Tiger by the Tail

Tiger by the Tail follows Ken Holland, a banker whose single night of indiscretion spirals into a dangerous web of murder and criminal intrigue. After visiting a call girl named Fay Carson at his friend's suggestion, Holland becomes entangled in a homicide investigation when Carson is found dead in her apartment. The story unfolds in California against a backdrop of corrupt politics and competing law enforcement agencies. Lieutenant Adams and Sergeant Donovan pursue the case while navigating the complex power dynamics between Police Commissioner Howard and Captain Motley. The novel tracks Holland's desperate attempts to protect himself as he becomes caught between gangsters, police investigators, and politicians with their own agendas. Chase's narrative examines the intersecting worlds of law enforcement, organized crime, and local politics in 1950s America. This crime thriller explores themes of loyalty, consequence, and the price of moral compromise in a society where personal weakness can lead to devastating outcomes. The story serves as a cautionary tale about how a single poor choice can set off an unstoppable chain of events.

Readers describe Tiger by the Tail as a fast-paced pulp noir thriller with predictable plot points. Most found it a quick, entertaining read despite its formulaic nature. Likes: - Snappy dialogue and hard-boiled writing style - Short chapters maintain momentum - Clear, uncomplicated storytelling - The San Francisco setting details Dislikes: - Shallow character development - Plot twists seen as obvious - Dated attitudes toward women - Some find the ending rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (142 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (37 ratings) Notable Reader Comments: "Classic Chase - not his best but delivers what his fans expect" - Goodreads review "The definition of airport paperback entertainment" - Amazon review "Shows its age but still a fun noir throwback" - LibraryThing review Multiple readers note this book serves as a good introduction to Chase's work but doesn't rank among his standout titles.

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler Philip Marlowe's investigation of a blackmail case draws him into a complex web of murder and corruption in 1930s Los Angeles.

Double Indemnity by James M. Cain An insurance salesman's involvement with a femme fatale leads to murder and an intricate criminal scheme in California.

The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain A drifter's affair with a married woman sets off a chain of events involving murder and betrayal in a California roadside diner.

The Little Sister by Raymond Chandler Private detective Philip Marlowe becomes entangled in Hollywood corruption while investigating a case of blackmail and murder.

Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye by Horace McCoy A criminal's rise and fall in the California underworld involves corrupt police, politicians, and a series of betrayals.

🔍 Chase wrote over 90 novels, most under various pseudonyms, selling around 50 million copies worldwide 🌍 Despite setting many of his novels in America, Chase rarely visited the U.S. and researched locations primarily using maps and reference books 📚 "Tiger by the Tail" exemplifies the noir fiction boom of the 1950s, when hardboiled crime novels dominated American pulp literature 🎭 Chase's real name was René Lodge Brabazon Raymond, and he worked as a book wholesaler before becoming an author 🎬 His works inspired numerous international film adaptations, particularly in France and India, where his novels enjoyed massive popularity