Hit Parade

By: Lawrence Block

Narrated by: Lawrence Block

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times best-selling author and master of the modern mystery returns with a fierce and poignant new novel featuring his acclaimed killer-for-hire, Keller. John Keller is everyone's favorite hit man. He's cool. Reliable. A real pro: the hit man's hit man. The inconvenient wife, the business partner, the retiree with a substantial legacy. He's taken care of them all, quietly and efficiently.

Keller's got a code of honor, though he'd never call it that. And he keeps the job strictly business. But while Keller might be a pragmatic and crack assassin, he's also prone to doubts and loneliness just like everybody else. And though he's got Dot, his wisecracking contact and sometimes confidante, these days, it doesn't seem to be enough.

Keller's been at this business a long while. Just maybe it's time to pack it in. Only problem is, retirement takes money. And to get money, he's got to go to work....

Hit Parade, the third novel featuring the fascinating Keller, displays the hallmarks that distinguish Lawrence Block's award-winning fiction: the intelligence, the clever plotting, the humor, the tricky twist and ironic turns, the darkness and emotional complexity, and, above all else, the humanity.

©2006 Lawrence Block (P)2006 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

"Well-crafted....With dry wit." (Publishers Weekly)
"Block's legion of fans will savor his subtle wit, his consummate narrative skills, and his idiosyncratic method of celebrating the lives of working folks in America." (Booklist)

Needs to be read by Forster

I love Lawrence Block as a writer. Not so much as a narrator. In this case, his voice doesn't do his writing justice. This should have been narrated by Robert Forster (the original Hit Man voice and the bail bondsman in Jackie Brown).

Keller and Dot at their best

Excellent; Block is a terrific storyteller, and listening to him tell the story made Keller and Dot come alive. I laughed aloud several times during their conversations. The unexpected revelation of part of Keller's background provided poignant insight into the shaping of his life.

Improved as a Voice Performer

Back when I put in a review for "Burglar on the Prowl" I'd said I was going to avoid audiobooks Mr. Block had read himself due to the issues I had understanding him in that work.

Accidents happen, and I ended up with this one in my library and paid for before I realized who was reading it. The good news is, between 04 and 06, he improved in terms of cadence. It was easier to understand what was being said, and thus less of an issue to pick up the story without distracting from my driving.

A writer is not always a reader

Lawrence Block is a monster talent as writer. That made my disappointment all the greater when I began to listen to him read. After 10 minutes, I gave up. Maybe it's because Robert Forster did such a great job narrating Hit Man. But I really think Mr. Block shows that story telling and narration are two different arts.

I rated the book four stars simply out of guilt for being critical of Mr. Block and because "all fields are required."

Not as good as the original

I fell in love with Keller in Hit Man but this one just doesn't take his character as far. Still a fun read but misses the mark. Block is not as good of a narrator as the one in Hit Man. The individual stories are not quite as intriguing and quirky. Seems to ride the coat tails of Hit Man without being as fun.

Block's "Hit Parade" is another hit!

Any additional comments?

Another great collection from a master. A series of short stories that read like a journal of sorts from the kindest hitman you could ever meet. He's got a heart but never lets that get in the way of the job. The body count piles up in Hit Parade, as do some surprising twists. Highly recommended.

Stick to writing Mr. Block

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator.

What did you like best about this story?

Great story, but went to reading it since the narration was so bad

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Lawrence Block?

Just about anyone: Scott Brick,et al.

Any additional comments?

I love your books Mr. Block, but please, no more narration on the side. It distracts from your fine writing!

Poor Naration, but good story.

Would you try another book from Lawrence Block and/or Lawrence Block?

I would not purchase another book narrated by Mr. Block, but I have purchased several more he's read.

Another great installment

The first Keller book "Hit List" is my favorite audiobook of all time. This book is every bit as good BUT I will have to concede that I do like Robert Forster's reading better than the author's. That said, Mr. Block's reading is not that bad. It is just different.
I really like all the characters in these books. Keller and Dot are always saying funny things and making wisecracks and philosophical remarks, and Keller goes out, asseses the situation, makes a judgment and, well, does what he does best. There is violence in these books but it isn't the comic book type. Keller is truly a morally abiguous character. He murders people for money, yet he is thoughtful, he worries about the ramifications of what he does, and somehow he isn't a monster. He is clever. And so is Lawrence Block for making each one of these stories really come alive.
He doesn't have the best voice, that's true, but if you can get past that, you can enjoy some of the smartest storytelling you will ever find.

Love Lawrence's writing but not his reading.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, still good even if not the best reader.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Keller. Just neat.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Not the greatest

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A movie about job security.

Any additional comments?

None