Organization Man versus an atavistic independent too competent (or simply too mean) to let a little thing like being left for dead get in the way of the money that he “earned.” Surprisingly grim even for someone familiar with the Parker character from later books and multiple film adaptations; and yet also darkly funny, if simplistic, satire, with a clear interest in the logistics and process of the crime genre.

Richard Stark, a pseudonym for acclaimed crime novelist Donald E. Westlake, created a character named Parker in this novel, and Parker is as stark a creation as the author's nom de plume. The basis of at least two films, including the classic Point Blank of John Boorman and Lee Marvin, the book is gritty, hardboiled in the extreme, and wonderfully paced. To create a character as unappealing as Parker who is, however, fascinating and, in fact, appealing, is a rare achievement. Stark took Parker through a number of books. This one makes me want to read the others. Parker is a hard case, seeking revenge on the man and woman who double-crossed him. That the woman is his wife makes things just that much more intriguing. This is one tough book, and a great read. ( )

3.7
Basis of movie Payback ( )

A masterpiece.
Quality absolute quality.
Completely engaging from first to last page, beautifully written with superb characterisation throughout.
Atmospheric clever descriptive intelligent storytelling.
Short and to the point no waste.
Often funny occasionally laugh out loud so, some violence.
Completely and utterly recommended. ( )

Parker era un profesional. Cada uno de sus trabajos era garantía de éxito. No importaba cuán difícil o peligroso pudiera ser: si conseguía reunir un buen equipo y los beneficios eran razonablemente elevados, no había banco o caja fuerte que se le resistiera. Incluso bajo las condiciones más desfavorables, su sangre fría y su falta de escrúpulos pasaban por encima de cualquier obstáculo que se interpusiera en su camino. Por ello, cuando su mujer y sus socios creyeron que sería una buena idea traicionarle y huir con su último botín, cometieron sin saberlo el mayor error de sus vidas. Peor aún: cuando le dispararon a quemarropa para acabar con su vida, deberían haberse cerciorado de que, efectivamente, Parker jamás sería capaz de levantarse de nuevo para cumplir la más sangrienta y cruel de las venganzas.