Description

Selected by Charlie Higson for Between the Covers

A classic crime novel from ‘the best suspense writer going, bar none’ New York Times

‘Fantastic … in my book Jim Thompson is still the greatest crime writer’ Jo Nesbo

‘Jim Thompson holds a special place in my heart’ Bruce Springsteen

Nick Corey likes being the high sheriff of Potts County. But Nick has a few problems that he needs to deal with: like his loveless marriage, the pimps who torment him, the honest man who is running against him in the upcoming elections and the women who adore him.

And it turns out that Nick isn’t anything like as amiable, easy-going or as slow as he seems. He’s as sly, brutal and corrupt as they come.

Publisher Review

I don't read many books twice but Jim Thompson novels - due to their concise, dirty power, their relentless violence and purity - can always draw me in for a second time. Some of the most psychological crime writing ever done. I love James M Cain and Elmore Leonard but Jim Thompson holds a special place in my heart. -- Bruce Springsteen