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posies23's review
5.0
After a few books where it seemed like Parker might be getting in a rut, this book really kicks things into high gear. From an interesting heist to a cat-and-mouse struggle for survival, Stark (Westlake) really puts Parker and Claire through the proverbial ringer in this installment. There are some interesting insights into Parker's thought processes, and some of the most whacked out bad guys we've seen in the series thus far.
As usual, well worth your time.
As usual, well worth your time.
jeansbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
duparker's review
3.0
Hmm robbing a rock concert. What that entails is some decent dialog and set up, but overall, not one of the more well thought out or diverse books in the series. The introduction of domesticity was fun, but I am not sure it is needed. I might need a break from these books.
ogreart's review
4.0
A little darker than the earlier books. It was tight and suspenseful. There was some character development that was well done. I am deeply enjoying this series.
dantastic's review
5.0
Parker and three other crooks steal the take from an arena rock concert. Soon afterwords, persons unknown begin killing the people involved in the caper. Can Parker stop them before he, or Claire, becomes another victim?
Deadly Edge was one of the best Parkers yet. While the heist was well written, as always, it was the cat and mouse game with Parker and his cronies that sold the story. Without spoiling too much, the penultimate confrontation in the dark near the end was intense! The villains were a little too close to reality, drug-addled psychopaths that they were. Claire rose in my esteem and was more than just a way to get at Parker, as she was in the Black Ice Score. As always Parker is Parker, the consummate professional.
Parker keeps rolling right along. If you liked the previous volumes, you'll be getting this no matter how I rate it. If you only get three or four Parker books, this would be one of the must-gets.
Deadly Edge was one of the best Parkers yet. While the heist was well written, as always, it was the cat and mouse game with Parker and his cronies that sold the story. Without spoiling too much, the penultimate confrontation in the dark near the end was intense! The villains were a little too close to reality, drug-addled psychopaths that they were. Claire rose in my esteem and was more than just a way to get at Parker, as she was in the Black Ice Score. As always Parker is Parker, the consummate professional.
Parker keeps rolling right along. If you liked the previous volumes, you'll be getting this no matter how I rate it. If you only get three or four Parker books, this would be one of the must-gets.
remlezar's review
4.0
Reading Stark is like taking a master class in tight, economic, vivid writing, all within the framework of trashy crime pop fiction. He was a great writer working in a "low-brow" genre, which sounds like an insult but really isn't. Fun, light, easy reading has its place. David Foster Wallace, for example, included the work of Thomas Harris, Stephen King, and Tom Clancy on his list of top ten books. If Wallace, author of Infinite Jest - a 1,000+ page tome famously complete with extensive end notes - let himself enjoy some trashy fun reading, you should too. And you shouldn't feel bad about it.
Besides, Shakespeare was also a great writer working in a genre that was considered "low-brow" at the time.
Anyway.
My favorite Parker novels tend to be the ones that break the formula a little bit, and this one does. The heist takes place in the beginning of the book, and the remaining 2/3rds deals with the fallout, which includes stakes for Parker that run deeper than usual. As usual, Stark delivers with clever writing, a good story, and a nice payoff.
If you're into noir/crime/pulp and you want some experience with one of the best writers ever to work the genre, check out the Parker series.
Besides, Shakespeare was also a great writer working in a genre that was considered "low-brow" at the time.
Anyway.
My favorite Parker novels tend to be the ones that break the formula a little bit, and this one does. The heist takes place in the beginning of the book, and the remaining 2/3rds deals with the fallout, which includes stakes for Parker that run deeper than usual. As usual, Stark delivers with clever writing, a good story, and a nice payoff.
If you're into noir/crime/pulp and you want some experience with one of the best writers ever to work the genre, check out the Parker series.
dwhite1174's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
matt4hire's review
5.0
A great, great addition to the Parker series. Getting to see Claire on her own is a definite treat, and Parker's utter ruthlessness reaches a few new heights in this one. Great stuff.
bundy23's review against another edition
4.0
Parker vs an offshoot of the Manson Family. After a couple of lackluster adventures Parker makes a triumphant return to form in this one.
ryno23's review against another edition
5.0
The preview left out an important part. Claire is tired of living in hotels like in Puerto Rico for months at a time while Parker does his jobs. So, she buys herself a house. It's hers. And she won't be forced out. For a week? A couple of days? One night?? Nope. So when the guys after Parker find a phone number, they connect Claire to Parker. So Parker won't be the only one doing the terrorizing. Another excellent book.