The seventh Mickey Spillane novel to feature private investigator Mike Hammer, but undoubtedly his best - the author himself was even so enamoured with his own work that he portrayed the protagonist in the 1963 film of the same name. The hugely-successful Spillane loved penning crime novels, and this one features Hammer seven years after his last case - having turned to drink following the disappearance of his assistant Velda. When his old acquaintance Captain Pat Chambers requests Hammer's assistance on a job, the private detective comes out of retirement to try and find the killer of a Senator and the person who shot sailor Richie Cole. With the trail leading to a beautiful and seductive woman, Hammer must be careful not to be enchanted by her before he gets the answers he is looking for. Furthermore, this book should also be read just so you can experience the payoff line "Hell, I never hit dames... I always kick 'em" in all its glory.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
The seventh Mickey Spillane novel to feature private investigator Mike Hammer, but undoubtedly his best - the author himself was even so enamoured with his own work that he portrayed the protagonist in the 1963 film of the same name. The hugely-successful Spillane loved penning crime novels, and this one features Hammer seven years after his last case - having turned to drink following the disappearance of his assistant Velda. When his old acquaintance Captain Pat Chambers requests Hammer's assistance on a job, the private detective comes out of retirement to try and find the killer of a Senator and the person who shot sailor Richie Cole. With the trail leading to a beautiful and seductive woman, Hammer must be careful not to be enchanted by her before he gets the answers he is looking for. Furthermore, this book should also be read just so you can experience the payoff line "Hell, I never hit dames... I always kick 'em" in all its glory.