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The Crime of the Century
A string of murders of young women in a London park brings Detective Bill Barry out of retirement and attracts a slew of politicians, psychologists, and lawyers, as well as a detective novelist suffering from writer's block
162 pages, cloth
First published January 1, 1975
65 people want to read
About the author
Kingsley Amis
213 books553 followersBest known novels of British writer Sir Kingsley William Amis include
Lucky Jim
(1954) and
The Old Devils
(1986).
This English poet, critic, and teacher composed more than twenty-three collections, short stories, radio and television scripts, and books of social and literary criticism. He fathered Martin Amis.
William Robert Amis, a clerk of a mustard manufacturer, fathered him. He began his education at the city of London school, and went up to college of Saint John, Oxford, in April 1941 to read English; he met Philip Larkin and formed the most important friendship of his life. After only a year, the Army called him for service in July 1942. After serving as a lieutenant in the royal corps of signals in the Second World War, Amis returned to Oxford in October 1945 to complete his degree. He worked hard and got a first in English in 1947, and then decided to devote much of his time.
Pen names: [authorRobert Markham|553548] and William Bill Tanner
This English poet, critic, and teacher composed more than twenty-three collections, short stories, radio and television scripts, and books of social and literary criticism. He fathered Martin Amis.
William Robert Amis, a clerk of a mustard manufacturer, fathered him. He began his education at the city of London school, and went up to college of Saint John, Oxford, in April 1941 to read English; he met Philip Larkin and formed the most important friendship of his life. After only a year, the Army called him for service in July 1942. After serving as a lieutenant in the royal corps of signals in the Second World War, Amis returned to Oxford in October 1945 to complete his degree. He worked hard and got a first in English in 1947, and then decided to devote much of his time.
Pen names: [authorRobert Markham|553548] and William Bill Tanner
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 8, 2025
The Crime of Century by The King of Comedy Kingsley Amis, author of radiant Lucky Jim http://realini.blogspot.com/2023/03/l... included on The TIME Best 100 Novels list
10 out of 10
I am an admirer of Magister Ludi Kingsley Amis and more than twenty books by the same glorious author have elated me, he is one of The Folks That Live on The Hill http://realini.blogspot.com/2023/02/t... of The Gods that pour benediction on readers.
“The person who doesn't read lives only one life…The reader lives 5,000…Reading is immortality backwards” ―said Umberto Eco and the universe of The King of Comedy (friends of the genius called him King and Kingers) is one that makes living so wonderful, with characters that elate, enthuse and make you laugh.
http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/08/o... from unlikely heroes, or antiheroes like One Fat Englishman, which creates euphoria in spite, or because of its often ludicrous, repugnant main figure, with his misadventures in the United States of Erica (America is named after Vespucci, but we can find that taking inspiration from Eric of Norway [is it Norway] would have been more appropriate) to much more lovable fictional friends, such as Take a Girl Like You
http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/06/t... the women in the magnum opera of Magister Ludi would appear differently in the prose of this day, with special care to have them win the day, beat down whatever obnoxious male they have to reject, such as the One Fat Englishman, but overall, I see them as admired, pursued, adored at times by some (at least) of the personages.
The King of Comedy himself has been criticized; he blamed ‘Lefties’ for buying ‘unexamined the abortion-divorce-homosexuality-censorship-racialism-marijuana package…His misogyny comes out blatantly in the coda of his novel Jake’s Thing’ there is also the accusation that he used all ‘the clichés of female shortcomings’ and the fact that I do not share the criticism could indicate that I share the same awful perspective…
Malcolm Bradbury said in To The Hermitage ‘Fiction’s people are fuller, deeper, cleverer, more moving than those in real life…Its (fiction’s) actions are more intricate, illuminating, noble, profound…There are many more dramas, climaxes, romantic fulfillment, twists, turns, gratified resolutions…Unlike reality, all of this you can experience without leaving the house or even getting out of bed…What's more, books are a form of intelligent human greatness, as stories are a higher order of sense…As random life is to destiny, so stories are to great authors, who provided us with some of the highest pleasures and the most wonderful mystifications we can find…Few stories are greater than Anna Karenina, that wise epic by an often foolish author…’
Thus I have been blessed to meet with the adjectival -a wondrous terms used in The True History of the Kelly Gang http://realini.blogspot.com/2015/11/t... - hideous kinky - this comes from the fabulous novel with the same name by Esther Freud, daughter of Lucien Freud and granddaughter of Sigmund Freud – figures from Ending Up, Girl, 20, I Like It Here or Stanley and The Women
The Russian Girl http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/11/t... as the name makes clear has a Russian at the center, and even now, with the adversity for all things Russian, caused by the war launched on Ukraine by the Monster from the Kremlin, was still a fantastic read, perhaps enhanced by some of the jokes related to those Muscovy – in the sauna at the Downtown (when it worked, which it will again, Insha’Allah) I have learned of the initiative of inventive, heroic Zelensky, who says that Russia should be called Muscovy, and come to think of it, I must start doing this, if only I will remember, for if they change history, then why not turn the tables on vile, foul Putin
We have the reference to the incredible drinking – everybody, of all ages, sexes and classes drinks until they fall under the table – then the notion that coming from Muscovy, our main character is expected to wear a rag in the city, and then when she arrives back home, to use it to clean the house, or something along those lines…laughing at someone that causes turmoil, calamity and could bring Armageddon to the world will certainly help to make him more human, but it also eases the tension, the anxiety…
If there are a few words to say about The Crime of the Century, then it would have to be praise, given the admiration I have for Superwriter (if we have so much from Superman and those fantastic fictional heroes, then why not recognize the ‘real’ super humans that have done so much for the mirth of the race) the fact that the plot is almost perfect, as far as I can tell, but also some small dose of reluctance is required…
Detective stories can be magnificent – take the case of No Orchids for Miss Blandish by James Hadley Chase http://realini.blogspot.com/2017/03/n... - indeed, our divine teacher of literature (if there is a heaven, he is there now, albeit I do not embrace the doctrine of God almighty, paradise, hell and the other paraphernalia) told us some time in the eighties that the essential masterpieces have a crime story at the heart, he is also the one who shared the Dostoyevsky story with us
The author of what could well be the best crime story ever created, Crime and Punishment, was sentenced to death and lived thorough what he thought are his last three minutes on this earth, and because he was eventually pardoned, he lived to give the readers the benefit of finding out how precious life is, how we must live ‘a fond’, with intensity, taking in all the joys, listed as Happiness Activity No 9: Savoring Life’s Joys-paying close attention, taking delight in life’s momentary pleasures and wonders, through thinking, writing, drawing or sharing with another this is from the marvelous The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky
http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/02/u...
10 out of 10
I am an admirer of Magister Ludi Kingsley Amis and more than twenty books by the same glorious author have elated me, he is one of The Folks That Live on The Hill http://realini.blogspot.com/2023/02/t... of The Gods that pour benediction on readers.
“The person who doesn't read lives only one life…The reader lives 5,000…Reading is immortality backwards” ―said Umberto Eco and the universe of The King of Comedy (friends of the genius called him King and Kingers) is one that makes living so wonderful, with characters that elate, enthuse and make you laugh.
http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/08/o... from unlikely heroes, or antiheroes like One Fat Englishman, which creates euphoria in spite, or because of its often ludicrous, repugnant main figure, with his misadventures in the United States of Erica (America is named after Vespucci, but we can find that taking inspiration from Eric of Norway [is it Norway] would have been more appropriate) to much more lovable fictional friends, such as Take a Girl Like You
http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/06/t... the women in the magnum opera of Magister Ludi would appear differently in the prose of this day, with special care to have them win the day, beat down whatever obnoxious male they have to reject, such as the One Fat Englishman, but overall, I see them as admired, pursued, adored at times by some (at least) of the personages.
The King of Comedy himself has been criticized; he blamed ‘Lefties’ for buying ‘unexamined the abortion-divorce-homosexuality-censorship-racialism-marijuana package…His misogyny comes out blatantly in the coda of his novel Jake’s Thing’ there is also the accusation that he used all ‘the clichés of female shortcomings’ and the fact that I do not share the criticism could indicate that I share the same awful perspective…
Malcolm Bradbury said in To The Hermitage ‘Fiction’s people are fuller, deeper, cleverer, more moving than those in real life…Its (fiction’s) actions are more intricate, illuminating, noble, profound…There are many more dramas, climaxes, romantic fulfillment, twists, turns, gratified resolutions…Unlike reality, all of this you can experience without leaving the house or even getting out of bed…What's more, books are a form of intelligent human greatness, as stories are a higher order of sense…As random life is to destiny, so stories are to great authors, who provided us with some of the highest pleasures and the most wonderful mystifications we can find…Few stories are greater than Anna Karenina, that wise epic by an often foolish author…’
Thus I have been blessed to meet with the adjectival -a wondrous terms used in The True History of the Kelly Gang http://realini.blogspot.com/2015/11/t... - hideous kinky - this comes from the fabulous novel with the same name by Esther Freud, daughter of Lucien Freud and granddaughter of Sigmund Freud – figures from Ending Up, Girl, 20, I Like It Here or Stanley and The Women
The Russian Girl http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/11/t... as the name makes clear has a Russian at the center, and even now, with the adversity for all things Russian, caused by the war launched on Ukraine by the Monster from the Kremlin, was still a fantastic read, perhaps enhanced by some of the jokes related to those Muscovy – in the sauna at the Downtown (when it worked, which it will again, Insha’Allah) I have learned of the initiative of inventive, heroic Zelensky, who says that Russia should be called Muscovy, and come to think of it, I must start doing this, if only I will remember, for if they change history, then why not turn the tables on vile, foul Putin
We have the reference to the incredible drinking – everybody, of all ages, sexes and classes drinks until they fall under the table – then the notion that coming from Muscovy, our main character is expected to wear a rag in the city, and then when she arrives back home, to use it to clean the house, or something along those lines…laughing at someone that causes turmoil, calamity and could bring Armageddon to the world will certainly help to make him more human, but it also eases the tension, the anxiety…
If there are a few words to say about The Crime of the Century, then it would have to be praise, given the admiration I have for Superwriter (if we have so much from Superman and those fantastic fictional heroes, then why not recognize the ‘real’ super humans that have done so much for the mirth of the race) the fact that the plot is almost perfect, as far as I can tell, but also some small dose of reluctance is required…
Detective stories can be magnificent – take the case of No Orchids for Miss Blandish by James Hadley Chase http://realini.blogspot.com/2017/03/n... - indeed, our divine teacher of literature (if there is a heaven, he is there now, albeit I do not embrace the doctrine of God almighty, paradise, hell and the other paraphernalia) told us some time in the eighties that the essential masterpieces have a crime story at the heart, he is also the one who shared the Dostoyevsky story with us
The author of what could well be the best crime story ever created, Crime and Punishment, was sentenced to death and lived thorough what he thought are his last three minutes on this earth, and because he was eventually pardoned, he lived to give the readers the benefit of finding out how precious life is, how we must live ‘a fond’, with intensity, taking in all the joys, listed as Happiness Activity No 9: Savoring Life’s Joys-paying close attention, taking delight in life’s momentary pleasures and wonders, through thinking, writing, drawing or sharing with another this is from the marvelous The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky
http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/02/u...
April 22, 2010
Way too many characters and hardly any characterization; this kind of error alone has caught up much better mysteries than this one. Lots of unresolved / dangling plot threads.
Amis did this as some kind of serialization & contest arrangement with a brit magazine or newspaper; underdeveloped, unedited and blatantly generic come to mind as descriptors. I guess if you were ever a famous author, publishers retain the right to preserve even obvious mistakes as long as the copyright holds.
December 6, 2024
Don't bother with this book. I must have re-read the first two chapters four times in an attempt to try and get an idea of who the characters were and what was happening. It wasn't possible. There are so many characters, who are not fleshed out at all and the whole book is just confusing. I expected that the end would make everything obvious. It didn't. Just a waste of time.
October 28, 2017
Sad I wasted my money on this. It was a bit of a mess, way too many characters, the atmosphere felt like it was the '20s, and really it just wasn't even interesting. It's short but don't waste your time.
November 12, 2018
Mahtailevasta nimestään huolimatta vuosisadan huonoimpia rikosromaaneja. Sekava, kaoottinen, liian paljon henkilöitä… Miten tällainen tekele on edes voinut läpäistä kustantajan seulan?
May 25, 2023
The Crime of the Century by Kingsley Amis is a testament to his storytelling prowess and his deft use of language and wit, earning it a solid 5 stars in my literary ledger.
The book, with its compelling and intricately crafted narrative, kept me riveted from beginning to end. I found myself deeply engrossed in the mystery and suspense that unfolded on every page, turning each chapter with bated breath. This isn't just a crime novel; it's a literary feast.
Amis brilliantly sketches his characters, infusing them with real-world depth and dimensions. His protagonists are well-rounded, each embodying a perfect blend of strengths and weaknesses that make them relatable. The antagonist, on the other hand, is as cunning and elusive as one could hope for in a crime novel, keeping the reader on edge throughout the story.
The plot is masterfully constructed, with the author keeping a tight rein on the narrative flow while allowing space for surprises and twists. The mystery unravels at an excellent pace, with Amis doling out information in tantalizing tidbits that successfully maintain the suspense.
But what sets The Crime of the Century apart is Amis' distinctive writing style. His clever use of language and humor adds an entirely new layer to the narrative, giving it a unique flavor. Even in the face of a serious crime, the narrative is peppered with moments of levity, a testament to Amis' brilliant command over the subtleties of his craft.
Perhaps most significantly, Amis uses the crime genre as a lens through which to examine human nature, delving into themes of morality, desire, and the darker corners of the human psyche. The Crime of the Century is not just a thrilling crime novel but also a deep and thoughtful exploration of humanity.
In conclusion, The Crime of the Century is a stellar example of Amis' literary genius and his masterful ability to weave a compelling crime narrative laced with humor and profound insights. This is a 5-star read that I would highly recommend to any lover of crime fiction or literary masterpieces.
The book, with its compelling and intricately crafted narrative, kept me riveted from beginning to end. I found myself deeply engrossed in the mystery and suspense that unfolded on every page, turning each chapter with bated breath. This isn't just a crime novel; it's a literary feast.
Amis brilliantly sketches his characters, infusing them with real-world depth and dimensions. His protagonists are well-rounded, each embodying a perfect blend of strengths and weaknesses that make them relatable. The antagonist, on the other hand, is as cunning and elusive as one could hope for in a crime novel, keeping the reader on edge throughout the story.
The plot is masterfully constructed, with the author keeping a tight rein on the narrative flow while allowing space for surprises and twists. The mystery unravels at an excellent pace, with Amis doling out information in tantalizing tidbits that successfully maintain the suspense.
But what sets The Crime of the Century apart is Amis' distinctive writing style. His clever use of language and humor adds an entirely new layer to the narrative, giving it a unique flavor. Even in the face of a serious crime, the narrative is peppered with moments of levity, a testament to Amis' brilliant command over the subtleties of his craft.
Perhaps most significantly, Amis uses the crime genre as a lens through which to examine human nature, delving into themes of morality, desire, and the darker corners of the human psyche. The Crime of the Century is not just a thrilling crime novel but also a deep and thoughtful exploration of humanity.
In conclusion, The Crime of the Century is a stellar example of Amis' literary genius and his masterful ability to weave a compelling crime narrative laced with humor and profound insights. This is a 5-star read that I would highly recommend to any lover of crime fiction or literary masterpieces.
May 25, 2024
An interesting little mystery....
May 26, 2024
Very difficult to follow the story. Too many major characters, sometimes cited by last names and sometimes first. Like the way this author writes but did not enjoy this book.
January 16, 2015
A great deal of this mystery remains a mystery to me. Many of the reviews associated with this book are spot on when they discuss the large list of characters with sparse characterization, fast-paced plot in an almost old-world atmosphere (much of the dialogue takes place in committee notes or between a few gentlemen over their port and cigars).
The action is unclear, the motive more so, and the mechanism of the mystery feels exactly as Amis himself described it - a puzzle. And, like most puzzles, it is wooden. This is my least favorite Kingsley Amis novel I've read so far.
The action is unclear, the motive more so, and the mechanism of the mystery feels exactly as Amis himself described it - a puzzle. And, like most puzzles, it is wooden. This is my least favorite Kingsley Amis novel I've read so far.
December 6, 2012
A serial killer on the loose in London, being pursued by what seems like a committee of the most unlikely characters you could put together in one room. Why would Scotland Yard enlist the help of a crime fiction writer and a pop singer to help them find the killer. A huge cast of characters, some introduced then never heard from again. This book confused me enough to not even realise when the killer was unmasked.
October 10, 2018
I had a difficult time keeping the facts straight, and that's probably precisely how the die-hard crime fans want their stories to be presented: as something to untangle. I much prefer my body count novels to take place in an isolated and decrepit Victorian instead of the urban London we see here, but it's difficult for me to truly knock any stylistic decision made by Mr. Amis.
January 27, 2020
130 pages long, but took me two attempts to read. Finally made myself finish it but when I found out who the killer was, had to flip back to find out who the hell that character was slash did. Other than that it was a lot of white guys sitting around a table discussing, I guess, the murders? I think that’s what they were there for. I think this was a crime novel, right?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2014
Tried to read this, bogged down. Thought, oh come on, it's so short, try again. I got a lot farther this time, but bogged down again. Too many characters that I can't tell apart, doesn't matter who dun it because I won't know for sure who it is anyway.
August 5, 2011
A bit hard to follow at times, but it left me with a good impression.
February 17, 2012
The weakest Amis outing I've read. The characters in the political and law enforcement institutions are indistinguishable.
March 23, 2012
Hard to follow, not much plot, really no reason to read this book. I love British mysteries, but not this one. Luckily, it is short.
November 27, 2014
Convoluted but clever.
September 16, 2014
Not unenjoyable, but slight and confusing.
April 9, 2015
Too complicated plot ruins the main talent of Amis (using language to reveal motivation) in this mystery. The criminals have really weak motives.
April 13, 2015
A rather confusing host of characters with the seeming purpose to make a crime more elaborate and detailed than necessary which resulted in a disjointed storyline.
December 31, 2015
OK read!!
Want to read
September 9, 2018Synopsis: London DS Bill Barry comes out of retirement to deal with a deadly knifing.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews