A review by criminolly
Jack Carter's Law by Ted Lewis

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Although written later, this is a prequel to the excellent 'Jack's Return Home' (filmed as 'Get Carter'). I have to admit, I much preferred the other book, which has a much more interesting and emotionally involving plot. 'Jack Carter's Law' has Carter in London involved in gangland shenanigans. It's definitely action-packed, but I found it hard to get too involved with the story. 

The vibrant, under-represented northern setting of ‘Jack’s Return Home’ helps to make it, especially given Jack’s fish out of water status in his once familiar environment. By contrast, the London of ‘Jack Carter’s Law’ is so familiar from countless British gangster movies that it feels like a cliche.

That said, the prose is often great - a distinctly British style of hardboiled writing. I'll definitely read more Lewis, but my second outing with him was not as enjoyable as the first.