Henry Kane is best known for his private eye series (1947-1972) featuring Peter Chambers in 19 novels. But Henry Kane was a versatile writer. He wrote scripts for NBC’s Peter Gunn and 60 novels. Frenzy of Evil (1963) is one of Henry Kane’s stand-alone novels. The plot revolves around a group of friends who all harbor secrets. Successful lawyer Jonathan Joseph Carson hides the biggest secret: he abuses women. Carson’s new wife is in her 20s–40 years younger than he is. And, of course, secrets have a way of leaking out. Someone in Carson’s group decides that murder might be the best solution to Carson’s spousal abuse. If you’re looking for a psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns, check out Frenzy of Evil–another classic STARK HOUSE BLACK GAT book! GRADE: B+
Stark House is definitely publishing some good books that were long unavailable. Kane is not a favorite of mine, but it sounds more interesting than the series.
Jeff, I’ve enjoyed all the stand-alone Henry Kane novels better than his P. I. series.
Henry Kane’s MY DARLING EVANGELINE is an outstanding read.
Dan, I’m hoping STARK HOUSE reprints Kane’s MY DARLING EVANGELINE, too.
Coincidentally, I happened to be watching some DVD’s of an early television series, Martin Kane Private Eye, and noticed Kane wrote the scripts for a few of the episodes. One episode, A Crooner is Murdered, had some great slangy, hardboiled dialogue and a sleazy nightclub milieu.
You can find that episode here:
https://www.oldies.com/product-view/5013D.html
Brian, thanks for the link! I’ll definitely watch it!