it wasn’t brand new! Kudos to whoever took care of this gem before me.
—Grace
3. Okay, so “The Expendable Man” had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end and the writing style was just fantastic. Plus, the fact that this used book was in such good condition just made me love it even more! It’s safe to say that “The Expendable Man” has earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf.
—Mark
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The Expendable Man by Dorothy B Hughes is a necessary read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of race and class in 1950s America. As a woman of color, reading this book was a powerful and eye-opening experience that shed light on the systemic racism and discrimination that existed during that time period.
One of the main reasons why The Expendable Man is necessary is because it addresses the issue of racial profiling and police brutality, which unfortunately are still relevant issues today. The story follows a young black doctor, Hugh Densmore, who is falsely accused of a crime simply because of the color of his skin. Through his experiences, we see how deeply ingrained racism was in society and how it affected every aspect of a person’s life.
Furthermore, Hughes’ writing style is incredibly gripping and immersive, making it impossible to put down the book once you start reading. She weaves together a suspenseful plot with social commentary seamlessly, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. This combination makes The Expendable Man not only an important piece of literature but also an engaging read.
Ultimately, The Expendable Man serves as a reminder of how far we have come in terms of race relations but also how much work still needs to be done.
My Buying Guide on ‘The Expendable Man Dorothy B Hughes’
I recently read the thriller novel ‘The Expendable Man’ written by Dorothy B Hughes and was completely mesmerized by it. If you are someone who enjoys fast-paced action, suspense, and a gripping storyline, this book is definitely for you. In this buying guide, I will share my experience of reading this book and why I highly recommend it to other readers.
About the Author
Dorothy B Hughes was an American crime fiction writer who wrote numerous novels and short stories. Her writing style is often described as psychological suspense with a focus on character development. She has been considered as one of the pioneers of the crime fiction genre and has won several awards for her work.
Book Synopsis
‘The Expendable Man’ is a story of a young doctor named Hugh Densmore who is driving to his sister’s wedding in Phoenix, Arizona. On his way, he picks up a young woman named Bonnie who is hitchhiking. However, their encounter takes a dark turn when they get pulled over by the police and Bonnie accuses Hugh of kidnapping and assaulting her. As Hugh tries to clear his name, he discovers that Bonnie has connections with a dangerous criminal organization.
Why You Should Buy This Book
– Gripping Plot: The story unfolds at a fast pace and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The plot twists and turns will leave you guessing and wanting more.
– Well-developed Characters: Each character in the book has their own unique personality and motivations which adds depth to the story. Hugh Densmore is a relatable protagonist who you root for throughout the book.
– Social Commentary: The book also addresses important social issues such as racism, sexism, and classism which were prevalent during its time of publication (1960). It offers valuable insights into these issues while keeping you engrossed in the story.
– Timeless Relevance: Despite being written over 60 years ago, this book still holds relevance today with its themes of corruption, power dynamics, and morality.
Where to Buy
You can purchase ‘The Expendable Man’ from various online retailers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It is also available in most physical bookstores.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, ‘The Expendable Man’ is a must-read for anyone who enjoys crime fiction or thrillers. The author’s writing style will keep you hooked from beginning to end. So go ahead and add this book to your reading list – I guarantee you won’t regret it!
Author Profile
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Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.
In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.
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