Nightmare Alley was written and set in America during the Depression, where people suffered from poverty, unemployment and loss. Times were hard and they grasped at any sign of hope that things would get better. Travelling carnivals were popular and offered cheap entertainment and employment for many people and this is where this book opens.

There is some detail in the type of acts that appear in the 'carny', such as circus freaks (referred to as 'geeks'), psychics, magic shows and so on, but all is not as it seems. The protagonist learns that there fraudulent methods involved and he becomes very skilled at conning people. Eventually he decides to leave the carnival and set himself up as a spiritualist minister involved with seances and contacting the dead. His aim is make money immorally and illegally.

Quite late in the book he meets up with a psychologist who has a profound effect on him. At the time of Freudian theories, the psychologist suggests that he has 'father-figure' issues, amongst other things. However, she is as morally ambiguous as he is.

​This is a very dark book about hope, fear, deceit, guilt, power and greed, and how far people will go to exploit others in order to feed ambition. There is an unusual chapter heading pattern of using tarot cards for each of the chapters with a brief description of the card's meaning - and it is not irrelevant. The book is written in the third person mainly from the protagonist's perspective, but sometimes from others, which adds an extra dimension but would have been clearer if they were in different chapters.

An hallucinogenic and horrific journey down a nightmare alley indeed. Recommended those who enjoy the power of mind-twisting reads and know that what we see depends on what we're looking for. A true noir ending too.

Good old pulpy pulp. It takes a short while to adjust your head to Nightmare Alley's directness, how it drifts in and out of the viewpoint of its lead characters so that we both understand their motivations and are still left surprised by their actions. And this is a cabinet of horrors, from the chicken heard biting off carnival geek to the fake spiritualist act, down to the femme fatale that made this a natural for adapting to a Film Noir (and Del Toro's versions too). The problem such film versions have is that said femme fatale only really turns up in the last third, and in many ways the die is already cast - from the minute the concept of the Nightmare Alley is broached early on, the shape of this tragedy is set.

That said its not as if getting there isn't a whole world of fun. Gresham dresses this up in all sorts of clothes (he has the tarot as chapter headings for example) and he has a knack with quick backstory. I've seen whole books devoted to things he breezes through in pages, Geek Love did the delve in to carnivals, and a number of novels have used cold reading techniques and codes at the heart of it. The book drips with cynicism, everyone is a sucker - not least the man taking them for a ride - so it is interesting that it actually has some time for the psychologist near the end (or if not he psychologist, it has time for psychology). There is a lot of pleasure in seeing the various scams being deconstructed, though by the time we get to the rigged haunted house you can see how the whole thing would fall apart. But its great fun as a grubby, grimy rise and fall.

Nightmare Alley is superior pulp from the thirties and perhaps its two film versions have elevated it slightly, but the writing really is very propulsive and direct. A cautionary tale with electrocuted ladies and tattooed men, and happy to show that all classes are ready to be taken for their money. I can see why it attracted interest in being adapted (the title alone is genius), but despite the arresting visuals the book offers film, I wonder if either will quite capture the sense of desperation and impending tragedy that the book pounds into the reader. Definately worth two hours of your time.

I can see why this is being made into a film, because the period setting in the 'carney' will probably be brilliant on the big screen. But the book is a tough read, jumping around at the start and then eventually settling into a rhythm. This one sadly not for me, but I think others might love it.

I had never heard of this book before, but when recently at the cinema I saw a trailer for the film adaptation that is coming out in the new year, I really wanted to read the book.
However, I really struggled with the book. I found the writing a little too whimsical for me, and the pacing was really slow. The chapters start with a tarot card that is very loosely focussed on the next stage in the plot, but it didn't always link, so felt a bit tedious at times.

Overall I found this book rather dull, and I struggled with Gresham's writing style. The premise of the book still excites me, so will probably still see the film adaptation - hopefully it grips me more than the book did!

My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Raven Books for a review copy via NetGalley of ‘Nightmare Alley’ by William Lindsay Gresham in exchange for an honest review.

The novel was originally published in 1946. This 2021 edition accompanies the film adaptation by Guillermo del Toro.

The Introduction by James Smythe examines Gresham’s life and provides background on the novel, including how after a long period out of print it has been rediscovered and reassessed. ‘Nightmare Alley’ is now considered a classic of noir fiction. This additional information enabled me to better appreciate the novel.

‘Nightmare Alley’ opens with Stanton (Stan) Carlisle, who is employed as a carny at a travelling circus, watching their freak-show geek, an alcoholic who is the object of the voyeuristic crowd’s gleeful disgust and derision. Stan wonders how a man could fall so low and vows that there is no way in hell that anything like that will ever happen to him….

After learning all he feels he can from other carnival acts, Stan leaves behind his circus days. He takes with him Molly, a beautiful and vulnerable young woman. He reinvents himself as a successful spiritualist and exploits his wealthy clients. No further details to avoid spoilers though as the publishers’ summary says: ‘But even the very best con men can meet their match....’

I was quickly able to appreciate why ‘Nightmare Alley’ is considered a classic. I was also intrigued by Gresham’s use of the Tarot. Each of its 22 chapters opens with an image of the Greater Arcana, using the popular Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Gresham doesn’t stick to the traditional order and I felt that the allocation of the cards were linked to Stan’s journey.

As a long time enthusiast of noir fiction this was perfection. I found it compelling, dark, and disturbing. Despite the inclusion of the Tarot and spiritualism, there are no supernatural aspects. Yet it can be considered as psychological horror.

‘Nightmare Alley’ is a novel that I am likely to reread in order to better appreciate its multiple layers and to consider in more depth how the Tarot has been used as a narrative tool.

Highly recommended for those seeking a classic experience of authentic noir fiction.

Did not finish. I am struggling with this one. Found it hard to get into. I will come back to it and try again at a later date.

Alas, I was one of those that fell into the trap of thinking a book that is in the process of becoming a major film, a film that has 4 Oscars and another 15 Nominations between the Lead Actor, Supporting Actress and Director alone (I’m assuming their roles of course) would be a good read.

Well, let me tell you, I was exceptionally disappointed. I really really tried to get into it. I battled through the first couple of chapters, struggling to follow the chaotic disjointed prose. Then I kind of managed to get used to the narrative, but still found it lacking in any rhythm or appeal going forward. Honestly, I tried my best, I read up until 67% (that’s two thirds I tell you) and eventually had to concede to failure (this is only the 2nd time ever that I have had an DNF, the last being in 2017).

Yes I know, if I appreciated vintage cult classic noir with a carny taint I would have loved it and given it 6 out of 5 stars. And yes, maybe it was my fault that I picked up a book that wasn’t suited to my tastes (which I thought were pretty diverse). Regardless, I need to review the book honestly, and the honest truth is that I wish I could have that 67% of time back.

Having said that, 67% (yes, I’m bringing it up again) is enough time to have a good opinion on how brilliantly translated into film this book will be (or not).

I loved the themes of tarot and spirituality throughout the book but unfortunately, neither the dialogue, characters or overall plotline grabbed my attention.

I enjoyed reading this book, but was at loss as to why it was being reissued now, 60 odd years from its first publication. Then I read that a film was being released next year.
It is not the best or worst noir I have read, the background of carnies, femme fatales, spiritualism and confidence trickery was well written and fascinating, but the occasional florid section rather detracted from the whole.
It was only that it should end where it began

Stanton Carlisle learns his trade at a travelling circus but he has big dreams and is willing* to do anything to achieve his goals.
Dark and often moody novel. We experience just how manipulative Stan can be to gain the trust of his victims as he continues his quest for fame and fortune.
Will his future be as great as he thinks? Read and find out.

Hard to follow at first, but then I found myself enjoying it. However, as it neared the end, I found it hard to follow again. I think it would make a good film and I'm looking forward to comparing it.

Welcome to the ten in one travelling freak-show.


Stan a young magician, honing his carny skills. Falls in with the clairvoyant, after accidentally killing off the other half of the show. Learning how to work the crowd, and pass on elicit information through a series of predesigned tells.



Stan has learnt all he could from the carny circuit, and deeides to go it 'alone'. Leaving with Molly, who was front and centre for a short while. They start by conning an old lady out of her house.

Stan decides to 'rig' the house. Becomes a Spiritual Priest and starts over on his own. Looking for that one big 'mark' that will set him up for life.


The book, is well written, and the characters are strong and well defined. The plot is believable, and the whole thing flows effortlessly. You are drawn into Stan's fight for money, and his charisma, as he can talk himself out if most situations.


Well worth a read as it documents post the stock market crash of the late 1920's


Status: Completed

Rating 4.6/5.0

Dark, disturbing, sometimes confusing but very cleverly written as the story goes full circle and the ending brings you all the way back to the beginning.

Stanton Carlisle is very clever, but takes from life and the people he encounters as much as he can and is always on the look out for a "mark".

Not an easy read, but I am glad I have read it and look forward to seeing the film.

I was given a copy of Nightmare Alley by NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

This is such a deep, dark and disturbing read, focusing upon the human mind, and the depths to which some people are willing to sink in order to achieve success.
Set in Depression era America, it tells the tale of Stan, who is working at a Carny, a freak show, full of those who have been rejected by society. The workers have varied abilities, fake psychics, palm readers and fortune tellers, who use Tarot cards.
If you lift this veil of mystery, this is a dark story of a man, who desires a married woman, kills in order to achieve this, but then becomes too greedy, and wants fame and fortune, because, he is better than all those he sees around him. He manipulates a young innocent to join him, changes tack , becomes a spiritualist minister, and embarks upon a whole new group of people to deceive.
What goes around comes back to haunt this man, for once , we have a book ending that shouts’ In your face, sucker!’ Redemption and justice bring a proud man back to his roots.
This book tells the story via Tarot cards. As each card is described, that relates to the struggles and experiences that Stan is becoming a victim to. It’s unusual, but works really well as a story telling device. I never mess with such things now, a séance I attended in the 1970’s persuaded me to leave these things well alone!!
I’m intrigued by the idea of a film being made. I find the success of these books depend hugely upon one’s imagination, how to covey the bleakness, misery and cruelty, without scaring off the audience will be difficult. I had the greatest lump in my throat towards the end of this book, concerning the abandoned dog, he was briefly given the hope of friendship, only to be cruelly dismissed, having recently lost my pooch, I am perhaps over sensitive to animal cruelty, however humans suffer abuse in this novel as well.
I did enjoy this book. I was fascinated by the device of Tarot cards, and thought they made the story hum! There weren’t many likeable characters, but they all were instructive of how human nature and desires can be manipulated.
My thanks go to Netgalley and the publishers, Bloomsbury PLC and Raven books for my ARC, in return for my honest, unsolicited review. I have given this five stars, and genuinely look forward to the film. I will post this to Goodreads and other outlets.

Stanton Carlisle, employed as a carny at a travelling circus watches their freak-show geek - an abject alcoholic, the object of the voyeuristic crowd's gleeful disgust and derision - and wonders how a man could fall so low. There's no way in hell, he vows, that anything like that will ever happen to him.
Unlike the tragic figure he sees before him, Stan is young, clever and ambitious and quick to learn from the other carnival acts. Initially teaming up with a beautiful but vulnerable woman as part of a double act in which he mesmerises her, Stan soon leaves his circus days behind him, becoming a successful spiritualist who exploits the weak and the wealthy.
But even the very best con-men can meet their match....

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.

Personally found it difficult to read and hard to follow. The pace seemed haphazard, jumping some parts of the storyline and then being extremely slow in others. Occasionally I was left confused at the jump and felt like I had somehow skipped a chapter or two. I wouldn’t necessarily say this was a thriller or horror, but could see the potential. Psychological, dark and deep in places.

Considering how old this book is, it did not seem dated and has aged well. I thought the writing was really good in places and very descriptive with a lot of excellent imagery. Although, that made it longer than it needed to be and more emphasis could have been placed on the characters and story line.

I can definitely see this being an excellent film and look forward to watching it. I knew which character Bradley Cooper would be playing not too far into the book (only knowing he was involved in the film and not who he was cast as). Without having seen the film, if it turns out the be good, I will probably say just watch the film.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ), Raven Books and William Lindsay Gresham for this book and the chance to review.

A clever, charismatic individual longs for everything and anything outside his reach. A belief in his self worth and entitlement leads him from a dysfunctional broken home to what he imagines is the exotic life and opportunities waiting for him by working in the carnival. Quick to both see and grab opportunities, wether that be skills and trickery to hoodwink punters or the desire for girls and women already in relationships with his fellow workmates, his so called friends. What follows is treachery, deceit, and decadence all forming the career path of an immoral highly corrupt individual. We the reader follow his journey from a grateful nobody to a conniving evil master in the art of mind reading, fortune telling and magical allusions. Each character is exquisitely drawn with every individual having an eclectic mix of idiosyncrasies expected from circus and carnival stalwarts. The chief protagonist , an arrogant boastful yet fallible individual leads the action with each chapter headlined using tarot cards to signify direction of plot. A totally unusual storyline, if not in the trajectory the story follows, certainly in the setting and accurate research and knowledge bringing to life the trials, tribulations and hardships of a travellers life.in what appears to be a hand to mouth existence of carnival life. Many thanks to author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read, enjoy and review this unconventional, innovational ARC.

What a fantastically written novel.
It's a very dark noir and can be a little bit confusing at times but bear with it as it is a masterful piece of writing.
Set amongst the carnival world around America it sets the scene of not just what people see and believe but the true identity of the 'magic ' behind the idea of what life is really like.
Its about time that this book has come back into life again.
Not for the faint hearted and it will stay with you for along time after you finish reading it.

The dark and surreal world of the travelling circus/carnival in 1940s America. I can see why this is being made into a film and I've very much looking forward to seeing it as I enjoyed the book.
Not an easy read, depressing and disturbing but nevertheless, a great read.

Before I review I will say I really enjoyed this book ,once I'd got into it.
It is set in the early 20th century around a group of people in a touring Carney ?(carnival).
Most of the story is of Stan and Molly. Stan is a magician who learns all the tricks of the trade from the others and then refines them to make more money. Molly joins the group as an orphan after her father dies when she is sixteen. They team up and leave and make their fortunes elsewhere. The trials and tribulations of them follow.