Reviews

The Handle by Richard Stark

posies23's review against another edition

4.0

This is a decent Parker book, but it has a bit more of a "James Bond" feel than the earlier books in the series. Parker is is usual cold-blooded self, but it's the reappearance of Grofield that really makes this on worth reading. It's clever, well-written fun, but feels a little more dated than some of the earlier books in the series, mostly due to the hokey "spy" angle. Parker is many things, but "spy" is not one, at least in my opinion.

jeansbooks's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

thewilyfilipino's review

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

duparker's review

4.0

This is one of the Parker books that most stands out. Great idea of taking out an island, and the outfall. It was great.

jmfjump's review

adventurous dark inspiring relaxing tense

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

sandin954's review against another edition

3.0

Parker is back on the job, this time he is to hit a casino on an island off the coast of Texas, and enlists Grofield, who had quite a large part, to help. While Parker is all business Grofield, who is an actor when not working criminal jobs, helps lighten up the mood a bit. A good fast paced listen narrated by Stephen Thorne.

dantastic's review

4.0

Parker, Grofield, and Salsa are hired by the Outfit to rob an island casino and burn it to the ground. Only the feds get wind of the plot and force Parker to either bring back the man running the casino or go to jail himself. Can Parker get the handle and bring in the Baron?

As usual, Stark weaves a serpentine tale of scheming, violence, and double crosses. Things start going south at the beginning but Parker's motivation to continue was believable considering he lost most of his money when the Willis cover was blown. It might just have been honor amongst thieves but it looked like Parker actually likes Grofield.

The Handle had more tension than most, especially with all shooting going on. When Baron made his escape, even though I knew there are lot more books in the series, I actually wondered if Parker was going to make it for a second or two.

The Handle is a top notch crime thriller, not to be missed by Parker fans.

remlezar's review

4.0

One of the better Parker novels I've read so far. The more books in this series I read, the farther away they get from the formula they adhered to in the first ones. As an unexpected bonus, a good portion of the story takes place in Galveston, and I happened to read about half the book on a beach in Galveston.

neilsarver's review against another edition

3.0

I might have given this three-and-a-half stars if it were an option. I think this is my least favorite Parker novel, though. It is a Parker novel, though, and it's certainly a good time reading.

matt4hire's review

4.0

Another great Parker book. The heist itself is breathless, though the epilogue drags a little, and I do love seeing Parker and his guys plan these things.

It's too bad that Salsa got killed, though. I always liked him.