Happy release day!
A big thank you to Titan Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
QUARRY’S CLIMAX by Max Allan Collins (out today)
This was probably one of the most exciting books to receive because I LOVE the Hard Case Crime series.
My Thoughts: 4/5 stars!
Quarry is back in this 14th installment of Max Allan Collins’ Quarry series. QUARRY’S CLIMAX is just as witty, sexy, and full of memorable characters as we follow contract killer Quarry on his next hired hit.
Set in Memphis 1975, which can also be known as a time of sexual revolution. People are wanting to put Max Climer out of business for good. His magazine, Climax, is raunchy and in your face, he also runs an all-hours strip club and has a video empire. Despite the groups that want him out of business (feminists, evangelists, and others) there is someone else that wants him taken out. A hit man is hired to end Climer’s career indefinitely. The only one that can stop him is Quarry, a professional and ruthless hit man that will stop at nothing to keep Climer alive.
I have read most of the Quarry series and I’ve loved them all. The noir, hard boiled crime, and pulpy feel is always something I love about the Hard Case Crime series. These are full of strip clubs, bouncers, hit men, muscle cars, and all of the sleaziness of the 70’s. Max Allan Collins does a great job setting the scene and creating a witty protagonist. I never thought I’d be rooting for a hit man, but Quarry is one of those bad guys that are good (in a way).
What I love about the Hard Case Crime books is that they’re all short and to the point. They focus on the crime and are no-nonsense in their characters or events. I’ve read the Stephen King and Lawrence Block books as well, and that’s present in all of them. Quarry is a realistic hit man in that his stories aren’t about saving tons of people, he’s simply trying to get his target. This one was definitely different in that he wasn’t hired to make a hit, but to prevent one. That kept it fresh (especially being the 14th in a series).
Overall, if you like the noir/pulp fiction type books, then this is a perfect and quick read. If you’ve read any of the Quarry series, then this is a no-brainer!
I’m going back to finish my reread of the rest of the series! I got 7 books in before this one released.
–Jess
Jessicamap Reviews 