Book Review: Jack, the Lady Killer

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Jack, the Lady Killer     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
H. R. F. Keating
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural   Ethnic
Poisoned Pen, Dec 1999, $14.95, 162 pp.

In 1935, England reigns over the Indian subcontinent. Just graduating from school, Jack Stealton arrives in Punjab, India to join the Imperial Police Service. His supervisor, FHR Guthrie makes sure the new recruit understands that he represents England at all times. It is imperative that he insures the locals never forget that he is a superior being. As the months pass, Jack easily acclimates to his new home. However, while playing tennis with Jack at an exclusive club, Guthrie collapses from heatstroke on the court.

Not to long after that incident, someone murders Milly Marchbanks, a sex-starved man-eater. Her last words are: “No Jack! No Jack!” Seven club members allegedly were sleeping when the killing occurred. Jack believes one of them is lying and is the killer. With his mentor hospitalized and unable to guide him, Jack leads the inquiry. This investigation will either change Jack into confident law enforcement official or find him in need of a new profession.

JACK, THE LADY KILLER is an unusual historical police procedural as this tale is written in verse. Narrative poetry such as THE HIGHWAYMAN or THE RHYME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER is risky. In this case, the poetic format works with the mystery fully unfolding like any novel would have done. The talented H.R.F. Keating succeeds in providing his audience with a feel for the era and interesting characters, especially Jack and Guthrie. The English air of superiority to the natives adds depth to the overall tale. This colorful narrative poem is unique and entertaining. Anyone seeking an enjoyable but different book, should try JACK, THE LADY KILLER because no one will feel Keating is cheating them with this reading.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner