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The Claw
A small town in Suffolk finds itself under siege when it is terrorized by a macabre and brutal rapist
186 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1981
3 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Norah Lofts
107 books308 followersNorah Ethel Robinson Lofts Jorisch (27 August 1904–10 September 1983) was a 20th century best-selling British author. She wrote over fifty books specialising in historical fiction, but she also wrote non-fiction and short stories. Many of her novels, including her Suffolk Trilogy, follow the history of a specific house and the residents that lived in it.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
Lofts was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in England. She also published using the pseudonyms Juliet Astley and Peter Curtis. Norah Lofts chose to release her murder-mystery novels under the pen name Peter Curtis because she did not want the readers of her historic fiction to pick up a murder-mystery novel and expect classic Norah Lofts historical fiction. However, the murders still show characteristic Norah Lofts elements. Most of her historical novels fall into two general categories: biographical novels about queens, among them Anne Boleyn, Isabella of Castile, and Catherine of Aragon; and novels set in East Anglia centered around the fictitious town of Baildon (patterned largely on Bury St. Edmunds). Her creation of this fictitious area of England is reminiscent of Thomas Hardy's creation of "Wessex"; and her use of recurring characters such that the protagonist of one novel appears as a secondary character in others is even more reminiscent of William Faulkner's work set in "Yoknapatawpha County," Mississippi. Norah Lofts' work set in East Anglia in the 1930s and 1940s shows great concern with the very poor in society and their inability to change their conditions. Her approach suggests an interest in the social reformism that became a feature of British post-war society.
Several of her novels were turned into films. Jassy was filmed as Jassy (1947) starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. You're Best Alone was filmed as Guilt is My Shadow (1950). The Devil's Own (also known as The Little Wax Doll and Catch As Catch Can) was filmed as The Witches (1966). The film 7 Women was directed by John Ford and based on the story Chinese Finale by Norah Lofts.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 8, 2021
4.1 stars!
“Alongside the practical thought something else struggled and, like an escaped butterfly, took wing: the assurance of something wonderful awaiting her. Just around the corner......”
― Norah Lofts
Hard core horror hounds eschew The Claw for it's dated story. I liked it. Scary serial killer. Well written. Fast fun read.
“Alongside the practical thought something else struggled and, like an escaped butterfly, took wing: the assurance of something wonderful awaiting her. Just around the corner......”
― Norah Lofts
Hard core horror hounds eschew The Claw for it's dated story. I liked it. Scary serial killer. Well written. Fast fun read.
January 26, 2023
A devoted family man suddenly dies and is resurrected in a never referenced again demonic ritual by his mother in law (?!) after which he commits a string of increasingly violent rapes that have various effects on both his victims and the whole community. All of the women are given a voice and their reactions to the rape are realistic and touching, as are the rest of the town’s inhabitants.
I was very impressed by this novel. I was expecting an exploitative shlock-fest by an unlikely author, but it was intelligent, compelling, and bold, even though, of course, there are dated (but are they really dated or have we actually not changed that much?) views towards sexual violence committed against women. I’m eager to read more by Lofts.
I was very impressed by this novel. I was expecting an exploitative shlock-fest by an unlikely author, but it was intelligent, compelling, and bold, even though, of course, there are dated (but are they really dated or have we actually not changed that much?) views towards sexual violence committed against women. I’m eager to read more by Lofts.
February 9, 2017
The man was a loving husband and father, however outside his home he personified evil with each rape that he committed. The only thing that each victim can remember is the claw that he uses during each attack. With each brutal or deadly attack that is committed, police and the townspeople are terrified that they might be next.
I received this book all the way from Germany. I must admit that I had read it before but totally forgot the plot. I had read some reviews that actually didn't like this book all that much but I did very much. I also must admit that Norah Lofts is one of my favorite authors. I give this book an A+!
I received this book all the way from Germany. I must admit that I had read it before but totally forgot the plot. I had read some reviews that actually didn't like this book all that much but I did very much. I also must admit that Norah Lofts is one of my favorite authors. I give this book an A+!
August 20, 2013
The Claw was one of the last books that Lofts wrote, and seems to have been written, not for joy or pleasure but as a Project. To accomplish something. Those books often turn out badly. I have read several of Lofts' books, and almost all the others I've enjoyed more than this.
While reading,the question that haunted me was, is The Claw anti-feminist? The derogatory remarks about women (especially female police officers!), the callous use of the word "rape," the seeming insensitivity to the emotional toll of these attacks on the women....very disturbing stuff from a woman I'd previously admired.
Towards the end of the book, I had firmly decided: no. The Claw is not anti-feminist. Readers could easily attribute Lofts's clinical treatment of rape as being insensitive, callous, out of touch. But I think what Lofts was trying to accomplish was to make the discussion of rape as common place as its occurence.
To talk about rape in a frank manner, to dispel the shame which women so often feel after something which is out of their control. To speak the name of the violence, rather than whisper it. To treat it as serious, rather than titillating. To create women who WERE capable of coming back from this, without constructing it as the end of their lives. Where the reader might be tempted to think Lofts is portraying rape as something little, she might really just be trying to portray it as "overcome-able."
Think also how she structures the book: there is an attack, and then there is the "aftermath." Instead of dwelling on the emotional impact of the women, Lofts focuses on the economical impact on the small town.
What is this, but making the personal political? She shows how what happens to women's bodies can and does have a wider impact, brings people together, changes people's behaviours, benefits taxi companies but creates troubles for the bars and restaurants.
So while The Claw may not be good, at least it isn't anti-feminist, and therefore I can sleep easy.
If you want an example of Lofts at her finest, I recommend Jassy or Bless This House.
While reading,the question that haunted me was, is The Claw anti-feminist? The derogatory remarks about women (especially female police officers!), the callous use of the word "rape," the seeming insensitivity to the emotional toll of these attacks on the women....very disturbing stuff from a woman I'd previously admired.
Towards the end of the book, I had firmly decided: no. The Claw is not anti-feminist. Readers could easily attribute Lofts's clinical treatment of rape as being insensitive, callous, out of touch. But I think what Lofts was trying to accomplish was to make the discussion of rape as common place as its occurence.
To talk about rape in a frank manner, to dispel the shame which women so often feel after something which is out of their control. To speak the name of the violence, rather than whisper it. To treat it as serious, rather than titillating. To create women who WERE capable of coming back from this, without constructing it as the end of their lives. Where the reader might be tempted to think Lofts is portraying rape as something little, she might really just be trying to portray it as "overcome-able."
Think also how she structures the book: there is an attack, and then there is the "aftermath." Instead of dwelling on the emotional impact of the women, Lofts focuses on the economical impact on the small town.
What is this, but making the personal political? She shows how what happens to women's bodies can and does have a wider impact, brings people together, changes people's behaviours, benefits taxi companies but creates troubles for the bars and restaurants.
So while The Claw may not be good, at least it isn't anti-feminist, and therefore I can sleep easy.
If you want an example of Lofts at her finest, I recommend Jassy or Bless This House.
December 22, 2016
This is about rape, not vicious man-eating cats! If you can get past that disappointment, you'll get a dry, unremarkable story about a town's reaction to the rapist in their midst. Which is pretty disappointing too!
April 20, 2018
Unusual novel for Lofts, who ordinarily writes historical novels. This was set in modern times and contained a little witchcraft, like one of her other books, The Wax Doll. Although the book had rape and murder in it, it was done in the restrained British style. You get the idea without having to know every last gory detail. Good book, although I was a little disappointed in the ending. Kind of leaves something hanging.
November 21, 2021
Greg hits his head and then terrorises a small village with something inside him, making him do evil, sadistic, and disgusting things to women. He will seek revenge of people he feels have wronged him, he will rape and kill victims, while he laughs, jeers and shows no remorse. He will claw his victims leaving lifetime physical scars. His blood type so rare it falls into an unknown category. The detectives are inept, the caring for victims is concerning. Not gory but the underlying message is deep.
April 8, 2018
3.7 stars
November 27, 2022
Puzzling. An oddly narrated story.
April 7, 2020
I was very surprised not to see a description for this title, so I've created a listing for the ebook version and will do my best to explain what the book is about.
Published in London in 1981, this story has an older feel to it. The characters and situations almost feel like the 1950s, and without any kind of time anchor in the story itself we could imagine it to have taken place then. The story revolves around the hunt for a serial rapist in a village who eventually becomes a serial killer. We're given a hint as to who it is right from the start, but we don't get confirmation until halfway through the book. The first half deals with the first few crimes and the people impacted by them, while the second half shows us the killer's thinking and how he goes about his work. The circle of characters expands and reconnects as the story goes along until everyone is familiar by the end. Lofts does a wonderful job of giving us the evolution of a serial killer at a time when not much was really understood about them. The characters are distinctive, with some easy to care about and others easy to hate, but none of them stale stereotypes or cliches. The writing itself is compelling enough that it only took me a few days to make it through the whole story. I found it very hard to stop reading.
I read this on my computer, since that's where I first downloaded it, and I have no idea if the original contained all the typos I saw. Thankfully they weren't enough to make me stop reading. In fact, I plan to work my way through any of Lofts' books that aren't historical novels. She's best known for those but they're not my favorites. I hope she wrote some other books like this one. I suspect that they would be worth tracking down. I recommend this title to anyone who appreciates a well written serial killer story with good atmosphere and great writing.
Published in London in 1981, this story has an older feel to it. The characters and situations almost feel like the 1950s, and without any kind of time anchor in the story itself we could imagine it to have taken place then. The story revolves around the hunt for a serial rapist in a village who eventually becomes a serial killer. We're given a hint as to who it is right from the start, but we don't get confirmation until halfway through the book. The first half deals with the first few crimes and the people impacted by them, while the second half shows us the killer's thinking and how he goes about his work. The circle of characters expands and reconnects as the story goes along until everyone is familiar by the end. Lofts does a wonderful job of giving us the evolution of a serial killer at a time when not much was really understood about them. The characters are distinctive, with some easy to care about and others easy to hate, but none of them stale stereotypes or cliches. The writing itself is compelling enough that it only took me a few days to make it through the whole story. I found it very hard to stop reading.
I read this on my computer, since that's where I first downloaded it, and I have no idea if the original contained all the typos I saw. Thankfully they weren't enough to make me stop reading. In fact, I plan to work my way through any of Lofts' books that aren't historical novels. She's best known for those but they're not my favorites. I hope she wrote some other books like this one. I suspect that they would be worth tracking down. I recommend this title to anyone who appreciates a well written serial killer story with good atmosphere and great writing.
October 8, 2023
I had to stop reading this book halfway through. Based on the summary on the back of my copy, I was expecting a zombie story involving voodoo. Instead it's about serial rape. Nothing but rape, rape, rape. Do you like reading about rape? Good, you can have this book.
This was published in 1981 but the characters and the town seem straight out of the 1950's with their attitudes toward women, sexuality, and virginity. I began to wonder if "Norah Lofts" was a man's pen name because I have trouble believing that a woman would write something so sexist and misogynistic. When I got to a chapter featuring a prostitute (described as the town's "bad woman" as though it's now the 1850's) several male characters wondered if it were possible to rape a prostitute, and decided no. That's when I was finally sick of this book.
I'm a fan of horror but this is not horror, it's just bad. I give it two stars instead of one because the prose is decent if old-fashioned.
This was published in 1981 but the characters and the town seem straight out of the 1950's with their attitudes toward women, sexuality, and virginity. I began to wonder if "Norah Lofts" was a man's pen name because I have trouble believing that a woman would write something so sexist and misogynistic. When I got to a chapter featuring a prostitute (described as the town's "bad woman" as though it's now the 1850's) several male characters wondered if it were possible to rape a prostitute, and decided no. That's when I was finally sick of this book.
I'm a fan of horror but this is not horror, it's just bad. I give it two stars instead of one because the prose is decent if old-fashioned.
December 7, 2023
It’s taken me several days to settle how I feel about this book. I found it very compelling, I loved the world building and detail put into the town, it all felt so real! But uh… how was ? Where did his mother in law go for the entire rest of the story? What just happened? It seems like the most major plot points were just barely touched on in favor of making more time for drawing up images of the killer's victims and giving a sense of their lives and living situations. Weird story telling to say the least, and not entirely in a positive way. It was certainly a fascinating read though?
July 28, 2014
Just reread this and am amazed (again) at the talent and genre jumping of Norah Lofts. Horror at its best, like all else in life is handled better with the finesse of a scalpel than the bludgeoning of a club. Creepy,scary, and a damn fine read......
April 29, 2009
This one is way weird. But it is somewhat interesting. In the end, like the rest of her works, it did not do it for me. I won't be reading anymore books by Lofts.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews