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Cover of Call Him Nemesis

Call Him Nemesis

Written by Donald E. Westlake

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Science FictionCrimePsychic abilityVigilantesParapsychology

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About this book

"Call Him Nemesis" by Donald E. Westlake is a crime fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book centers around a unique blend of crime and mystery, exploring the chaotic aftermath of a series of criminal activities and the peculiar figure known as the Scorpion, who intervenes in unexpected ways. The narrative reflects a time that captures the quirks of that era's societal views on crime and justice. The story unfolds through a bank robbery gone awry, resulting in police involvement and the emergence of the Scorpion, a young boy with extraordinary powers that allow him to affect the temperature of objects at will. As the narrative progresses, we see the Scorpion responding to various criminal events, including a man rampaging with a firearm and a street fight between gangs, each time leaving his mark – literally and figuratively. The police, led by Detective-Sergeant Stevenson, are baffled by the events, as they uncover a pattern indicating the boy's eccentric methods in combating crime. The eventual focus on Eddie Clayhorn, the boy behind the Scorpion persona, adds an intriguing childlike innocence to the otherwise serious crime genre, culminating in a blend of humor and suspense.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Call Him Nemesis, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 7 hours
  • intermediate
  • Mysterious
  • Humorous
  • Suspenseful

Donald E. Westlake's "Call Him Nemesis" is an early 1960s crime fiction novel that uniquely blends mystery, humor, and a touch of the fantastical. The narrative follows a series of baffling criminal incidents, beginning with a botched bank robbery, which are mysteriously thwarted or altered by a peculiar figure known as the Scorpion. This enigmatic intervener is eventually revealed to be Eddie Clayhorn, a young boy possessing the extraordinary ability to manipulate the temperature of objects. As Detective-Sergeant Stevenson struggles to comprehend the eccentric pattern behind these events, the story explores themes of vigilantism, childhood innocence clashing with adult crime, and the societal views on justice of its era, culminating in a charmingly suspenseful and humorous take on the crime genre.

“The Scorpion didn't leave fingerprints; he left frostbite.”

Key themes

Vigilantism and Justice Outside the Law
This theme explores the morality and effectiveness of individuals taking justice into their own hands, especially when traditional law enforcement is baffled or unable to act. The Scorpion's interventions, while non-lethal, represent a form of justice that operates entirely outside legal frameworks, forcing a re-evaluation of what constitutes 'righting a wrong'.
Innocence vs. Experience: Childhood in a Criminal World
The novel starkly contrasts the pure, uncorrupted worldview of a child (Eddie) with the cynical, often violent realities of adult crime. Eddie's motivations are simple and driven by an intuitive sense of fairness, providing a unique lens through which to view the complexities of crime and punishment. His innocence often leads to humorous, yet effective, interventions.
The Unseen Hand and Unexplained Phenomena
This theme focuses on the mystery surrounding the Scorpion's identity and powers, and how the inexplicable nature of his interventions challenges conventional understanding and investigative methods. It delves into humanity's discomfort with the unknown and the struggle to rationalize events that defy logic.

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How does the blend of a fantastical element (Scorpion's powers) with a realistic crime setting affect the novel's tone and message?

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