(8.00)239 pages. Author's Note. Sample chapters from the next Quarry novel.
Vietnam veteran Quarry is a hired killer. After a quick assignment in Vegas, The Broker sends Quarry and his partner Boyd to Memphis – not to kill, but to protect a high-profile pornographer.
Max Climer started in the family business, then converted a bar into a strip club (Climax Club), then launched a magazine (Climax Magazine). His business empire is only growing, but who wants him dead? The college protesters who claim he exploits women? The merchants who say he is ruining the neighborhood? The minister whose followers demonstrate outside the club? Could it be his business partner, cousin Vernon? His ex-wife, Dorrie, the retired stripper? Could it have something to do with drug dealing at the club? Or does someone on the inside nurse a grudge against Max's conspicuous wealth and unconventional ways?
Quarry's problem is two-fold: to identify and eliminate the hitmen, and then to eliminate whoever is paying them.
The novel moves along with excellent pacing and interesting characters, even though the violence level is low until the latter part. The setting allows the author to make sardonic comments about stripping, pornography and prostitution, without overt moralizing. Will Quarry maintain his integrity (such as it is) in the face of multiple temptations?
This is a book in the Hard Case series, so expect a 'hard boiled crime' atmosphere, a lot of action, and a fair amount of explicit sex.
This novel is a prequel, in the sense that it is set before the original novel, and it adds more background for The Broker and Quarry's long-time partner, Boyd.
The ending made me laugh.
Can you game it? As you might expect given the setting, most of the action is too one-sided to inspire anything for the tabletop.
Note that the subject matter makes this novel inappropriate for younger readers.
I found the novel to be easily read, a nice mix of action and humor. Recommended.
Reviewed by 
Editor in Chief Bill 
.