The Stainless Steel Rat Joins the Circus - Harry Harrison

...Note for all reviews: If the plot outline seems light this is intentional as I hate reading reviews that say "and the ending where …" :-)

When Imperetrix Von Kaiser-Czarski (or "Chaise" to his friends, particularly the ones who want to email him :-) ) the universes richest person and the oldest at some 40,000 yrs (yikes!) asks Jim to help him find out who is robbing his banks the rat's immediate reaction is … nope! ...
...plumber) and Jim is on the case.

After intensive research the common theme of all the robberies is found to be that a circus was in town - obvious when you think about it. Unfortunately it wasn't the same circus but they all did have the same act with them - "Puissanto", the Galaxy's strongest man.

There is clearly only one thing to do … Jim has to become a galaxy class magician, travel to the disgusting ... more

(UK Paperback, book first published (UK) 2001, 272 pages)

Note for all reviews: If the plot outline seems light this is intentional as I hate reading reviews that say "and the ending where …" :-)

When Imperetrix Von Kaiser-Czarski (or "Chaise" to his friends, particularly the ones who want to email him :-) ) the universes richest person and the oldest at some 40,000 yrs (yikes!) asks Jim to help him find out who is robbing his banks the rat's immediate reaction is … nope! A short negotiation later resulting in a fee of 4,000,000 credits a day (almost as much as a plumber) and Jim is on the case.

After intensive research the common theme of all the robberies is found to be that a circus was in town - obvious when you think about it. Unfortunately it wasn't the same circus but they all did have the same act with them - "Puissanto", the Galaxy's strongest man.

There is clearly only one thing to do … Jim has to become a galaxy class magician, travel to the disgusting and corrupt planet of Fetorr, infiltrate the circus, expose the thief/thieves, recover the money and be home in time for tea and medals. A simple task but will it go to plan? Em.. kind of unlikely!

There is the normal quota of capture, escape, peril and quick thinking with a criminal mastermind and the uncompromising police of Fetorr doing their best to thwart Jim and the rat clan.

With twists and turns galore and some particularly bizarre moments (I'm still recovering from the concept of the 'crotch cannon' … wonder what happens to the recoil?) the book will certainly keep you from getting complacent when reading it. Although the characterization is a little weak in places and the plot has some pretty contrived moments it is still an entertaining read which I can't see will disappoint fans although, like "The Stainless Steel Rat Goes to Hell" it seems to polarize opinion of rat fans into love or hate. I have also heard that the book is full of grammatical and plot errors that irritate some people however I didn't notice them although it I think I have only read it once or twice in comparison to several times with the others - maybe I'm just not that observant.

If I have any gripe with the book is that Jim comes off as an easy target to be conned and manipulated and his lack of knowledge in certain areas, particularly banking as I remember, it is out of character - the Stainless Steel Rat seems to have got rusty. It is possible that Harry Harrison is trying to tell us that Jim is getting old and ready to retire.

THE END? Unfortunately this looks like it will be the last in the series although there may be a film although this has been promised for years.

General Info applicable to all the books:

Although not vital it is better to read the Stainless Steel rat series in order (the dates are in the other reviews) as most of the books do follow some chronological logic with the exception of the 'is born'. If you are a 'real-science' sci-fi reader or don't like having you tongue stuck firmly in your cheek then you may feel this is a bit lightweight for you. Possibly an unfair comment, as I am not a writer myself, is that the books have a pulp fiction feel about it [NOT a reference to the film!] and definitely not presented as 'serious' sci-fi - this is a comment not a criticism. They are short, clever, funny, and surreal and with more than a few sideways glances at the more serious writers. Easily read in short sessions or in one sitting.
 

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