Title: Hit and Run
Author: Lawrence Block
First published June 24, 2008
287 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780060840907 (ISBN10: 0060840900)
Rating: 3.99
Overview
Meet Keller, a skilled hitman who has been in the business for years. He has always been true to his profession, but now he’s ready to retire with a hefty sum of money in his bank account.
Just one last job and he’s done. He executes the task perfectly and looks forward to a peaceful retirement.
However, his plans are thwarted when he receives another job offer, which he can’t refuse. In his next target location, Des Moines, he witnesses a high-profile murder on the news.
The killer’s face seems too familiar, and Keller realizes he’s in trouble. His associate Dot is unreachable, and he’s now stuck in an unfamiliar place with no money and the entire police force hot on his trail.
What will Keller do? Read Hit and Run by Lawrence Block to find out.
About the Author
Lawrence Block is a prolific writer of crime, mystery, and suspense novels, having written over 100 books and countless short stories. Born in Buffalo, New York, Block attended Antioch College for a brief period before leaving to pursue other endeavors.
His early works, written under pseudonyms and published in the late 1950s, were primarily in the field of erotica. However, Block’s first published story under his own name, “You Can’t Lose,” appeared in Manhunt in 1958.
His first book, Mona, was published in 1961 under his own name.
Block is best known for his series characters, which include private investigator Matthew Scudder, burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr, insomniac Evan Tanner, and assassin Keller. He has also written under pseudonyms such as Jill Emerson, John Warren Wells, Lesley Evans, and Anne Campbell Clarke.
Block’s writing has appeared in numerous magazines, including American Heritage, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and The New York Times. He has also written for television and film, with his latest book to be adapted for film being A Walk Among the Tombstones, starring Liam Neeson.
Block has won multiple awards for his writing, including the Edgar and Shamus awards, the Japanese Maltese Falcon award, the Nero Wolfe and Philip Marlowe awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America. He was also named a Grand Master of Mystery Writers of America and has been honored at book fairs and mystery festivals around the world.
Block is a modest and humble person, despite his many accomplishments. He and his wife Lynne are avid travelers and have visited around 160 countries.
Editoral Review
Lawrence Block’s “Hit and Run” is a thrilling mystery novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Block is a well-known author of crime fiction that has written over one hundred books, and “Hit and Run” is one of his most popular works.
Published on June 24, 2008, the novel is the perfect addition to any mystery lover’s bookshelf. The novel follows the story of Keller, a professional hitman who is offered a new job to assassinate a target.
However, the job goes awry, and Keller is forced to flee the scene. As he becomes the primary suspect for the crime, Keller must use his skills as a hitman to find out who set him up and clear his name.
Block’s writing style is concise, with excellent pacing throughout the novel. The plot is well-thought-out, with a twist at every turn, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
The main character, Keller, is intriguing and complex, with a backstory that keeps readers interested in his quest for justice. The setting of the novel is also a plus.
The story takes place in New York City, a city Block himself has written about extensively in other works. The author’s intimate knowledge of the city comes through in the vivid descriptions of the setting, which sets the tone for the entire novel.
One of the strengths of the novel is the way Block explores the theme of justice. Keller, a hitman, is not a character that readers would typically root for, but Block’s writing makes us empathize with him and his desire to be exonerated.
The novel raises thought-provoking questions about morality and the justice system, and Block handles these themes with skill. However, there are some flaws in the novel that are worth noting.
Some readers may find the ending to be unsatisfying, as it leaves some unanswered questions. Additionally, the secondary characters in the novel do not receive as much character development as Keller, which can make them feel flat at times.
Overall, “Hit and Run” is an excellent novel that will keep mystery fans engaged from beginning to end. While it may not be perfect, its strengths make it a must-read for lovers of the genre.
Lawrence Block’s expert writing and masterful pacing make “Hit and Run” a page-turner that is well worth the read. I would recommend this novel for fans of mystery and crime fiction, as well as readers interested in exploring themes of justice and morality.
The book earns a score of 4 out of 5, thanks to its gripping plot, expertly-crafted characters, and thought-provoking themes.
