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Book Summary:

“Like a Hole in the Head” is a gripping crime novel centered around the world of deception, blackmail, and murderclassic territory for James Hadley Chase.

The story follows Ken Holland, a former war hero who has settled into a mundane job as a hotel receptionist in a small town. His quiet life is disrupted when he gets entangled with a seductive and manipulative woman named Rita, who draws him into a dangerous scheme involving blackmail, stolen money, and eventually murder.

What seems like an opportunity for quick money soon spirals out of control. Holland finds himself deep in a web of lies, betrayal, and criminal pursuit. As the plot progresses, trust becomes a rare commodity, and Holland must decide how far hes willing to go to escape the mess he’s inalive.

The novel features Chases trademark style: sharp dialogue, fast-paced narrative, morally ambiguous characters, and a cynical view of human nature. It explores themes like greed, temptation, and the destructive power of desire.

About the Author:

• Real Name: Ren Brabazon Raymond

• Born: December 24, 1906, London, England

• Died: February 6, 1985, Lausanne, Switzerland

• Nationality: British

James Hadley Chase was a prolific British writer best known for his crime thrillers, often set in the United States despite him never having lived there. He was heavily influenced by American pulp fiction and writers like Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett.

Chase wrote over 90 novels, many of which were bestsellers and adapted into films. His breakout novel, “No Orchids for Miss Blandish” (1939), was controversial for its violence but remains one of his most famous works.

He used multiple pseudonyms, including Raymond Marshall, James L. Docherty, and Ambrose Grant. His writing is known for tight plots, morally complex characters, and gritty realism. Although often dismissed by literary critics, he enjoyed immense commercial success, especially in Europe and India.