Though not quite the classic that "Get Carter" is, Jack Carter's Law is a great read, and a more entertaining one than its predecessor. For obvious reasons, this book is a prequel to Ted Lewis's first Carter novel, following the London mafia fixer through a few very rough days in "The Big Smoke." While his and his bosses' livelihoods come under serious attack, we get to follow Jack around as he muscles and mouths his way around and through various obstacles set up throughout the criminal underworld. And it's a blast. While we get to see some of Jack's whip-crack sarcasm in the original book, his mission was a bit too grim and personal for things to get too humorous. In "Law," there are great lines from start to finish, as Jack offers us readers his snide insights on his fellow criminals - nearly all of whom he considers intellectual cripples and incompetant doorknobs. The fact that he calls them out right to their faces and dares them to argue makes for plenty of laughs. The story is the stuff of basic noir - a convoluted plot that only the protagonist manages to navigate is the backdrop. As usual, it's more of an excuse for Carter to do his thing, despite occassionally being thrown off kilter. As with "Get Carter," there's more than a dash of misogyny, as female characters are basically there for either sex or abuse (or both). This is a bit distasteful, but it does fit right in with the sordid nature of the entire setting. If you liked "Get Carter," rest assured that you'll like this one. Don't be surprised if you actually enjoy it a little more, too.
Although "Jack Carter's Law" is the second of the Jack Carter trilogy, it's actually a prequel to "Get Carter" (aka "Jack's Return Home"). "Jack Carter's Law" is all set in London and, for those like me, who grew up in 1970s Britain, it's a familiar trawl through an era when crime was all about blags, boozers, brasses, snouts, shooters, and grasses. Bent coppers rub shoulders with villains and nobody emerges with much credit."Jack Carter's Law" is not as accomplished as "Get Carter" but it's still a great read. The set pieces are suitably uncompromising and violent, however what makes the book special is the character of Jack Carter. He's a professional, and generally one step ahead of those he deals with, including his inept bosses. The set up is such that he cannot walk away from his bosses. Many of the same characters from "Get Carter" reappear in "Jack Carter's Law" which adds to the enjoyment - especially with some of the insights the reader gains from "Get Carter"."Jack Carter's Law" nails 1970's Soho and London more generally: the seediness, the squalor, the boozers, the snooker halls, and the endemic corruption. If you enjoyed "Get Carter" then this will doubtless hit the spot too.I'm looking forward to the third and final part of the Jack Carter trilogy - "Jack Carter and the Mafia Pigeon"
What do You think about Jack Carter's Law (1974)?
In 1970s London Soho, the legendary gangland enforcer has to uncover a grass. Phil Daniels reads Ted Lewis' gritty thriller. Michael (my name's Michael) Caine played the eponymous lead in Get Carter (1971)Loadsa sexism here, worse than The Sweeney lol. Shouts of "Oy Slag" but one rooting-tooting soundtrack
—Bettie☯
