Frenzy — James O. Causey

Frenzy, first published in 1960, is a classic noir novel centered on Norm Sands, a small-time grifter (con-artist) beset by bad breaks and hard times. Returning to his hometown in southern California, Sands looks to make his big score, no matter what the cost to friends and family. Author James Causey (1924-2003) wrote a number of short stories for magazines such as Weird Tales, Detective Story Magazine, and Galaxy Science Fiction, and three crime novels.

The narrator is a self-described two-bit grifter, a small-timer who screws up every time he gets close to the big time. After his most recent beating, he goes back to his hometown and sees the opportunity to make his big score at last. He's willing to do whatever it takes to get to the top. He'll lie to anyone, use anyone, cheat anyone. Old friends? Screw ‘em. Family members? Screw ‘em. When you think he's gone about as low as possible, he sinks lower. And finally ... well, that's what you'll have to find out for yourself. The ending packs quite a noir punch.