After Dark, My Sweet

In Jim Thompson's classic crime novel After Dark, My Sweet, former boxer William "Kid" Collins, a man on the run from a mental institution, becomes entangled in a kidnapping plot after meeting Fay, a captivating yet troubled widow. As the scheme quickly spirals out of control, Collins faces a perilous situation when he realizes the kidnapped child requires insulin to survive. This gripping tale, renowned for its exploration of morality and desperation, showcases Thompson's mastery of American noir and serves as the inspiration for a critically acclaimed film adaptation.