Helpful Score: 2
Larence writes so many different characters that it's logical one would not like them all. I did like this character. but not particularily the style he wrote in. The lead, Keller is a hit man. Each chapter represents a different assignment. Although he ties the chapters together now and then, it just wasn't as satisfying for me at the books end. Good for short reading times...
Helpful Score: 1
Hmmm not sure if I would want to have Keller as a friend. Well, then I guess he would not kill me? ;)
Helpful Score: 1
A fun and perverse read!
Helpful Score: 1
Really enjoyable read- the focus is entirely on the man rather than the job and Keller is a likable guy. I'm hoping for a sequel as I'd like to see him get his dog back :o)
Helpful Score: 1
Just check your moral indignation at the door, and this book is really funny. I especially like Chapter 3, Keller's Therapy.
To me, Keller's introspective musings are reminiscent of John Cusack in the movie Grosse Pointe Blank.
To me, Keller's introspective musings are reminiscent of John Cusack in the movie Grosse Pointe Blank.
Helpful Score: 1
I think I'm in love with Keller Great sense of humor, gets the job done, has a dog. This isn't one novel with one story. Take it as ten little stories (as they were published in Playboy magazine), a series of killings and mini adventures.
This is an unusual read. Its focus is on the killer and what he is doing, and how he does his work. It also gives you insight as to his personality. It is a strange mystery.
excellent read
Award Winner
"Keller is your basic Urban Lonely Guy. He makes a decent wage, lives in a nice apartment... Until the phone rings and he packs a suitcase, flies halfway across the country and kills somebody." Anything Lawrence Block writes is amazing. I guess you could call me a fan.
This book is a compilation of short stories that were published in magazines. The hit man is Keller--one letter off of Killer--a loner who lives in NYC and gets phone calls from Dot, a woman in a house in White Plains. The man upstairs in the house gives the orders, and Keller does the dirty work. Keller is an interesting character -- kind of like the Tin Man, he wants to have a heart. It has humor, too. In one chapter, Keller goes to a therapist. He gets a dog who leaves him for the dogwalker. He starts collecting stamps. All in all, it's a good read and sets us up for the next book.
Lawrence Block is a great popular fiction writer.
His Keller character is both a sociopath and a
philatelist. This author makes you want to know more
about Keller. He convinces you that you care about
this character; that stamp collecting is worthwhile
and interesting. (I collect stamps - he's right). He
has created a singular anti-hero.
His Keller character is both a sociopath and a
philatelist. This author makes you want to know more
about Keller. He convinces you that you care about
this character; that stamp collecting is worthwhile
and interesting. (I collect stamps - he's right). He
has created a singular anti-hero.
Keller is your basic urban lonely guy. He makes a decent wage, lives in a nice apartment. Works the crossword puzzle. Until the phone rings and he packs a suitcase, gets on a plane, and kills somebody. Is this life? He goes to a shrink, but it doesn't work out like he planned.
I have read two of Block's books now and they just seem too simple. Simple narrative and plot.
So glad I came across this series. I have so enjoyed reading this book. Lawrence Block has a HIT in "Hit Man". As soon as I finished it I ordered the next four books in the series. Already I am sad there are only five books in the series. I love the wit and humor of Block's writing - had a few laugh out loud moments. Just love Keller (main character) and Dot as well. I have to give a book 5 stars when I CANNOT put it down. I see Mr. Block has written many other books besides this series. I will be checking them out very soon.
