The First Quarry (Hard Case Crime)
by Max Allan Collins
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Book Summary Information
Author: Max Allan CollinsEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-09
ISBN: 0843959657
Number of pages: 204
Publisher: Hard Case Crime
Book Reviews of The First Quarry (Hard Case Crime)
Book Review: "The First Quarry" - Hardcore Noir at its Best! A Must Read!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Max Collins' "The First Quarry" is hardcore noir at its best! Kudos to "Hard Case Crime" for publishing some of most outstanding hard-boiled crime novels on the market today. Hard Case recreates the spirit of the pulp fiction of the 1940s and '50s. The covers feature original art done in pulp style by artists such as Robert McGinnis and Glen Orbik. The collection includes both hard to find books from the pulp era and new novels. There are seven novels in the author's "Quarry series," which precede this one. I wish Hard Case would republish the earlier books as I would like to read them in order, and the prices for the original publications are sky-high.
Fortunately for me, "The First Quarry" is a good place to start, as this is really a prequel to the later books and concerns professional hit man Quarry's first job. It also contains fascinating background material about him.
Quarry, and that's the only name we are given for our protagonist, is contacted by a mysterious man, the very suave Broker, who offers him a job with his "team" - an "unusual money-making opportunity." The Broker, a sort of middle man in the murder business, had researched Quarry and knows his bio backwards and forwards, including info about his recent stint in Vietnam as a sniper, and his failed marriage. When Quarry returned from the war he found his wife in "flagrante delicto" with a mechanic. He walked out on his wife, and the mechanic, subsequently, had a very serious accident. Anyway, the money is good, Quarry's a pro at the work - after all, he is being offered big bucks for what he did in Nam for free - and he is at a low point in his life. So, of course, he accepts.
Usually the jobs involve a two man team - one man gets the necessary information through "established surveillance techniques." The second man makes the kill - a "surgical strike without any collateral damage." However, on this first job, Quarry is to work alone.
This is a test run, so to speak, and earns him a fifty thousand dollar advance. Not only is he to eliminate the target, a libidinous college professor, but he must find and destroy some documents in the soon-to-be victim's possession. The professor makes a habit of sleeping with his students and as Quarry watches, the girls who parade in and out of the house make for a 3 ring circus. It also makes it very difficult for Quarry to get his quarry alone to do the dirty deed.
As the history behind this complicated kill becomes apparent, I became so hooked that I read the novel in one sitting. Just couldn't put it down. There are many layers to be uncovered here, surprising x-factors, and much action, violence and sex...so be forewarned. I was totally amazed by the denouement.
In contrast to the lurid subject matter, the novel contains some terrific humor. The sarcastic Quarry runs a wry inner dialogue which can be really funny. His obsession with music made me laugh also.
"The First Quarry" was originally published as "The Broker" in 1976 and reprinted by Foul Play Press, 1985, as "Quarry." This is an absolute must read for fans of hard core crime! OUTSTANDING!!!!
Jana Perskie
The Last Quarry (Hard Case Crime)
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