This Man Is Dangerous

FBI agent Lemmy Caution takes center stage in this 1936 thriller, the first of Peter Cheyney's ten-book series about the no-nonsense investigator. The novel launched Cheyney's career as a full-time writer after its commercial success. The story follows Caution as he pursues criminals through a web of deception and danger in the criminal underworld. His investigation leads him through seedy establishments and high society alike as he works to uncover the truth. The book established many of the hallmark elements that would define the Lemmy Caution series, including hard-boiled dialogue and fast-paced action sequences. It was later adapted into a 1953 French film starring Eddie Constantine. The novel helped define the emerging American-style tough-guy detective genre in British fiction, blending elements of noir with a distinctly English sensibility. Its exploration of morality in a corrupt world resonated with readers in the pre-war period.

Readers describe this as a fast-paced hardboiled detective novel that unabashedly imitates American noir fiction. The book maintains its entertainment value despite some dated 1930s elements. Readers appreciate: - The quick pace and action sequences - British take on American detective noir style - Lead character Lemmy Caution's tough-guy persona - Period-specific slang and dialogue Common criticisms: - Heavy use of American slang by British author feels forced - Plot relies on coincidences - Character development lacks depth - Writing style can be choppy Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (47 ratings) Amazon UK: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) One Goodreads reviewer noted "The attempt at hard-boiled American detective fiction by an English writer is sometimes awkward but entertaining." An Amazon reviewer commented "Pure pulp fiction entertainment, though not as polished as Chandler or Hammett."

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler A private detective navigates the criminal underworld of 1930s Los Angeles while investigating a case of blackmail and murder.

The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett A San Francisco detective becomes entangled in the hunt for a jewel-encrusted statue while dealing with duplicitous clients and dangerous criminals.

Poison Ivy by Peter O'Donnell A female secret agent pursues a ruthless killer through post-war Europe in a race to prevent an international conspiracy.

Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler A missing persons case leads a hard-boiled detective through the dark streets of Bay City and into a web of corruption and murder.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang by James Dark A British secret agent tracks down a network of assassins while uncovering a plot that threatens global security.

🔍 FBI agent Lemmy Caution became so popular in France that actor Eddie Constantine played the character in 12 different French films between 1953 and 1991. 🖋️ Despite being British, Peter Cheyney wrote his American detective characters using stylized American slang he learned primarily from watching Hollywood movies. 🌟 The novel's success helped establish the "British Noir" movement, bridging the gap between American hard-boiled fiction and traditional British detective stories. 👮 Before becoming an author, Cheyney worked in 18 different jobs, including being a police officer and a war correspondent during WWI. 🎬 Jean-Luc Godard's influential 1965 sci-fi film "Alphaville" features Lemmy Caution as its protagonist, transforming the detective into a secret agent in a dystopian future.