by Stanley Ellin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 10, 1964
These patently, potently malevolent short stories, in which the strange is kept well within reach of possibility, show Mr. Ellin not only in top form but in the medium in which he is most expert. In the eleven stories here, a monstrous sixth grader, schooled at home, torments his teacher to death; the law is used to commit a perfect murder; a believer learns to doubt in the camp of righteousness of a Faith Healer; the seven deadly sins become even deadlier virtues; a professional arsonist creates a perfect identity as a Nine to Five Man; etc., etc. And the title story and the concluding The Question, which an electrocutioner can no longer avoid, may well take their place along side of Ellin's long remembered The Specialty of the House. Mr. Ellin uses such unremarkable places and people that his end effects are even more startling.
Pub Date: Sept. 10, 1964
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: N/A
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1964
Categories: FICTION
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