Snatch An Eye

Peter Chambers #24

by Henry Kane

Peter Chambers is hired by a powerful millionaire to keep tabs on his rebellious daughter—whether to protect her in court or lock her in an institution, Chambers can't say. At the same time, he investigates the murder of the brother of a down-and-out crime boss who stands to gain $2 million in life insurance. Chambers slowly learns how these two disparate cases may be related.

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

About the author

Author Henry Kane was a lawyer who seemed to prefer writing. In his career, wrote over 60 novels, including about 30 featuring Peter Chambers. Other short-lived series characters were PIs Marla Trent and retired NYPD detective inspector turned P.I. McGregor. He also wrote the movie adaptations for Ed McBain's 87th Precinct's Cop Hater and The Mugger. And, in light of his experience with Chambers, Kane was the perfect choice to pen an original novel starring television's Peter Gunn.

He also wrote under the pseudonyms Anthony McCall, Kenneth R. McKay, and Mario J. Sagola. He is the creator of Peter Chambers, a private eye in New York City, McGregor, an ex-cop turned private eye in New York City, and Maria Trent. Kane also contributed to the series of 'Ellery Queen' novels ghostwritten by other authors.

Reviews

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard-boiled P.I. Peter Chambers is asked to investigate who murdered a gangster's brother. The trail leads back to a multi-millionaire who owned the gun used in the murder. But it disappeared the day before! Now the multi-millionaire wants Chambers to find out if his daughter is responsible. Balancing two clients on the same case isn't easy, particularly when his head is befuddled by the amazing entertainer Carlotta.

This is a guilty pleasure summertime read. Sometimes it is just fun to read a hard-boiled P.I. story (in spite of the inevitable over-sexual, low brain females--hey, at least here one woman actually works as a very good interior designer, not a secretary.) While not on the level Dashell Hammett this book fits the bill with twists and turns that keep you guessing. There are plenty of suspects who could have done the dirty deed. The dialog is a bit stereotypical for the genre, but you would probably be disappointed if it wasn't there. Fun.

[Jack Heath]

Synopsis: Peter Chambers is hired by a millionaire to keep tabs on his daughter. He is also investigating a $2 million life insurance claim.