Love these Parker novels, the language, the planning, master class ( )

As the book opens, Parker has just had facial surgery to alter his looks. He's also going by a different name. Now the people who are after him will no longer be able to recognize him. He just needs to replenish his dwindling supply of cash. Luckily, he hears of a potential armored car heist that could yield him an easy $50,000 or so.

I was quickly drawn into this, the first Parker novel I have read. I'm also reading the Australian Wyatt series, also featuring a "bad" guy, and it's interesting to compare the two, not to mention some of the similarities with Highsmith's Ripley. This one is very much a period piece, largely set in 1960's New Jersey, with Esso maps and roadside diners. Very nostalgic.

I'll be reading more.

3 stars ( )

Much closer to the later formula while continuing logically from the first novel's premise. This time, Parker sees the inevitable betrayal coming from a mile away; the logistics section of this novel is primarily about his plan to circumvent it. (Including an amusing interlude of the master criminal locked in a battle of wits with a bent used car salesman.)

3.3 ( )

Very gritty. The writing is direct, gripping and relentless. ( )