"It is seldom that there comes a novel which can be wholly and enthusiastically endorsed not only for its superlative value but also as food for quiet and humanising thought for all ages, in any era."

• The Burlington Gazette

The first draft of Kiss Me Deadly was handed to a group of Exeter

Academy postgrads. Hereto, their good bad and indifferent points of view:

I found the impetus of the story irresistible - there was no time to ponder its narrative values The novel has tempo and bounce, and by and large a wonderful charm that just keeps coming. Wow! The 'Mob' has been given a new lease of life - whether it deserves or requires such is another matter! At times I was beginning to love the 'Mob', just a little too much for comfort. A smart-alecky device, chock-full and out of place, me thinks! It's both benign and stylish charm is unreservedly recommended by this reader. Parts of the book have an air of uncertainty as though it is in search of a hero. Not that it matters, but I am told the larger part of this story is true. However what you get kind of glosses over the brutal and squalid stuff. This novel could be considered as being somewhat short. However it still has a vivid intensity which easily compels me to read it again. I am positive that the essential humanity of the story will ensure a hugely wide appeal.