The New York TrilogyThe New York Trilogy
Score Classic
What it's about
Three interconnected novels that borrow the elements of detective fiction to create something new. In each, a search for clues leads to strange coincidences, and the simple act of following a man becomes a deeper inquiry into what it means to be human.
Why it's worth reading
It's on the Guardian's list of 1,000 novels everyone must read. It's bold, stark and hard to put down.
You'll love it if you liked
City of Glass
Ficciones
The Talented Mr. RipleyGood to know
Don't expect the mysteries to be solved in the usual way.
By the numbers
- Readers44 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics30 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller24 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #387 of the 623 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #671 of the 924 classics we rank
- #2124 of the 3,057 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Gripping, Thought-provoking, Moving
More by Paul Auster
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Deliverance
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The Secret History
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The Secret AdversaryExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →Quick answers
Is The New York Trilogy worth reading?
Yes. It's on the Guardian's list of 1,000 novels everyone must read. It ranks #2,124 of the 3,057 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 63.9 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The New York Trilogy about?
Three interconnected novels that borrow the elements of detective fiction to create something new. In each, a search for clues leads to strange coincidences, and the simple act of following a man becomes a deeper inquiry into what it means to be human.
How long does it take to read The New York Trilogy?
About 8 hours (308 pages), or about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The New York Trilogy?
If you liked it, try City of Glass by Paul Auster, Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges or The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith.




















