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The Dead Beat
First Published: 1960 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Format: Hardcover |
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Summary: Larry Fox, a young and arrogant con artist, ingratiates himself with a middle-aged couple who insist that he stay with them for a few days. From this cozy base of operations, Larry works his plot to extort a former flame and partner-in-crime, now married to wealthy businessman, Sarno. As Larry’s gambit plays out, Sarno uses his unsavory connections to ensure that Larry never gets his expected payout…even if it involves murder.
Bloch: There is little to nothing to be found on Bloch speaking about The Dead Beat other than a brief mention in his autobiography that the book’s reception pleased publisher Simon & Schuster, but resulted in “No spectacular sales.”
Notes:
Bloch: There is little to nothing to be found on Bloch speaking about The Dead Beat other than a brief mention in his autobiography that the book’s reception pleased publisher Simon & Schuster, but resulted in “No spectacular sales.”
Notes:
- Bloch received only a $750 advance from Simon & Schuster, despite the success of his novel Psycho the previous year.
- Collected in the omnibus volume, Unholy Trinity (1986; along with The Scarf (revised 1966 edition) and The Couch).