I love a book's ability to transport me to other worlds. Here are some good stories to get you in a Manhattan mindset--whether you're planning a trip or just wanting a mental escape to the concrete jungle.
Cover Story, by Susan Rigetti: This novel, clearly inspired by Anna Delvey, is clever indeed. It follows the twisted friendship and work relationship between a young aspiring writer and Cat, a mysterious and mercurial mentor. Told principally through a diary, it's part thriller, part guilty pleasure. Pay close attention at the end--you might miss the twist!
The Alienist, by Caleb Carr: Set in 1896, this book follows the pursuit of a serial killer amidst the birth of psychoanalysis. I love it because, not only is it a mystery and thriller, it weaves actual historical figures--such as Theodore Roosevelt and J.P. Morgan--into the narrative.
The Interpretation of Murder, by Jed Rubenfeld: Quite similar to The Alienist, this novel trails Sigmund Freud and an American psychoanalyst as they track down a killer in 1909 New York City.
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald: This is an obvious one, but I still had to mention. Long a favorite of English lit classes, this story follows the intersections of several lives amidst Jazz Age New York. (Fun fact: next cat I get I'm going to name Jay Catsby!)
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