Andrew
The Parker series continues to improve, as this one has Parker waging a proxy war against the titular Outfit. Instead of focusing on one big heist like the last novel, Stark devotes a chapter each to five different heists around the country, any one of which could have easily been drawn out into its own novel.
Parker's world, his closest connections, and his attitudes are more developed by the 3rd book in, but he hasn't developed any more empathy or nuance and retains all his single-minded edge.
My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.
The Parker series continues to improve, as this one has Parker waging a proxy war against the titular Outfit. Instead of focusing on one big heist like the last novel, Stark devotes a chapter each to five different heists around the country, any one of which could have easily been drawn out into its own novel.
Parker's world, his closest connections, and his attitudes are more developed by the 3rd book in, but he hasn't developed any more empathy or nuance and retains all his single-minded edge.
My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.