Scan barcode
A review by twilliamson
Quarry by Max Allan Collins
2.0
Quarry, first published in 1976, reads like a freshman effort at the mystery-thriller, although it was not Collins' first published work. Its plot, one-dimensional characters, and terrible dialogue are all cheap staples of hard-boiled detective fiction, while its backgrounds, sexual politics and overt sexism mark it as a remnant of an earlier time.
It's easy, however, to see why Quarry is at least influential; as a near-perfect representation of the tough-guy gun-for-hire archetype, Quarry--the character--seems to resonate throughout even modern-day tough-guy narratives, with figures like Lee Child's Jack Reacher taking much of what Quarry is and does here with a bit more self-conscious an attitude.
Although bland, the novel offers a quick read and here acts as the hard-boiled detective taken to its next logical conclusion. It's good for a simple diversion, and though I can see Quarry's appeal as a cult figure, I would suggest this first novel is far from the best example of the genre and only remains appealing because of where this novel finds itself in space and time. I'd be interested enough to read more to get a sense of the evolution of the character, with hopes that the later adventures might take greater chances, though for now this book remains a diverting curiosity and little else.
It's easy, however, to see why Quarry is at least influential; as a near-perfect representation of the tough-guy gun-for-hire archetype, Quarry--the character--seems to resonate throughout even modern-day tough-guy narratives, with figures like Lee Child's Jack Reacher taking much of what Quarry is and does here with a bit more self-conscious an attitude.
Although bland, the novel offers a quick read and here acts as the hard-boiled detective taken to its next logical conclusion. It's good for a simple diversion, and though I can see Quarry's appeal as a cult figure, I would suggest this first novel is far from the best example of the genre and only remains appealing because of where this novel finds itself in space and time. I'd be interested enough to read more to get a sense of the evolution of the character, with hopes that the later adventures might take greater chances, though for now this book remains a diverting curiosity and little else.