Corgi, London, 1974, 1st pr thus.  ISBN 0-552-09648-2.  MMPB, 190 pages plus ads.  Wraps show some edge wear; tight binding with tanning pages; appears unread.  ‘It isn’t often a diamond expert from Paradise City becomes an unpaid welfare worker in a poor, industrial town like Luceville.  But Larry Carr had gone there for a purely selfish reason – to help him forget the terrible tragedy which had ruined his life and his career.  At first the dirt and dishonesty of the town appalled him, but then, slowly, he became a part of it.  He found himself enjoying the violence and the terror of life in the slums.  But most of all he enjoyed being the slave of red-haired Rhea Morgan – a sensual beauty whose profession was crime.  Obsessed by Rhea, Larry agreed to steal a diamond necklace for her worth 1½ million dollars – but he hadn’t bargained on committing murder too…’ (from rear wrap)