Either four stars or none - this is about the sleaziest, most sordid book I have ever read. Sexism, racism, you name it, it's all there as we watch the progress of a gangster named Raven trying to take over crime in St. Louis, particularly prostitution, which he has some interesting business plans for. In sheer number of outrageous scenes, Chase even tops his classic "No Orchids for Miss Blandish." Lots of people get what they deserve in his one, in ways you won't soon forget. This was banned in Britain for being pornographic. It is definitely extreme in its depiction of violence against women - but then the women get their turn also - boy, do they get their turn.... ( )