The Things Men Do

by James Hadley Chase

in12. broché.

Genres: Crime, Novels, Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

René Lodge Brabazon Raymond was born on 24th December 1906 in London, England, the son of Colonel Francis Raymond of the colonial Indian Army, a veterinary surgeon. His father intended his son to have a scientific career, was initially educated at King's School, Rochester, Kent. He left home at the age of 18 and became at different times a children's encyclopedia salesman, a salesman in a bookshop, and executive for a book wholesaler before turning to a writing career that produced more than 90 mystery books. His interests included photography (he was up to professional standard), reading and listening to classical music, being a particularly enthusiastic opera lover. Also as a form of relaxation between novels, he put together highly complicated and sophisticated Meccano models.

In 1932, Raymond married Sylvia Ray, who gave him a son. They were together until his death fifty three years later. Prohibition and the ensuing US Great Depression (1929–1939), had given rise to the Chicago gangster culture just prior to World War II. This, combined with her book trade experience, made him realise that there was a big demand for gangster stories. He wrote as R. Raymond, James Hadley Chase, James L. Docherty, Ambrose Grant and Raymond Marshall.

During World War II he served in the Royal Air Force, achieving the rank of Squadron Leader. Chase edited the RAF Journal with David Langdon and had several stories from it published after the war in the book Slipstream: A Royal Air Force Anthology.

Raymond moved to France in 1956 and then to Switzerland in 1969, living a secluded life in Corseaux-sur-Vevey, on Lake Geneva, from 1974. He eventually died there peacefully on 6 February 1985.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another One of Chase's Thrillers

"The Things Men Do" was one of Chase's endless collection of crime thrillers that still fill the used paperback stores. A sucker might be born every minute, but there never was a sucker with a bright target on his back like Harry Collins who practically drooled when he saw Gloria Selby by the side of the road. And, he should've run then and there before the trap closed around his leg. Anyone with half a brain could see that Gloria and her gangster pals were going to make a fool of Harry and leave him to take the rap. An easy-to -read, although predictable, crime thriller with a surprise ending.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a dozen oh Chase's books now and this would be my recommended starting point. It's very straightforward without any of the alterations or flourishes that make my favorite Chase novels come to life. That doesn't mean it's a snooze at all as I found I couldn't put it down. Even as the protagonist begins to dig his own grave I was already sold. Similar to how it is only funny when a man getting hit with a pie has dignity, I appreciate it when the chump being taken for a ride has some sense in his head to begin with. Also, it's set in England, which always lends a bit more credibility to Chase's writings. And more threats of acid thrown to the face, too. They must have had a lot of acid throwing incidents back then in jolly ole' England.

[Paul Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gullible Harry cheats on his wife, hysterical Ann, only to find the object of his lust, slutty Gloria, has set a trap for him with savage hulk Ed, her American boyfriend. The two are setting things up for a robbery that brings in their three associates, weasel Berry, Joe the oaf, and the effeminate Louis. If you've read any of JHC's other works, then you already know things don't go off as planned. This is another story set mostly in London, and, again, like many of the others of this sort originally published under the pseudonym, Raymond Marshall. But there is a bit of a difference, here. Overall, the novel has the feel of one of JHC's American style gangster stories--just brought to a British locale. An interesting and effective mixture of the two types of storytelling.

[Tilak Raj Kaushik · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely rubbish,no suspense,no power punch dialogs,just a series of repeated events and cliche.I cannot believe this was written by the legend James.i was so angry after finishing it,i wanted to tore it to pieces.it wasted my good 4 hours.
DO NOT READ IT....A COMPLETE GARBAGE.

[Vinícius Ferraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

GENIAL!

[Kakha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of my favorite books by my beloved author, the master of the literary word of crime fiction. I have always devoured these incomparable stories one by one. I have been to all the book sales, I have been to all parts of the city where books were sold and I gave all the money that I had at that time for them during my studies. My books are my brainchildren.
In this super-interesting book, a car repair shop owner finds himself embroiled in a terrible, dangerous adventure through blackmail. As a result, a mail van was robbed, in which his best friend was supposed to go. And this friend died due to the indirect fault of the aforementioned owner of the auto repair shop. After all that happened, he (the main character) cannot leave everything as it is. Of course, it is impossible to resurrect a deceased friend, but here he is thinking about repentance and revenge...

[Sen Savithri · Rating 2 out of 5]

readable but not up to the mark

[Κώστας · Rating 4 out of 5]

ΒΙΠΕΡ αρ.480 Με Ελληνικό τίτλο "Μια νύχτα στην κόλαση".
Με την εκλεκτή, καθιερωμένη κι αλησμόνητη Τασσώ Καββαδία στη μετάφραση.
Ο μαέστρος έφτιαξε και εδώ μια ιστορία που μπορούσε να συμβεί στον καθένα. Γραπώνοντας για πολλοστή φορά όμηρο τον ευτυχή αναγνώστη. Ετσι απλά σε μια απλή καθημερινή ιστορία. Παρκάροντας τις προσδοκίες μιάς ζωής σε ένα συνεργείο αυτοκινήτων. Έτσι στο ρελαντί.

[Anuja Heshan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, the story is written well, and the author kept me hooked the whole weekend. I wonder whether a real man who loves his wife would act the way Harry does in the story. It was quite unbelievably foolish. It would have been better if it was more believable. But the thrill was there throughout the story. The ending was ok. But I'd have loved a better ending for Harry and Anne.

[Shilpi Banerjee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the old style of crime stories

[Fahadhussain7080 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for few worldy lessons

[Pauline Manze · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little predictable. But even the way Chase tells a predictable story keeps you wanting to know what happens next.

[Bashir umar nadama]

some men lie to show how perect they are...but ends in nothinh but danger

[Ramzi Zaindeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title speaks for itself!

[Saheb Sood · Rating 2 out of 5]

was a good fiction will thrill, betrayal and all the prospects for a school brat.
Now probably investing 6 hours into such stuff is really for someone who is obsessed with James and fiction.

[Paul Malamso · Rating 5 out of 5]

i need to read it more though it's a good story