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Commencing over a quarter-century ago, Richard Stark's Parker series has been a reliably dark, existential template of how the task of genre writing should be performed. While each volume is carried by a comfortably predictable plotline --- Parker commits a crime, escapes jeopardy and commits another crime --- there is a rough, unpredictable thread running through each and every paragraph, a hint that this, or perhaps the next, event that takes place may spell the end to Parker and to the series.
Stark's prose in ASK THE PARROT is consistent with his other work; it is not grandiose, but its clean, dark narrative voice compels and propels. Though the book picks up where 2004's NOBODY RUNS FOREVER leaves off, it is not necessary to have read that work or, for that matter, any of the previous Parker novels to fully appreciate what occurs here. You learn all you need to know almost immediately: Parker is a bad guy who does bad things when he has to and kills when he must; he is the ultimate pragmatist without regret. Stark, as is his wont, has teased and toyed with classic plot devices in prior Parker novels, and does so once again in ASK THE PARROT.
In a brilliant maneuver, Stark (aka Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Donald E. Westlake) introduces a deus ex machina character named Tom Lindahl at the beginning of the story. Lindahl rescues Parker from almost certain capture by the authorities, who are pursuing Parker in the aftermath of a disastrous bank heist. Lindahl is leading a bitterly reclusive existence in rural Massachusetts, nursing anger and plotting revenge against his former employer, a race track that fired him when he discovered and revealed financial improprieties that were taking place on the premises. He has a strategy to gain a cold measure of revenge against the track, but he lacks the nerve to execute it.
When fate deposits Parker practically at Lindahl's doorstep, it is as if Lindahl's prayers have been answered. Parker is intrigued with Lindahl's story and his plan, but Parker still has to contend with the manhunt that swirls around him (count Parker's evasion plan as another stroke of genius on the author's part), as well as Lindahl's occasionally surfacing reticence, and twin brothers who aren't smart enough to track a train but nonetheless recognize Parker for who, if not what, he is.
One senses after reading ASK THE PARROT that Parker's extended run of luck could be coming to an end, though this might occur in any number of ways, with various results. The only certainty one might anticipate is that such an ending, should it ever happen, will not be predictable in occurrence or outcome. We can only hope that this takes place later rather than sooner.
--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
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