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I'll Bury My Dead
"This is a personal matter. Someone killed my brother. I don't like that. If the police can't take care of it, then I'll bury my own dead."
Nick English meant every word, but his efforts to find his brother's killer started a chain reaction of murder and violence that would nearly end his own life.
Here is a story of organized blackmail punctuated by sudden and gruesome murder. Written with the punch and speed of a rivet gun, I'll Bury My Dead confirms James Hadley Chase's reputation as a leading writer of all-action, edge-of-your-seat thrillers that demand to be read in a single sitting.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1953
68 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
About the author
James Hadley Chase
650 books1,001 followersRené 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 17, 2020
James Hadley Chase was one of the great crime thriller writers of the forties and fifties. In this terrific 1953 crime thriller, Chase makes a hardboiled hero out of a wealthy businessman and in the process covers quite a bit of territory. Indeed, Chase gives us blackmail, murder, frame-ups, dirty cops, cheating spouses, feuding brothers, serial killers, and more. The story is as fast-paced and filled with action as any you could find and just a whole lot of fun to read. Nick English, the main character, is not your typical down on his luck detective. He's more like a Tony Stark of Ironman fame with a cadre of attorneys, fixers, and secretaries supporting his every move. Chase, once upon a time, was a renowned author and many if his novels have been made into movies. This book shows you why.
May 31, 2021
In 1939, known as No Orchids for Miss Blandish. Then redone twenty years later as this title. Very dark, with a cool female mob boss, Ma.
May 19, 2011
James Hadley Chase's writing is often criticized as being stilted or clunky or whatnot because he was British, living in Britain, and trying to write American noir with a book of US slang at his elbow.
Just for the record, he does a *much* better job of writing "American" than most American writers do at writing "British." I've read books where you'd physically wince at the non-Britishness. Consequently I really don't notice his writing. For me, it doesn't get in the way of the story.
So if you're sitting on the fence, I say give the book a try.
Just for the record, he does a *much* better job of writing "American" than most American writers do at writing "British." I've read books where you'd physically wince at the non-Britishness. Consequently I really don't notice his writing. For me, it doesn't get in the way of the story.
So if you're sitting on the fence, I say give the book a try.
February 20, 2014
A crackerjack opening, deceit, doublecross, blackmail, knives and guns, tough guys, deceitful women and danger around every corner.
If there are writers who churn out page turners, please note that Chase turns out paragraph turners, sentence turners and word turners.
Not a single boring or out of place sentence, no unncessary background info, just machinegun action from fist to last page...that my friends is James Hadley Chase for you, the master, the guru of the thriller, action packed genre.
If I was a producer/director I would have made each work of Mr Chase into a movie !!!!
If there are writers who churn out page turners, please note that Chase turns out paragraph turners, sentence turners and word turners.
Not a single boring or out of place sentence, no unncessary background info, just machinegun action from fist to last page...that my friends is James Hadley Chase for you, the master, the guru of the thriller, action packed genre.
If I was a producer/director I would have made each work of Mr Chase into a movie !!!!
September 6, 2019
3.5
Muertes, chantaje, mujeres bellas que no son tan inocentes como parecen, más muertes, más chantaje... esta novela es bien bien noir. Falta que venga impregnado con olor a whisky y cigarrillo nada más, porque durante casi toda la lectura me imaginé la musiquita de fondo y la luz que se filtra por persianas americanas. Me encanta la estética del noir, no lo puedo evitar.
Desde el capítulo 1 ya tenemos un cadáver, no se puede decir que el autor pierda el tiempo.
Todo indica que es un suicidio, pero Nick English, el millonario hermano del hombre que murió, sospecha que lo asesinaron. A pesar de no sentir un gran amor filial (ok, es inexistente), English teme más el escándalo y el efecto que la muerte de su hermano pueda tener sobre su imagen que otra cosa, y es por eso que contrata a un detective privado para que lo ayude a investigar la verdad.
Cuando pocas páginas después vemos cómo "suicidan" a la secretaria del hermano de Nick English, a los lectores se nos despejan las dudas por completo, pero ahora lo interesante va a ser el camino que va a seguir la investigación hasta dar con el asesino... y el motivo de las muertes.
Para ser una novela de misterio, la verdad que los personajes tienen más desarrollo del que esperaba. Hay mucha corrupción y chantajes, y nadie realmente es puro o carente de defectos. Las mujeres del libro me resultaron interesantes, son todas distintas y ninguna realmente cae en la típica "dama en apuros" de 1950 (el libro es del '53), ya que los hombres suelen estar tan en peligro como ellas.
A la historia además no le falta acción y realmente es una lectura muy entetenida en su mayoría. Para mi gusto decae un poco hacia el final, pero disfruté mucho de prácticamente todo el libro.
También agradecí que los personajes aten cabos rápido y no se alarguen excesivamente los misterios que se empiezan a hacer evidentes, y que cada tanto haya unas cuantas escenas que a pesar de que en teoría son tensas, estén llenas de humor.
Hubo un momento en particular que creo que es mi preferido, con una mujer que se niega rotundamente a ser salvada de quienes vienen a matarla y un hombre que forcejea con ella sobre una cama para vestirla en contra de su voluntad.
Pareciera que Chase ya no es tan conocido como era antes, y es una pena porque la verdad que hace lindas novelas para pasar el rato. Yo encontré este libro por una libretita de mi papá donde se anotó los libros de misterio que leyó hace unos años (no inventaste nada Goodreads) y cuando pueda iré avanzando con esa lista.
Reseña de Libros junto al mar
Muertes, chantaje, mujeres bellas que no son tan inocentes como parecen, más muertes, más chantaje... esta novela es bien bien noir. Falta que venga impregnado con olor a whisky y cigarrillo nada más, porque durante casi toda la lectura me imaginé la musiquita de fondo y la luz que se filtra por persianas americanas. Me encanta la estética del noir, no lo puedo evitar.
Desde el capítulo 1 ya tenemos un cadáver, no se puede decir que el autor pierda el tiempo.
Todo indica que es un suicidio, pero Nick English, el millonario hermano del hombre que murió, sospecha que lo asesinaron. A pesar de no sentir un gran amor filial (ok, es inexistente), English teme más el escándalo y el efecto que la muerte de su hermano pueda tener sobre su imagen que otra cosa, y es por eso que contrata a un detective privado para que lo ayude a investigar la verdad.
Cuando pocas páginas después vemos cómo "suicidan" a la secretaria del hermano de Nick English, a los lectores se nos despejan las dudas por completo, pero ahora lo interesante va a ser el camino que va a seguir la investigación hasta dar con el asesino... y el motivo de las muertes.
Para ser una novela de misterio, la verdad que los personajes tienen más desarrollo del que esperaba. Hay mucha corrupción y chantajes, y nadie realmente es puro o carente de defectos. Las mujeres del libro me resultaron interesantes, son todas distintas y ninguna realmente cae en la típica "dama en apuros" de 1950 (el libro es del '53), ya que los hombres suelen estar tan en peligro como ellas.
A la historia además no le falta acción y realmente es una lectura muy entetenida en su mayoría. Para mi gusto decae un poco hacia el final, pero disfruté mucho de prácticamente todo el libro.
También agradecí que los personajes aten cabos rápido y no se alarguen excesivamente los misterios que se empiezan a hacer evidentes, y que cada tanto haya unas cuantas escenas que a pesar de que en teoría son tensas, estén llenas de humor.
Hubo un momento en particular que creo que es mi preferido, con una mujer que se niega rotundamente a ser salvada de quienes vienen a matarla y un hombre que forcejea con ella sobre una cama para vestirla en contra de su voluntad.
Pareciera que Chase ya no es tan conocido como era antes, y es una pena porque la verdad que hace lindas novelas para pasar el rato. Yo encontré este libro por una libretita de mi papá donde se anotó los libros de misterio que leyó hace unos años (no inventaste nada Goodreads) y cuando pueda iré avanzando con esa lista.
Reseña de Libros junto al mar
July 22, 2017
"This is an individual issue. Somebody executed my sibling. I don't that way. On the off chance that the police can't deal with it, at that point I'll cover my own dead."
Scratch English implied each word, however his endeavors to discover his sibling's executioner begun a chain response of murder and brutality that would about end his own life.
Here is an account of sorted out coercion punctuated by sudden and grisly murder. Composed with the punch and speed of a bolt firearm, I'll Bury My Dead affirms James Hadley Chase's notoriety for being a main essayist of all-activity, edge-of-your-situate thrillers that request to be perused in a solitary sitting.
Scratch English implied each word, however his endeavors to discover his sibling's executioner begun a chain response of murder and brutality that would about end his own life.
Here is an account of sorted out coercion punctuated by sudden and grisly murder. Composed with the punch and speed of a bolt firearm, I'll Bury My Dead affirms James Hadley Chase's notoriety for being a main essayist of all-activity, edge-of-your-situate thrillers that request to be perused in a solitary sitting.
February 19, 2021
Nick English's hubris and arrogance makes him the perfect prey for serial killer Roger Sherman in this tightly constructed thriller. JHC puts all the pieces together in this story, and it all comes off like clockwork. Its pace only heightens as things proceed; there is no downtime in this work. And the villain, Sherman, is one of Chase's nastier creations. It would have been so easy to create a hero with no faults, setting off like a knight errant who comes to blows with such a dark character. But Chase put an edge to the novel. English is far from perfect. In fact, he has a bit of a nasty streak himself. But the gold beneath it all eventually emerges to the surface. It's a JHC novel--so you realize pretty clearly how things will turn out. But, as usual, the enjoyment is seeing things come together. And despite your foreknowledge, Chase maintains tension and suspense.
May 2, 2021
Чи не перше моє знайомство з нуарним детективом у якості роману. Написаний легко, атмосферно (відчуваєш постійно туман на обличчі та запах диму навколо). Проте через досить швидке розкриття карт та хепіенд у кінці залишає присмак розчарування.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
Nick English, l'archétype de l'américain qui s'est construit un empire à partir de rien apprend la mort suspecte de son frère, détective privé, avec qui il a toujours été en désaccord.
La police, sous l'influence d'English, classe l'affaire en suicide. Mais on ne s'en prend pas à Nick sans en payer le prix et il compte bien mener sa petite enquête. D'ailleurs, il s'avère que le frangin était versé dans une opération de chantage très lucrative et que toute personne ayant eu une quelconque relation, de près ou de loin, avec cette affaire se trouvait bientôt six pieds sous terre.
Avec un maître chanteur psychopathe doublé d'un tueur sans merci, huit meurtres de sang froid, politique, corruption et jeux de pouvoir, menaces, vengeance, un peu de romance à l'eau de rose (mais pas trop) et une pincée de chevalerie, J. H. C livre un récit qui m'a tenu en haleine tout au long de ma lecture (même si les faits se révèlent assez tôt, ceci ne m'a pas empêché de prendre du plaisir quand tout se mettait en place)
Les habitués de l'auteur remarqueront peut être que la touche "Noir" de l'écrivain manque un peu dans ce livre mais ce détail n'en fait pas moins un thriller qui se laisse lire vite et avec plaisir.
La police, sous l'influence d'English, classe l'affaire en suicide. Mais on ne s'en prend pas à Nick sans en payer le prix et il compte bien mener sa petite enquête. D'ailleurs, il s'avère que le frangin était versé dans une opération de chantage très lucrative et que toute personne ayant eu une quelconque relation, de près ou de loin, avec cette affaire se trouvait bientôt six pieds sous terre.
Avec un maître chanteur psychopathe doublé d'un tueur sans merci, huit meurtres de sang froid, politique, corruption et jeux de pouvoir, menaces, vengeance, un peu de romance à l'eau de rose (mais pas trop) et une pincée de chevalerie, J. H. C livre un récit qui m'a tenu en haleine tout au long de ma lecture (même si les faits se révèlent assez tôt, ceci ne m'a pas empêché de prendre du plaisir quand tout se mettait en place)
Les habitués de l'auteur remarqueront peut être que la touche "Noir" de l'écrivain manque un peu dans ce livre mais ce détail n'en fait pas moins un thriller qui se laisse lire vite et avec plaisir.
January 25, 2023
A Good refreshing read.
November 14, 2009
Fast paced, intense classic mystery. Well executed! :) Reads like a film noir movie. :)
June 21, 2025
I'll Bury My Dead opens not with a bang, but with a coffin, a question, and a brother who refuses to accept the official story.
When Nick English, a tough, no-nonsense businessman, receives news that his estranged brother Danny has died—supposedly by suicide—he doesn’t mourn. He gets angry. Why? Because Nick knew Danny, faults and all, and he’s sure his brother wouldn’t take his own life. Not without a fight. Not without a reason.
And so begins Nick’s descent into the shadows Danny left behind: seedy nightclubs, corrupt friends, jealous women, and debts to dangerous people. The deeper Nick digs, the more he uncovers a life spiraling into blackmail, drugs, and betrayal—and someone, somewhere, desperate enough to kill to keep the truth buried.
Chase’s prose here is unusually reflective, slow-burning rather than explosive, but with a sharp, coiled tension that keeps the pages turning. Unlike his usual hitmen and hustlers, Nick is an outsider—not a thug, but a bulldog with grief in one hand and rage in the other. He’s not looking to play the hero. He’s just trying to bury his brother the right way—with justice, not lies.
I read this one on a late evening, rain thudding against the windowpanes like the footsteps of something unspoken. There was something haunting about Nick's stubbornness—his refusal to accept an easy explanation. It reminded me of a time when someone in our para passed away under odd circumstances, and no one wanted to ask questions. We all just… moved on. But this book wouldn’t let me. I stayed up that night turning pages like I was digging into something I wasn’t meant to see.
Nick’s journey hit home in a way most Chase novels don’t—it’s not just crime, it’s personal.
In essence, I’ll Bury My Dead is a moody, muscular mystery about loyalty, family, and the dangerous weight of truth. It’s a detective story without a detective, a noir without a trenchcoat—just one man, one promise, and a brother's grave that won't stay quiet.
When Nick English, a tough, no-nonsense businessman, receives news that his estranged brother Danny has died—supposedly by suicide—he doesn’t mourn. He gets angry. Why? Because Nick knew Danny, faults and all, and he’s sure his brother wouldn’t take his own life. Not without a fight. Not without a reason.
And so begins Nick’s descent into the shadows Danny left behind: seedy nightclubs, corrupt friends, jealous women, and debts to dangerous people. The deeper Nick digs, the more he uncovers a life spiraling into blackmail, drugs, and betrayal—and someone, somewhere, desperate enough to kill to keep the truth buried.
Chase’s prose here is unusually reflective, slow-burning rather than explosive, but with a sharp, coiled tension that keeps the pages turning. Unlike his usual hitmen and hustlers, Nick is an outsider—not a thug, but a bulldog with grief in one hand and rage in the other. He’s not looking to play the hero. He’s just trying to bury his brother the right way—with justice, not lies.
I read this one on a late evening, rain thudding against the windowpanes like the footsteps of something unspoken. There was something haunting about Nick's stubbornness—his refusal to accept an easy explanation. It reminded me of a time when someone in our para passed away under odd circumstances, and no one wanted to ask questions. We all just… moved on. But this book wouldn’t let me. I stayed up that night turning pages like I was digging into something I wasn’t meant to see.
Nick’s journey hit home in a way most Chase novels don’t—it’s not just crime, it’s personal.
In essence, I’ll Bury My Dead is a moody, muscular mystery about loyalty, family, and the dangerous weight of truth. It’s a detective story without a detective, a noir without a trenchcoat—just one man, one promise, and a brother's grave that won't stay quiet.
February 23, 2021
One in all
This book is the number one. Couldn't believe it was first published in 1953. I can keep on chopping and replacing with every book I have enjoyed. One thing is, this book didn't end with a sudden death like many others where you are left wondering what might be. It is well tied up with a great future for the hero of the book. Enjoyed every little bit of it. Brilliant from JHC.
This book is the number one. Couldn't believe it was first published in 1953. I can keep on chopping and replacing with every book I have enjoyed. One thing is, this book didn't end with a sudden death like many others where you are left wondering what might be. It is well tied up with a great future for the hero of the book. Enjoyed every little bit of it. Brilliant from JHC.
November 29, 2023
Really enjoyed this tight thriller. English has everything but when people around him start dying he realizes that someone is after him and is trying to set him up. Though he is a self made man who knows how to fight and has the resources, he won't be an easy target.
Highly recommended, my first from Chase but won't be my last.
Highly recommended, my first from Chase but won't be my last.
December 27, 2023
Οφθαλμόν αντί οφθαλμού
Εκδόσεις ΒΙΠΕΡ #314
1972
19ο βιβλίο του Τζαίημς Τσαίηζ που διαβάζω.
Αστυνομικό θρίλερ παλιάς κοπής, με απατημένους αυτοδημιούργητους επιχειρηματίες, όμορφες γραμματείς, διεφθαρμένους πολιτικούς και αστυνομικούς, μπράβους και έναν κατά συρροή δολοφόνο που σκορπάει παντού πτώματα για να δέσει το γλυκό.
_Θα γινόταν ωραίο φιλμ νουάρ εκείνα τα χρόνια.
Εκδόσεις ΒΙΠΕΡ #314
1972
19ο βιβλίο του Τζαίημς Τσαίηζ που διαβάζω.
Αστυνομικό θρίλερ παλιάς κοπής, με απατημένους αυτοδημιούργητους επιχειρηματίες, όμορφες γραμματείς, διεφθαρμένους πολιτικούς και αστυνομικούς, μπράβους και έναν κατά συρροή δολοφόνο που σκορπάει παντού πτώματα για να δέσει το γλυκό.
_Θα γινόταν ωραίο φιλμ νουάρ εκείνα τα χρόνια.
July 30, 2025
A reader from 2025 here
Just finished this & I genuinely see why people love James Hadley Chase.
He’s a terrific writer & this book was thrilling from top to bottom
I’ll bury my dead is a murder thriller that would keep you glued to your reading device.
Just when you think all is over & resolved, there comes another twist.
I enjoyed it & will pick up another of his book soon💪🏼
Just finished this & I genuinely see why people love James Hadley Chase.
He’s a terrific writer & this book was thrilling from top to bottom
I’ll bury my dead is a murder thriller that would keep you glued to your reading device.
Just when you think all is over & resolved, there comes another twist.
I enjoyed it & will pick up another of his book soon💪🏼
November 25, 2024
I never thought I would love a book so much especially being from the 1950's. But it has suspense, murder and even the language from the 50's. Not crude or graphic with naughty things. It was so perfect and had lots of character.
November 23, 2017
I have read this when i was at high school...i read it now...nothing special ..just like watching 3 rate film
May 4, 2020
A Must Read JH Chase! Excellent Thriller with Happy Ending!
Thoroughly Enjoyed It.
Thoroughly Enjoyed It.
June 8, 2021
Another good thriller , all the characters portrayed well and twists are good. Need a quick thriller ? Go for this.
November 18, 2021
Great read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2023
Really had me in the mistery but I wished for something different at the end but really entertaining to read
January 8, 2024
I read some times ago
January 16, 2024
Novela super entretenida, te mantiene con los ojos abiertos pensando que pasara, tratando de resolver vos mismo el misterio, pero todo se resuelve de maneras inesperadas. Muy atrapante.
January 31, 2024
Так файно їв, так швидко здох
February 5, 2024
A potboiler from start to finish!
October 28, 2025
One of the best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews