Hit Man

By: Lawrence Block

Narrated by: Robert Forster

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Keller possesses all the qualities of a professional killer. He's cool, confident, reclusive, icy, and ruthlessly efficient. But this seasoned hit man is also prone to self-doubt as he finds himself caught in the clutches of a mid-life crisis. Between contracts, he learns a few crucial truths about himself and the ways of the world he's become detached from, and winds up a wiser - if not better - man.

©1998 by Lawrence Block (P)1998 by Dove Audio, Inc.

Humorous with interesting characters

As the title suggests, this book is about a hit man. Apart from his profession, Keller (the main character) is quite an enjoyable and likeable character. The book seems like a collection of short stories, and given Keller?s profession, that makes a lot of sense. I thought Hit Man was well written; humorous with interesting characters. I also thought the author did an outstanding job of keeping the descriptions of violence to a minimum. As an added bonus, the narration was EXCELLENT.

The only downside that I saw to the book is that the character is so likeable and the violence so nondescript ? you lose some perspective about Keller?s profession and just think he?s just doing a normal job. I think this book can desensitize you in a very subtle way.

Spot on Narration

Hit Man is a fun ride! I have to agree with the other reviewers here, this is not at all a story about a hit man out whacking people, but more of what said hit man does in between jobs. The characters are not fully fleshed out, with the exception of the main character, but there is more than enough witticism to make up for that, and all flawlessly delivered by Robert Forster. I couldn't have imagined a better narrator for this story... it doesn't feel like some guy reading a book, he speaks EXACTLY as I would expect his character to speak, inflections, intonations, and all. This one was well worth the price of admission.

I enjoy Mr Block

This is more a collection of short stories, kinda welded into a book. Have enjoyed other Keller books more, but still like this.

Who Knew?

I initially purchased Hit Man because it was so inexpensive--that and the rave reviews. What a bargain! A most excellent read, and the narrator is perfect. I laughed and even held my breath at times, waiting to hear what would happen. Best novel I've listened to for quite some time--and I listen to a lot of novels.

The killer you can't help but like.

Entertaining, witty, and fun.

Sometimes outrageous circumstances.

Malefactor

A philosophical gun for hire who thinks of himself as whimsical. Because of his profession any chance of friends or a relationship is unlikely which, of course, leaves him a bit lonely. This is told from his thoughts, how he perceives his profession and the people who pass through his life. He does have a twisted version of a moral compass and does not take himself too seriously. All in a days work, so to speak. It was interesting how easy the author made it to become attached to a ruthless killer. I would have given this five stars except the ending was tied up too fast with an unlikely outcome and I think It could have had a better, more inventive lead into the second book in the series. That being said, it was well worth the time, the Hit Man was interesting and the narration was excellent.

Most laid-back hit man ever

A friend of mine recommended this book to me because I love assassin novels, and I was very pleasantly surprised. While not the high-octane assassin of some other series, Keller is still good at his job, but this book is more character driven than plot driven. Robert Forster did a fabulous job narrating, to the point where I was extremely disappointed to see he does not narrate the rest of the series. I can't imagine anyone else being Keller after listening to Hit Man. I haven't continued on with the rest of the series, but I may. Very enjoyable if you like dark humor and great writing.

A different kind of Block

I've enjoyed all the Scudder books, wish there were more, but their aren't. There is more Block, though. Hit Man pulled me right in. I enjoyed it more than anything I've read by Block; a wonderful character even with his sinister career.

So enjoyable

I am usually after romance and adventure. This had such nice pace and humor. Very manly but allows me as a woman to enjoy that sort of logic.

Great Book Great Reader.

Robert Forster is a great actor and has a great voice. l always appreciated his work, and having him narrate a book from one of my favorite authors is an extra special treat.