The Hunter by Richard StarkMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Parker series, by Richard Stark (one of prolific writer Donald Westlake's many pennames) was one of my first introductions to neo-noir/modern crime fiction. And what an introduction! This is a brutally fast read; Parker is stone cold and laser focused as he moves like a force of nature towards his goal. Unfortunately for Mal Resnick, Parker's goal is to get his hands on Mal. Specifically, around Mal's lying, double-crossing neck.
This isn't the sort of book you're remember for it's colorful language or catchy descriptions. Stark's writing matches his penname; there's not a wasted paragraph in the book. The writing is deliberately sparse and focused on the action. Parker moves through the plot with so much momentum, the reader can't help but get caught up in the wake of destruction he leaves behind. The real beauty of the Hunter (and the rest of the Parker series) is seeing how Parker's mind works. He's a craftsman whose trade is crime, and it's always intriguing to see how he approaches his job.
The Hunter is a brief glimpse into the dark and dirty world of the criminal underground seen through the eyes of the consummate tradesman. The blistering pace, fascinating cast of characters, and the careful plotting make this a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
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