Like a .... in the Head . Review on Like A Hole In The Head - James Hadley Chase

James hadley chase is an acclaimed mystery story teller. He has been rated as king of all thriller writers by many reviewists. Like a ole in the Head is one of his masterpieces which is set in his favourite paradise city.

The principle characters are

Jay Benson Ex –Army range Instructor who wants to be rich and is easily influenced by money.

Lucy Benson Mrs. Benson Very good looking, shy lady with full of warmth and caution .

Augusto Savanto Boss of the Little brothers organization in venezuella, wants to keep his supremacy by whatever means possible.

Timoteo savanto Augusto’s son though has crime in his blood, loves peace.

Raimundo and Carlo hench men of Augusto who is taking care of his organization

Tom Lapski Detective

Jay Benson has recently purchased a school of shooting. from Nick Lewis. After 3 months he is convinced that there is no scope running the school. He is worried about what he has to do with the school to make it profitable.

One day Mr Augusto savanto comes to his schools and offers him 50000 dollars to make his son Timoteo a crack shot in Nine days. The reason given by him is that he has a bet with one of his rich fellows for 500000 dollars to show that his son can hit a moving object. Short of money and eager to own 50000 dollars Mr. Benson agrees to the job and tells Mr. Augusto that his son should stay with this for nine days and he should think of only shooting and nothing else during this period.

After observing for two days Mr. Benson is convinced that nothing can make Timoteo a good shooter. Mean while his wife Lucy gets closer with Timoteo. He handles him with care and understanding where as Mr Benson approaches him with his military rules. Mr. Benson wants to have meeting with Augusto to tell him that his son can never be a good shooter. During the meeting the stakes get higher and Benson is offered 2 lakhs to take the place of Timoteo. It is told to benson that Augustos, nephew Diaz has raped and murdered the girl friend of Timoteo and the tribal rule says that Timoteo has to take revenge by killing Diaz. Benson flatly refuses the offer and walks away , but Augusto tells him that his wife will not be in his home as she has been shifted to other place.

The story takes a sharp turn from here. what happens to lucy? Whether benson manages to free her? What happens to the revenge Act? read the novel to get the thrill.

The novel is very pacy, you can never put down once you star it.

One of the best by Chase