Nothing More Than Murder
Read by R. C. Bray
Jim Thompson

Hachette Audio
January 16, 2012 / ASIN: B006YW2W54
Mystery / Noir / Audiobook (Unabridged)/ Audio CD / 5 hours, 43 minutes
Amazon

Reviewed by Jo Rogers

Nothing More than Murder is the story of Joe Wilmot, manager of his wife’s movie theater. Elizabeth, the wife, had owned the Barclay when they met. Elizabeth Barclay, as she was then, was having trouble making ends meet. Joe was driving the truck that delivered the films to the theaters in Stoneville, and he offered sound business advice that improved her situation. He offered to run the business for her. She offered him a permanent position as the manager and her husband.

Life proceeded well for a while, until Elizabeth had a miscarriage. From then on, Elizabeth was melancholy, especially after Joe threw a monkey wrench in Elizabeth’s plans to adopt a baby boy. From there, the marriage went south, and, with the turn-down in the economic situation, the business began to go south with it.

Joe struggled with keeping the business running. Elizabeth tried adopting a cat and, when that didn’t work, a dog. After she had to get rid of the dog, she brought a tragic young woman to live with them and work as a maid while she went to school. Her name was Carol Farmer, and though everyone saw her as homely, Joe saw her beauty. They fell in love and Elizabeth found out. Finances worsened. What would they do to survive?

Nothing More than Murderis another Jim Thompson foray into the darkest side if human nature. It is well-written tale, with realistic people that break under pressure, as humans are wont to do. The plot is well crafted and interesting. Even though the outcome is somewhat predictable, it is in keeping with the nature of the characters. So, listen to Nothing More than Murder and take a walk on the dark side.

Reviewer's Notes: Contains violence, mild profanity