Like A Hole In The Head

This novel tells the tale of human frailties in face of greed. Chase also explores the changing human relationships in face of odds. Although the plot is thin, the depiction of characters and their traits is impressive .

James Hadley Chase is famous for flawless plotting and surprising twists and turns until the very last few pages of his suspense novels. If that's what you're after in books, _Like a Hole in the Head_ delivers like few others. Although many people dream of living in warm climates such as those in Florida and California, Chase -- despite being English -- manages to convincingly depict them as nightmares, so by the time you finish reading _Like a Hole in the Head_, you will likely find the prospect of a holiday in hot sun in a beach community slightly sickening. To quote from Chapter 8: "Spluttering, I surfaced, tearing weeds and water-lily leaves from my face. I was up to my waist in the warm, stinking water. My feet sank into the mud of the canal bottom, like wet concrete, and I found myself trapped." At the same time, the story depicted here is a bit banal and belief-defying; it swarms with Latin-American mafiosi, creating an unwittingly comical effect at times. There is no depth in characters; they are mere sketches, in that the action keeps galloping ahead at a breathless pace. That makes the book a very easy read, of course. But, despite the lack of depth, Chase nicely integrates moral dilemmas into the action, with a wonderful climax and moral choice to be made towards the very end. The conclusion to be drawn from the outcome is as pessimistic as can be: money rules the world; moral conduct doesn't pay; sexual attraction is delusional. The final scenes in Chapter 9 with the story's narrator climbing to absurd heights are as bombastic as any James Bond movie: "The next stage of the climb took me to the overhanging arm of the crane which brought me level with the penthouse and its flat roof. Black clouds now crawled across the face of the moon and blotted out the penthouse just below me. --- When I reached the arm of the crane I rested again. I saw a streak of distant lightning break the darkness of the clouds." Overall, reading the book is a pleasant if not remarkable experience.

To the reader who asked about where Chase books are available. I grew up in India and in my youth spent many happy hours reading Chase books borrowed from an Uncle who had the complete collection. In fact he had "Cade" half open on his in his hands and a beatific smile on his face when he passed on.As far as I know Chase books are still available in many of the older book stores in many Indian metros. If you can't find it in the bigger stores second-hand book stores will definitely be able to offer you the complete selection.

JAMES HADLEY CHASE IS THE BEST THERE IS A LEGEND

The plot was well orchestrated from page one.

Man, this guy is a great writer. This is what it's all about....a rip-roaring tale that grips you from the first page and doesn't let go with characters to die for. Could't put it down....MAGNIFICENT!

The story was moving fast. It was gripping and I was hoping for some sniper action till the very end. Alas it was complete disappointment. The end was worst then I ever thought it would be. Worst book by Chase.

Classic Hadley Chase. Quite engaging. I could visualize in my mind's eye all of the actions which has always been my attraction to Chase's books. He is very descriptive.However bad things happen to good people in the story. What is the essence of reading fiction if not to escape the seeming evil in the world to a fantasy world where everything ends up well at the end? But when I encounter as much unfairness in my fantasy world as I do in the real world, then it's deflating.