Elmore Leonard established a reputation as a writer of so-called ‘hard-bitten’ crime novels (although I believe that earlier in his career he specialised in Westerns), and this is one of his better-known works. It introduces the character of Ernest Stickley Jr, generally known as ‘Stick’, who would appear in some of Leonard’s later works.

Swag was published in 1976 and would probably now be prefaced with warnings that it contains expressions and views that reflected that time. It is also heavily sprinkled with references to clothing atrocities that might trigger alarm among sensitive fashion-conscious current readers (and sparked the odd moment of embarrassment in me when I realised I had also been guilty of such crimes against common decency myself).

The plot concerns two minor criminals, ‘Stick’ and Frank Ryan (which allows for occasional puns about frank and earnest discussions) who come together in rather unusual circumstances, and agree to form a partnership to commit a series of armed robberies around Detroit. The story is very much plot driven, although while Leonard doesn’t enter into lengthy descriptions of the protagonists’ characters, it becomes clear that Stick and Frank have different approaches to their work, and also different ultimate objectives.

Leonard keeps up the fast pace, and he held my attention closely throughout. I felt that the book ended rather suddenly, but found reading it an enjoyable experience. ( )

Like another book from this author- touch in the late 70’s Swag had all the potential of the authors future best sellers it was just not quite there yet. Great dialogue and fun criminals abound in this story about to robbers. ( )

A good interesting story, fun to read but nothing too deep. Kind of a lame ending, could’ve been better. Overall pretty good. ( )

Frank Ryan is an almost honest used car salesman, who after deliberately not testifying against car thief Ernest "Stick" Stickley, Jr., thinks of a foolproof plan for them to perform armed robberies. The plan is about simple everyday armed robbery. Supermarkets, bars, liquor stores, gas stations, etc. Because the statistics prove that this armed robbery pays the most for the least amount of risk, they start their business and earn three to five thousand dollars a week

Great read 4.5 stars ( )