Review of 'The Stainless Steel Rat Goes to Hell'

The Stainless Steel Rat Goes to Hell by Harry Harrison

Yet another installment in the Stainless Steel Rat series that Harrison began in the 1960s. In this latest installment we see our hero, Jim DiGriz (the Stainless Steel Rat) finds his wife kidnapped by a sinister leader of the Temple of Eternal Truth cult, Professor Justin Slakey. He chases Slakey through a series of alternate realities (heaven and hell) along with the help of his two sons will they be able to rescue Angelina and put to end the nefarious plans of Slakey at the same time? Will there be any jokes along the way? Well, the answer, at least to the last, is, of course, yes.

Harrison once again brings his Stainless Steel Rat into unusual circumstances along with characteristic swagger and wit. I must admit I am finding the series wearing a bit thin with the freshness of the first few novels not really present in these later ones. The writing is, of course, very good and the pace does move fairly quickly. An enjoyable, light, read.

Rating: “A bit better than average”

Review Date: 2007-06-12

Genre: Science Fiction

Publisher: Gollancz

Publication Date: 1997