Killer inside ME (Crime Masterworks, #17) (Mulholland Classic)

by Jim Thompson

Lou Ford is the deputy sheriff of a small town in Texas. The worst thing most people can say against him is that he's a little slow and a little boring. But, then, most people don't know about the sickness--the sickness that almost got Lou put away when he was younger. The sickness that is about to surface again.

• ISBN10: 0679733973
• ISBN13: 9780679733973
• Publish Date: 13 March 1991 (first published March 1973)
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Random House USA Inc
• Imprint: Vintage Books
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 45
• Language: English

Reviews

[Aidan Brack (Mysteries Ahoy)]

While its themes and tone won’t be for everyone, The Killer Inside Me is certainly one of the milestone texts in the history of the crime novel and while that alone would justify a recommendation, I think it is an interesting read in its own right.

Read my full review at Mysteries Ahoy!

[Michael @ Knowledge Lost]

The Killer Inside Me is a perfect example of Noir in its purest form; it’s disturbing, dark, gritty and chilling. The protagonist Lou Ford is an all-around nice guy – on the surface – underneath is a depraved sociopath. Ford claims this is a result of bordom; "If there's anything worse than a bore," says Lou, "it's a corny bore." The book is writing in first person; which makes the sadomasochistic relationships, child abuse and insanity just that much more chilling and disturbing.

This book is not for the weak-hearted, this is violent and disturbing, more so that you would expect from a book written in the early 1950’s. Lou Ford’s inner demons will make you feel sick at times; it’s reminds me of the same feeling I got when reading Lolita. Both great novels, that make you sick to your stomach.