''Doctor Slaughter'' is a 1984 novel by
Paul Theroux
Paul Edward Theroux (born April 10, 1941) is an American novelist and travel writer who has written numerous books, including the travelogue, '' The Great Railway Bazaar'' (1975). Some of his works of fiction have been adapted as feature films. H ...
. The story was also published that year in the book ''Half Moon Street'', alongside an unrelated story, ''Doctor DeMarr''.
The protagonist of ''Doctor Slaughter'', Lauren Slaughter, is a young woman living in near-poverty in London. She has a
Ph.D.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: or ') is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. Because it is a ...
and works at a research institute. Having already traded sexual favours for help paying the plumber's bills, Lauren easily turns to prostitution to improve her finances. Mysteriously, she receives a video documentary about the Jasmine Escort Agency, a high-priced call-girl service. Feeling herself superior to the women featured on the video, Lauren signs on with the agency. Besides improving her finances, Lauren's second job brings her in contact with the affectionate Lord Bulbeck, a British politician and the mysterious Mr Van Arkady.
In 1986, the story was made into the film ''
Half Moon Street'', starring
Sigourney Weaver
Susan Alexandra "Sigourney" Weaver (; born October 8, 1949) is an American actress. A figure in science fiction and popular culture, she has received various accolades, including a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Gramm ...
as the titular character.
1984 American novels
Novels about British prostitution
Novels set in London
American novels adapted into films
Hamish Hamilton books
Novels by Paul Theroux
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