“Just Another Sucker” is a classic crime novel by James Hadley Chase that follows the story of Steve Harmas, a seasoned con artist looking for his next big score. The novel, which was first published in 1972, is a classic example of hard-boiled crime fiction, with plenty of action, suspense, and tough characters.
The story opens with Steve Harmas meeting with his partner in crime, Tony. Steve has heard about a valuable diamond owned by a wealthy businessman named Mr. Cook and decides that it would be the perfect score. Tony is skeptical, but Steve convinces him that they can pull it off. However, when they attempt to steal the diamond, they discover that it’s a fake.
Undeterred, Steve and Tony decide to sell the fake diamond to a fence named Max. Max sees through their scam and beats them up. Steve barely escapes with his life, but Tony is not so lucky. He is killed by Max’s thugs, and Steve is left alone and on the run.
Desperate for a new partner, Steve meets a beautiful and mysterious woman named Nicky. Nicky is also a con artist, and she knows her way around the criminal underworld. Steve is attracted to her, but he’s not sure he can trust her.
Together, Steve and Nicky hatch a plan to steal a valuable diamond from a wealthy businessman named Mr. Cook. They believe that the diamond is the real deal this time and that they can sell it for a fortune. However, as they begin to execute their plan, they discover that they are not the only ones after the diamond.
A corrupt police detective named Lieutenant Saunders is also after the diamond. He believes that Steve and Nicky are responsible for a series of recent burglaries and wants to bring them to justice. Steve and Nicky are also being pursued by a sadistic hitman named Scarface, who is working for a dangerous gangster named Big George. Big George wants the diamond for himself and is willing to kill anyone who stands in his way.
As Steve and Nicky try to stay one step ahead of their enemies, they also struggle with their complicated relationship. Steve is attracted to Nicky, but he’s not sure if she’s working with him or against him. Nicky, meanwhile, has secrets of her own, and it’s not clear what her true motivations are.
The novel is set in a gritty and dangerous world where trust is hard to come by, and betrayal is always just around the corner. Steve and Nicky must navigate this world of criminals, cops, and gangsters, all while trying to stay alive and out of prison.
One of the strengths of the novel is its well-drawn characters. Steve is a sympathetic protagonist, despite his criminal activities. He is a survivor who has learned to take care of himself in a tough world. Nicky is a fascinating character, with a mysterious past and hidden motives. She is both Steve’s ally and his potential betrayer. Lieutenant Saunders is a classic corrupt cop, willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Scarface is a brutal and sadistic killer who takes pleasure in his work. And Big George is a powerful gangster who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
The novel is also notable for its fast-paced plot, which keeps readers on the edge of their seats. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the action never lets up. The story is also full of suspenseful moments, as Steve and Nicky try to stay one step ahead of their enemies. There are also several surprising plot twists that keep readers guessing until the end.
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