THE STAINLESS STEEL RAT

Episode #90 · Written by Harry Harrison · Narrated by Scott Miller

A master criminal slips through a galaxy grown soft and complacent, exploiting every gap in its shiny façade—until an unseen force finally matches his brilliance. Cornered and outplayed, he discovers an unexpected offer that could change his life forever.

The Stainless Steel Rat introduces James Bolivar diGriz—better known across the stars as “Slippery Jim”—a gifted criminal plying his trade in an age so stable and orderly that crime is almost extinct. For Jim, that’s the fun of it. Society has sealed every crack, tightened every bolt, and sterilized every possible life path, but he has made a profession out of finding the gaps. With disguises, forged identities, clever inventions, and the smooth confidence of a born operator, he glides through the galaxy taking what he wants and slipping away before anyone can react./p>

But this time, something is different. After a heist worthy of his legend, Jim finds himself outmaneuvered at every turn by someone who knows his style, anticipates his tricks, and blocks every escape route. Pursued by a force that behaves nothing like the slow, predictable police he is used to outwitting, Jim is pushed to his limits in a twisting pursuit that turns into a battle of intellects. When the truth finally snaps into focus, he faces a revelation that forces him to choose between the life he knows and a startling new path./p>

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Harry Harrison, born Henry Maxwell Dempsey, became one of the most influential adventure-focused science fiction writers of the 20th century. Before becoming a full-time author, he worked as an illustrator, editor, and comic book artist—experience that sharpened his sense of pacing, visual action, and sleek, cinematic storytelling. Harrison’s fiction blended humor, clever plotting, and a lightly satirical view of humanity’s ambitions and flaws, giving his work a warm, energetic style that still feels fresh today.

He created numerous classics, including Make Room! Make Room! (the basis for Soylent Green) and the long-running Stainless Steel Rat series. His stories emphasize quick-thinking protagonists, moral nuance, and a playful sense of rebellion that resonated deeply with readers. Harrison helped define a lively, accessible branch of science fiction—one filled with daring escapes, scheming antiheroes, and bright, pulpy fun. His influence continues to echo through modern adventure sci-fi, and The Stainless Steel Rat remains one of his most enduring creations.

LISTEN TO THE STORY

Listen to The Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison — a witty vintage sci-fi adventure. A tale of crime, escape, and unexpected twists.

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