Hit and Run

By: Lawrence Block

Narrated by: Richard Poe

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's Summary

Keller's a hit man. For years now, he's had places to go and people to kill. But enough is enough. He's got money in the bank and just one last job standing between him and retirement.

So he carries it out with his usual professionalism, and he heads home, but guess what? One more job. Paid in advance, so what's he going to do? Give the money back?

In Des Moines, Keller stalks his designated target and waits for the client to give him the go-ahead. And one fine morning, he's picking out stamps for his collection (Sweden 1-5, the official reprints) at a shop in Urbandale when somebody guns down the charismatic governor of Ohio.

Back at his motel, Keller's watching TV when they show the killer's face. And there's something all too familiar about that face....

Keller calls his associate, Dot, in White Plains, but there is no answer. He's stranded halfway across the country, every cop in America's just seen his picture, his ID and credit cards are no longer good, and he just spent almost all of his cash on the stamps.

Now what?

©2008 Lawrence Block (P)2008 HarperCollins Publishers

A novel for Keller, with little antagonist depth

I enjoyed the previous "short stories" of Keller's (the main character's) hits. This book is a novel form, and so is less focused on the various hits of a hitman, and more on the introspective thoughts of a man who's career is winding down; overlayed on the more interesting premise that the man is a hitman "on the run". The novel form in itself pretty much by definition means there will be a lot "in the middle" with no action. Even without the "action", it still developed the main character as he made choices as a hitman would need to, given his circumstances. For this reason, I enjoyed the book along similar lines to the previous books.

Voice acting by Poe was professional and appropriate for the subject matter.

My only complaint was that not nearly enough time was spent on developing the final antagonist. This reader felt that I did not know the final antagonist at all. In fact, I felt there wasn't enough material to convince me he was the appropriate target for Keller to confront. For this reason, it feels that when the book ends, it ends abruptly, and with a rushed finish.

For these reasons, I give 95% of the book 4/5 stars, but the ending 2/5 stars.

pitiful waste of time

no wonder I hadn't listened to this a second time. the plot was choppy and corny.

No suspense, no intrigue

I don't know what my problem is lately with book choices but I seem to pick out turkeys disguised as ... Some bird that's more interesting. First thing is the narrator's voice. I couldn't shake it as an old Marlboro man, 50-60 years old. The character is mid-forty.

Now the story. It just wasn't that interesting. I kept waiting for some mystery, double-crossing and/or real intrigue and it never materialized. Instead you get a really straightforward tale with a lot of steady eddy moving to and fro by the main character. What kind of car and how he got it, what motel, where'd he eat, what did he eat, went to a movie, drive to New Orleans where he just happened upon a really lucky break by rescuing a damsel in distress who offers him her house and affection within hours of meeting and discovering he is a mysterious maybe killer. I love those coincidences (not really).

The final act is to go right a wrong by killing someone to even the score. He pretty much hit the road, dialed a few phone numbers, caught up with a wise-guy, got what he needed out of him and proceeded to his target. All very uneventful. Can you tell I was disappointed?

Not his best work.

Like this author a bunch but this book seemed like a writing assignment that had to reach a certain word number to be turned in. The story line is good, but not great. The twists were okay but not startling. The solution was mundane and anti-climatic. Not one of his best efforts.

Disapointing

What disappointed you about Hit and Run?

Primarily is a summary of all the other Keller stories to date, lacking the wit and humor in the series and the narration is flat.

Would you be willing to try another one of Richard Poe’s performances?

Yes, he just Is not right for this character, he was fine for the Richard Ford series which I also have

Totally substandard for Lawrence Block

What would have made Hit and Run better?

A better developed plot with more characters.

Would you ever listen to anything by Lawrence Block again?

Yes, I usually like Lawrence Block.

Which scene was your favorite?

None

Any additional comments?

A real disappointment for Lawrence Block fans. The reader was good, but he could do just so much with the inferior material. This purchase was a waste of good money.

End of game?

A great new (final? - I hope not) Keller book. Took me a while to get accostumed to the narrator: a little bit harsher and faster than the previous which I find more "kellereske".

Not the same old Keller

This Keller installment just didn't do it for me. Too much downtime in the middle. Without giving anything away, all I can say is it lacks Keller's usual quirkyness in making his hits and the quirky dialogue between Dot and Keller.

Keller and Dot DO NOT disappoint!

Gentle, mild mannered paid killer and his witty, humorous manager are in high form in this book! The plot twists and turns through excitement and thrills. I love the conclusion.

You say I did what?

This is a great read for anyone, who likes suspense. I really enjoyed the way the main character gets into a fix, without realizing it, until it is too late and constantly having to use his street smarts to keep from getting caught. With many unexpected events, it definitely kept you on the edge of your seat.