The Big Clock by Kenneth Fearing

HI-IS & POD. Paperback. NEW. In the bustling city of New York, George Stroud leads a life filled with alcohol, tough conversations, and a lack of moral scruples. As a writer for the powerful media conglomerate Janoth Enterprises, he is no stranger to the dark side of the city. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and murder. One fateful evening, before heading home to his suburban life and his wife, Stroud finds himself sharing a drink with Pauline, the stunning girlfriend of his boss, Earl Janoth. Little does he know that this chance encounter will set off a chain of events that will forever change his life. The very next day, Pauline is discovered dead in her apartment, and Stroud becomes a key figure in the investigation. Janoth, aware that there was a witness to his presence in Pauline's apartment on the night of the murder, becomes desperate to identify this mysterious man. He believes that this man was the last person Pauline was with before his return, and he is determined to find him. In a surprising twist, Janoth selects Stroud himself to track down this elusive individual, trusting him implicitly. Caught between his loyalty to his boss and the fear of being implicated in a crime he did not commit, Stroud embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he realizes that he must confront not only the external forces at play but also the demons within himself. The question of how a man can escape from his own identity becomes a central theme in his quest for redemption. "The Big Clock," a masterpiece of American noir, expertly explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our actions. Stroud's struggle to reconcile his own desires and the demands of his job paints a vivid picture of a man torn between right and wrong. As he races against time to find the elusive witness, he must confront his own flaws and confront the darkness that lurks within him. In this gripping tale of suspense and moral ambiguity, the city of New York serves as a backdrop for the battle between good and evil. The streets, filled with the constant ticking of time, mirror Stroud's own internal struggle as he fights to escape the clutches of his own past. The city becomes a character in itself, reflecting the relentless pace of life and the consequences of our choices. As Stroud inches closer to the truth, he must navigate a treacherous landscape of deception and betrayal. The lines between friend and foe blur, and he must rely on his instincts to survive. With each step, he inches closer to unraveling the mystery surrounding Pauline's murder and, ultimately, his own salvation. "The Big Clock" stands as a testament to the power of noir fiction, capturing the essence of a man's battle against himself and the forces that seek to control him. Through its intricate plot and compelling characters, it explores the depths of the human psyche and the lengths one will go to protect their own identity. In the end, Stroud's journey serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the choices we make can have far-reaching consequences, and that true escape can only be found within ourselves.