Front cover of an edition of the Hunter.
The Hunter by Donald Westlake, written under the pseudonym Richard Stark, is the first novel in the Parker series. It follows the story of a professional thief and his attempts to pull off a daring heist. Through the course of the novel, Parker must confront powerful forces who are determined to stop him, as well as his own inner demons. The novel is filled with thrilling action and suspense, as Parker struggles to stay one step ahead of his enemies.
The novel is written in a tight, noir style that captures the mood of the era in which it is set. Parker is a complex protagonist who is driven by his desire to succeed, despite the obstacles and dangers he faces. His journey to success is fraught with danger and suspense, as he must outwit and outmanoeuvre a variety of powerful forces.
The Hunter is a classic heist novel that contains all the elements of a great story. It is filled with colorful characters, clever plot twists, and thrilling action sequences. The novel is also a reflection of its time, reflecting the changing social and political climate of the era.
Donald Westlake's writing style is often described as "tight" and "noir-ish". He uses short, punchy sentences and a terse, edge-of-your-seat style of storytelling, making it easy to become immersed in the story. Westlake also has a knack for creating suspense and keeping the reader guessing until the very end.
The Hunter is a classic crime novel that has stood the test of time. It is a thrilling story that is both exciting and thought-provoking. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and a great starting point for readers who are new to the genre.