35 pages • 1 hour read
James M. CainDouble Indemnity
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1936A 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
Super Short Summary
In James M. Cain's Double Indemnity, insurance agent Walter Huff is seduced by Phyllis Nirdlinger into a plot to murder her husband for a $50,000 insurance payout, utilizing a clause that doubles the policy’s value for accidental deaths. The scheme sets off a chain of deception, betrayal, and murder, with Huff growing paranoid as suspicions arise and his relationship with Phyllis deteriorates. Double Indemnity includes suicide, violence, murder, substance abuse, derogatory views on body size, and prejudiced views on women and racial minorities.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Double Indemnity by James M. Cain is often praised for its tight, suspenseful narrative and gritty realism, capturing the essence of noir fiction. Critics highlight its sharp, engaging prose and complex characters. However, some find the plot predictable and the moral ambiguity troubling. Overall, it's a compelling read but may not appeal to all tastes.
Who Should Read Double Indemnity?
A reader who enjoys taut, suspenseful narratives with morally complex characters will find Double Indemnity by James M. Cain captivating. Fans of The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett or The Postman Always Rings Twice by Cain himself will appreciate its gritty, fast-paced plot and hardboiled style.