Hit Parade

by: Lawrence Block

Published by: Harper

Reviewed by Sharon Broom

Sometimes I wonder what it says about me that I like and care about so many psychopaths or sociopathic (whatever term you want to use) killers. There’s Tim Dorsey’s Serge, Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter and then there’s Lawrence Block’s John Keller.

Hit Parade is the third visit to the life and times of John Keller. Keller is a businessman. There’s nothing about him that stands out. He’s friendly enough and believes that he cares about people and wouldn’t think of harming anyone, unless you’re next on his hit list. Keller is a contract killer who is represented by White Plains resident, Dot.

Keller has a problem. He’s getting older and is becoming more thoughtful about life, his life. He’s considering his retirement. So he tells Dot to ‘bring on’ the jobs. He’ll take anything, anywhere and anytime. He just wants to beef up his retirement (with enough to feed his stamp collecting hobby)—and do it fast.

So Keller takes on his task of eliminating a naughty, cheating pro baseball player, a dog, a Cuban exile, a jockey and more. But whatever job Keller is on, he does it his way.

Portions of Hit Parade have appeared elsewhere and it sometimes seems to be a novel that is really short stories put together into novel form. But don’t let that stop you from reading it. It’s a unique look into the life of a ‘hit man.’ And no one does quirky, dry, dark humor as well as Lawrence Block. It’s a fun, fast read and you’ll laugh a little and perhaps wonder what it says about you, that you like John Keller the hit man.

Armchair Interviews says: Anything Lawrence Block writes is worth reading.

Author’s Web site: http://www.LawrenceBlock.com