Cutting Edge: The 3rd Charles Resnick Mystery (A Charles Resnick Mystery) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his third outing, after Rough Treatment , tough and reflective British copper Charlie Resnick investigates a series of brutal attacks on medical personnel at a large Midlands hospital. The perpetrator of the crimes exhibits an appalling ability to maim his victims in a manner that, besides traumatizing them, will destroy their careers. A promising young surgeon is dealt a crippling assault to his leg and hand; a male nurse, whose parents consider his work not quite "manly," is almost emasculated. The assailant's psychological insight and understanding of anatomy suggest that he belongs to the medical commuity. As Resnick acquaints himself with the lives of the victims, their families and lovers, he discovers a level of desperation where reality is denied and self-worth destroyed. Credibly portrayed policewomen add further interest to this superior novel in which suspense derives not only from questions about what will happen next, but from Harvey's talent in creating a sense of wonder about the depths of human character.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

Third in the author's compelling series featuring Detective Inspector Charlie Resnick and the men and women he works with in a northern English city. Charlie--introspective, divorced, comforted by his cats and jazz records--is, at the moment, immersed in trying to find the culprit in three slashing attacks, one of them fatal, all seemingly related in some way to the city's major hospital. Subplots abound; major and minor characters cut in and out--all of them vital whether revolting, respectable, or in-between. Tension mounts as Charlie and his team slog away at the investigation; overcome a major glitch; save a fourth victim--and solve their case. Harvey's police procedurals are in a class by themselves (Lonely Hearts, etc.)--near Dickensian in their portrayal of human frailty; cinematic in their quick changes of scene and character; totally convincing in their plotting and motivation. His latest is all of these--one more to be prized. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Bloody Brits Press (February 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932859462
• ISBN-13: 978-1932859461
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #608,710 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Series Rebound, August 24, 1999

By	A. Ross (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Cutting Edge (Cutting Edge (Owl)) (Hardcover)

The third of the Charlie Resnick procedurals, this one brings the quality back up after the somewhat disappointing Rough Treatment. This may be because the stakes are raised back to the level of the first book Lonely Hearts. In this one, someone is slicing up hospital workers, and the motivation is a rather interesting one. There's also a side plot involving a man who won't take no for an answer. There's the usual business with some delving into the messed-up private lives of the police, Charlie takes in a wino jazz saxophonist, and has his ex-wife turn up again. Whets the appetite for Off Minor.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A timeless classic crime thriller, May 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Cutting Edge (Cutting Edge (Owl)) (Hardcover)

Police Officer Charlie Resnick is assigned to investigate a series of vicious assaults on the staff of the large English hospital. The culprit is a pro with a surgeons scalpel as he carves his victims in such a manner as to end their medical careers. Tim Fletcher is the first victim, but others quickly follow.

Charlie soon realizes that the slasher is not only good with the knife, he understands the inner psyche of his victims and their families. A desperate Charlie concludes that only a medical person could do the professional incisions of the attacks and only a medical person could so understand where to place the maiming so as to destroy the victim both physically and mentally. Charlie knows he must stop this serial slasher before the body count requires astronomical numbers to keep track.

If not consistently the best, the Charlie Resnick British police procedurals are one of the top five series on the market today. CUTTING EDGE is a reprint of a classy novel first released in 1991. The who-done-it and the police elements are well written and fun to read on their own account. However, what makes this novel and the eight tales worth reading is John Harvey's insight into the personal lives of his characters to the point that the reader feels good about being a peeping Harriet.

Harriet Klausner