Published by Gollancz, London; 1975. 8vo. 189pp. First edition, first impression. Condition: Near Fine/ Near Fine.
Bound in original cloth binding with title to the spine. The binding is square and tight and in very smart condition with just a little bumping to the spine ends and corners. There is a very small knock to the bottom rear edge and a small indent to the rear board. Overall it is very smart indeed. Inside, the pages are clean and bright and free from marks or damage, save a touch of toning and spotting to the edges.
This beautiful book is housed in its original first issue dust jacket. It is vibrant and bright and in lovely condition. There is a tiny mark to the front top edge, and a small one to the rear panel. There is a small dent to the rear corresponding to the one on the book. There is a touch of darkening to the spine and slight rubbing to the rear. These are all very minor points, however, and the jacket is in beautiful, collectible condition.
This is a very smart example of this first edition by James McClure, it was the fourth novel, of eight, in his Kramer and Zondi detective series se in South Africa, where McClure grew up. In this novel, nightclub performer Eve's sensual act features a five-foot royal python. When she is discovered in her dressing room dead of strangulation, her dancing partner turns out to be the murder weapon. At the same time two ruthless men are systematically gunning down small traders in a black township. This book would be an excellent addition to any collection of works by McClure.