A Review of Frenzy of Evil by Henry Kane

This was my first time reading anything by Henry Kane and I definitely see myself reading more from him in the future. So, let’s get right into this novel and meet Jonathan Joseph Carson aka Jonathan Joe, an older successful married lawyer who is newly married to Dolores, a much younger woman who could be his granddaughter.

Well, we can all see where this is headed. Yes, husband has jealous rages, beats young woman who then finds a lover whom she hopes will save her, but not before husband devises a plan to murder him. Despite the fact this was written over fifty years ago, the formula still works today.

I loved the twists and turns of this novel especially showing folks are loyal to those who they work for. Also, how far someone would go to frame someone else and quiet those who can point a finger at them. The dialogue was great and the scenes were very descriptive. A must read if you are a fan of suspenseful noir novels.

Two thumbs up!

Here are my favorite lines:

Kelly said, “Your gun, your paper, your motive, your unequivocal threat, your lying denials to me, plus my facts—incontrovertible technical evidence…you’re the lawyer, Joe…you know even better than I do…”

            Jonathan Joseph Carson was silent.

“Reenactment is easy,” said Kelly. “A hot-blooded man with a young wife, crazed by jealousy. Takes gun and sheet of paper and goes off horseback riding to murder. Comes to shack and finds Haines there with Mason. Goes around to the rear and, peeking through window, waits. Mason leaves. He enters by rear door, contrives to do the job, and goes home. That’s my story. Any rebuttal?”

“What do you want?” said Jonathan Joseph Carson.

“Rebuttal?” said Sam Kelly.

Carson shook his head. “What do you want, Sam?”

“If you mean by that a bribe, no.”

“I’m very rich, Sam.”

Rating: 4 stars