In Richard Stark’s ASK THE PARROT, Parker is back being the anti-hero that we love so much. Picking up right after NOBODY RUNS FOREVER, where Parker’s last job went really wrong, we find him on the run from the law on foot in the woods of upstate New York.
While Parker tries to figure out what to do, he stumbles upon a hermit – former racetrack worker Tom Lindahl, who blew the whistle on some illegal money laundering. After pretty much given the shaft after the resulting exposure, Tom has been holding a grudge and crafting a way to get even for a long time. He figures meeting up with Parker will solve that problem. Having no other recourse, Parker figures “what the hell is one blown job” and that maybe he can make it up with Tom’s idea. Tom explains how he still has access to the track and wants to rip it off.
Stark’s writing flows like no other crime writer out there. I mean, it feels like you’re gliding in such an unsavory world, but you’re not worried, because a master is weaving the tale. Stark populates the book with such great characters and scenarios that’ll you’ll finish the book in no time flat. We get a posse search set up by the sheriff, which Parker takes part in. While searching for the robbers, something happens that will have major reprecussions for all involved. Throw in two inept brothers who seem to realize who Parker is and figure this is their way to score Parker’s loot from the blown operation, and also a mechanic who thinks he’s some sort of bigshot until he learns to mind his own buisness.
My only grip with ASK THE PARROT is a minor one: This is now the 24th book in the series, which started back in the 1690s. I guess Parker officially has entered the world of never-aging characters, since I would guess he’d be in his 70s by now. But don’t let that bog down the real issue at hand: We got us a new Parker novel; now let’s hope there are many more to come. Please, Mr. Westlake – er, I mean, Mr. Stark – continue with one of crime fiction’s all-time greatest badasses. –Bruce Grossman
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OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THIS AUTHOR:
• LEMONS NEVER LIE by Richard Stark
• POINT BLANK by Richard Stark
• THE SOUR LEMON SCORE by Richard Stark
• 361 by Donald E. Westlake
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Nothing better then a Westlake book.
Doesn’t matter what age Parker would be in the real world. I’ve only read Hunter and I’m currently reading flashfire – sheer brilliance.