The Handle
(Also published as Run Lethal)

The Handle marks a return to territory previously covered in The Score--a hugely ambitious heist that degenerates into an orgy of violence and destruction.  Like The Score, The Handle would make a pretty neat movie.  Parker is contacted by Karns, the current head of the Outfit, to knock off an island casino that he feels is unfairly competing with his organization.  

While The Handle, like all Parker books, is pretty good, it stands as a lesser entry in the series.  People get shot and survive too often, and some good characters are introduced (Yancy and Crystal) who vanish completely too early into the action.  Coincidence is more of a factor than it needs to be.  Nevertheless, a fun book with Parker in fine form.

The Handle is also notable as being the first book where Parker breaks his no-sex-while-on-a-job rule.  It also marks the second time Parker works with Alan Grofield in the series.  Alan's first solo adventure, The Damsel, immediately follows the events of this novel.

AVAILABILITY: The Parker Omnibus Volume 2 contains The Seventh (as The Split), The Score, and The Handle (in typical Parker reprint fashion, out of order).  Unfortunately for many of us, it's a UK only edition.  How do you get it in the States?  I would suggest talking to independent specialty bookstores if there are any in your area...they are frequently experts at getting overseas printings.   You might also try Amazon.co.uk or another overseas online bookdealer.  Warning: A fellow reader has told me that this book contains dozens of typos and is frustrating to read.

Thanks to Glenn Campbell for the scan!

To The Seventh, the previous book in the Parker series

To The Damsel, the first Alan Grofield solo adventure, which follows this book chronologically

To The Rare Coin Score, the next book in the Parker series

Back to The Violent World of Parker