Here's a review of Asphalt Jungle by way of introducing this
month's book:
NB: NO REAL SPOILER IN REVIEW ...
The Asphalt Jungle by W. R. Burnett, Prion, £5.99
William Riley Burnett authored some 36 gangster novels,
including the classics Little Caesar (1929) and High Sierra
(1940). The Asphalt Jungle, first published in 1949, tells
the story of a half-million dollar jewellery heist which
develops complications. In forty short chapters spanning 230
pages, the novel develops over a series of atmospheric
scenes. Despite its huge cast of characters, the reader is
drawn into the story of Emmerich, Reimenschneider, Gus,
Schemer, and Dix.
Reimenschneider, just released from prison, has plans for a
heist, but needs the financial backing of Emmerich, a rich
and powerful lawyer. Emmerich, however, has troubles of his
own, which he seeks to resolve with the help of a crooked
private detective. Dix, 'an out of work heavy' who despises
the grubby city and his city-girl, Doll, and yearns to go
home to the country, provides the muscle. Schemer, who dreams
of a settled home life with his innocent wife and their baby
son, will perform the break-in. Gus, a hamburger flipper, who
is 'A number 1 with all the big boys' and knows enough of
what's going on in the city 'to blow the whole administration
out of City Hall', is the driver.
Tensions develop as preparations are made for a robbery that
each member of the gang hopes will change his fortunes. The
planning unfolds against a backdrop of rumour, suspicion and
double dealing. When things don't go according to plan, each
man must find his own way of escaping.
Eddie Duggan
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