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

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.

"The best suspense writer going bar none" - NEW YORK TIMES

"Jim Thompson must be ranked in the top bracket. I strongly urge you not to miss one of his books" - NEW YORK SUNDAY TIMES

"If Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Cornell Woolrich would have joined together in some ungodly union and produced a literary offspring Jim Thompson would be it ... His work casts a dazzling light on the human condition" - WASHINGTON POST

"The master of the American groin-kick novel" - VANITY FAIR

"One of the finest American writers and the most frightening, Thompson is on best terms with the devil. Read Jim Thompson and take a tour of hell" - NEW REPUBLIC