reviews
Jan 18, 2012
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it: 
I'll say up front, I fully expected that if I got into this book I'd at best be mildly interested. It is after all a story of a "Hit Man". Personally I don't condone murder either as profession or pass time, so in rating this book a 4 I'm saying this is an interesting book.
It's odd to find yourself at least mildly sympathetic to a killer. When I first "met" Keller he put me in mind of a homicidal Walter Mitty. When he goes somewhere to "fulfill a contract he More...
It's odd to find yourself at least mildly sympathetic to a killer. When I first "met" Keller he put me in mind of a homicidal Walter Mitty. When he goes somewhere to "fulfill a contract he More...
10 comments
like
(6 people liked it)
Apr 26, 2010
Kemper
rated it:
Keller's a pretty normal guy. He does crosswords, loves dogs, collects stamps and buys earrings for his girlfriend every time he travels. And he travels a lot since his job is killing people.
Block did a great job with this string of short stories about Keller that build a character study about a professional hit man who often finds himself dealing with odd circumstances despite his desire to just do the job and get out of town. Keller isn't a psycho, but he isn't exactly wracked w More...
Block did a great job with this string of short stories about Keller that build a character study about a professional hit man who often finds himself dealing with odd circumstances despite his desire to just do the job and get out of town. Keller isn't a psycho, but he isn't exactly wracked w More...
0 comments
like
(7 people liked it)
Oct 02, 2011
Beth
rated it:
I'd read a bad review on this book, so it was stuck in my head that I wasn't going to like it much, and it did take me a few chapters to get into it. However, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the others in the series.
Keller is a hit man who's good at his job, flying into a town, watching his hit for a day or two and then finishing the job cleanly and then heads back to his leisurely life in between the jobs. He's struggling with how he feels about his mother, so he More...
Keller is a hit man who's good at his job, flying into a town, watching his hit for a day or two and then finishing the job cleanly and then heads back to his leisurely life in between the jobs. He's struggling with how he feels about his mother, so he More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 23, 2010
Jeff
rated it:
A chilling AND warm exploration of the OTHER oldest profession. Keller is the hit-man you want to take home to Mom, the guy you want it to work out for, even if that means he's out there knocking guys off. This standard character is often made sympathetic by the rediscovery of his humanity, a rather dull tale we've all seen before. Typically, they fall for or get emotionally connected to the one target they can't bring themselves to kill. None of that here. Keller is a regular guy, an every
More...
Jul 16, 2010
Lawrence Block is a very prolific writer. Most of his stories are set in New York City and feature an array of series characters. I am most familiar with Matthew Scudder, the alcoholic private investigator and Bernie Rhodenbarr, a bookseller by day and a burglar by night. Block’s latest work features low key hitman, John Keller, who has appeared in three previous outings. In the opening of Hit and Run, the latest effort, Keller is in (you’ll like this one!) Des Moines doing one last job befo
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jul 23, 2011
Quanjun
rated it:
In Hit Man we meet Keller, a very nicely built character who is also an assassin, and follow him on his various missions. Keller what people call the hired gun. He can't really shoot straight, but according to him, what you need to do is just get close enough. And he is very good at his job.
Prior to reading this book, I was fascinated at a book that champions an outright killer. And I've heard that a lot of readers end up falling for Keller, and I thought, wow, this must be quite a k More...
Prior to reading this book, I was fascinated at a book that champions an outright killer. And I've heard that a lot of readers end up falling for Keller, and I thought, wow, this must be quite a k More...
Jun 02, 2011
Eric
rated it: 
I had often heard the name Lawrence Block, but had never read anything of his. Then, in one of his columns for “Entertainment Weekly”—probably one of his reading list columns—Stephen King (aka “Uncle Stevie”) said to check him out. I had also read in a short-story anthology somewhere that this was a good one to pick up, so I did, and I finally slogged through enough of the TBR heap to get to it.
Thank you, Uncle Stevie.
This book is a collection of ten short stories that are More...
Thank you, Uncle Stevie.
This book is a collection of ten short stories that are More...
Jul 14, 2011
Rosemary
rated it: 
So....
This is not the sort of book I ever would have picked up. But it was cheap, I was bookless...stranger relationships have started this way, I suppose.
This is a book about a hit man, told from the hit man's point of view. That often leads to a certain level of "sympathy" for the devil, which is why writer's do it. By the time I finished this book I flat out liked the protagonist. And the people he worked for. What????
Yes. Liked them.
Of cours More...
This is not the sort of book I ever would have picked up. But it was cheap, I was bookless...stranger relationships have started this way, I suppose.
This is a book about a hit man, told from the hit man's point of view. That often leads to a certain level of "sympathy" for the devil, which is why writer's do it. By the time I finished this book I flat out liked the protagonist. And the people he worked for. What????
Yes. Liked them.
Of cours More...
Mar 14, 2011
Jason
rated it:
Keller is a good man, a kind man, a stamp collector, a man who loves dogs and cares about women, and occasionally, Keller packs his bag, climbs on a plane and kills someone he never met. Nothing personal, it's just a job.
This novel reads as more of a collection of short stories telling stories of a man who isn't a psycho, but really doesn't feel much in way of guilt either. I expected this to be just a quick read: pulp fiction at it's finest. This book was surprising in it's depth an More...
This novel reads as more of a collection of short stories telling stories of a man who isn't a psycho, but really doesn't feel much in way of guilt either. I expected this to be just a quick read: pulp fiction at it's finest. This book was surprising in it's depth an More...
Oct 12, 2010
Becky
rated it:
This was an unusual book for me...I kept wavering on how I felt about it. I started off liking it..I like the humor in it and he uses a lot of unusual quotes and sayings, which I like a great deal...but I felt really squeamish about the fact that he was a hit man and I almost stopped reading it at one point. It also took me quite a while to adapt to the combination of short story format. Quite possibly if I had known that was the setup I wouldn't have started the book. I tend to prefer a nov
More...
Oct 13, 2011
Laura
rated it:
4.5 stars
Who would have thought that these tales of the life of a hit man would be so much fun? Certainly, my (very limited) experience with Lawrence Block didn't set my expectations in the right direction.
Keller is a hit man, but this career leaves him with a lot of time on his hands. The rather unique way he ends up with a dog, his new hobby of stamp collecting, the unexpected side effects of an impromptu rescue of a drowning boy... These stories are interwoven with r More...
Who would have thought that these tales of the life of a hit man would be so much fun? Certainly, my (very limited) experience with Lawrence Block didn't set my expectations in the right direction.
Keller is a hit man, but this career leaves him with a lot of time on his hands. The rather unique way he ends up with a dog, his new hobby of stamp collecting, the unexpected side effects of an impromptu rescue of a drowning boy... These stories are interwoven with r More...
Jul 05, 2009
Johnny
rated it:
Breezy read with a compelling character. Block's approach to the titular character, Keller, does not take the expected route. He has created an interesting amoral character who seems to be on search not for his morality, but for his place in the world. His acceptance of his profession is refreshing, if simple.
My main gripe is based on personal taste. This is a collection of short stories posing as a novel. Each "chapter" has its own three-act structure, but the book as a More...
My main gripe is based on personal taste. This is a collection of short stories posing as a novel. Each "chapter" has its own three-act structure, but the book as a More...
Jul 19, 2010
Bryan457
rated it:
Short stories about a hit.
I enjoyed this and would like to read more about Keller, the hit man.
I am going to say just a bit about each story and give it a rating.
1. Answers to Soldier. The target recognizes Keller and he spends quite a bit of time talking to him. It was ok, 2 stars.
2. Keller on Horseback. The target's daughter and son in law may hate each other, but they both adore the old man. So who put out the contract on him and why. I liked it, 3 star More...
I enjoyed this and would like to read more about Keller, the hit man.
I am going to say just a bit about each story and give it a rating.
1. Answers to Soldier. The target recognizes Keller and he spends quite a bit of time talking to him. It was ok, 2 stars.
2. Keller on Horseback. The target's daughter and son in law may hate each other, but they both adore the old man. So who put out the contract on him and why. I liked it, 3 star More...
Sep 25, 2011
Nick
rated it:
The measure of societal acceptance of sociopathic behavior has gained a little with Block's creation of the fictional character Keller (Loads of humor by Block. E.G. Keller...Killer...). Block creates a sympathetic character, the kind of guy you'd like to have as a neighbor, cool to have around (when he is not traveling to assassinate an unsuspecting client).
Block and Harris should co-author a novel that tag-teams Keller and Hannibal The Cannibal. The mystery genre's version of Alie More...
Block and Harris should co-author a novel that tag-teams Keller and Hannibal The Cannibal. The mystery genre's version of Alie More...
Aug 05, 2011
That70sheidi
rated it:
I really enjoyed the style of the book - chapters were self-contained stories, but they all tied together chronologically. It was nice not to have to slog through hundreds of pages of boring set-up to get to the good stuff, and I liked seeing the progression of his character this way. I'm a fan of Block already, but now I'm a fan of Keller too.
<spoiler>Also, he needs to find Andrea, cap her ass, and take his dog back. What a fucking bitch, who does that to a person!? I'm break More...
<spoiler>Also, he needs to find Andrea, cap her ass, and take his dog back. What a fucking bitch, who does that to a person!? I'm break More...
Jun 29, 2010
April
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. The only thing was that it was sometimes disconcerting to have it jump from one place to another so fast without so much as a *** or some other type of pause to let one know that time went by. I learned after reading it that it's a collection of stories and not really a novel, per se so that made sense and then my nook doesn't format PDF files the best so that added to it, I'm sure. All in all a good read though and I wasn't deterred by the slight loss in my berings e
More...
Nov 29, 2009
Dan
rated it:
Hitman is a collection of short stories about a professional killer named Keller. What sets this book apart from others of its kind is that it's more about what Keller does when he's not actively killing people, what makes him tick. He has fantasies about living in whatever town he's visiting for a job. He has a dog that he's quite attached to. And eventually he takes up stamp collecting as a hobby so he'll have something to do when he retires.
That's not to say there's no action. More...
That's not to say there's no action. More...
8 comments
like
(9 people liked it)
May 30, 2011
Eric_W
rated it:
This is a collection of stories featuring Block’s stamp-loving hitman, Keller. If you are looking for a thrill-a-minute with car chases and leaving off tall buildings, keep on going. On the other hand, if you want a well-crafted collection of stories that slowly but painstakingly reveal a man’s character through the most mundane of details, you will find a lot to satisfy your cravings.
Keller is portrayed as a normal businessman suffering often from the ennui common to travelers, making More...
Keller is portrayed as a normal businessman suffering often from the ennui common to travelers, making More...
Oct 20, 2008
Brendan
rated it:
This is the third collection I’ve read about John Keller, hit man. Alas, it is the first book in the series, and while the other two don’t really depend on chronology to establish themselves, they regularly refer to the events from this book as the history behind Keller. In particular, this book establishes his aversion to long-term relationships, his working relationship with Dot, and his philately. So anyone who hasn’t read any of the Keller books, I’d start with Hit Man.
What mak More...
What mak More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 14, 2009
Luci
rated it:
I read this one over and over. Keller is a contract killer and he travels for work, a lot. He often finds himself in a town or city thinking "I could live here" as do Justina and I. We don't do the killing part (to bad art doesn't pay that well) but we could live anywhere - and sometimes have found ourselves living in places we never thought about living, like Fresno or San Diego. We've even considered changing our last name to Keller. He's a nice guy whom we like to hang out with from
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 22, 2009
Virginia
rated it:
I had read Lawrence Block's book on writing. This is the first of his novel's I've read and I now know that he knows what he is talking about. His premise is very interesting. Who would have thought someone could write about a contract killer and make him likeable but Mr. Block has. Each chapter reads almost like a short story and it all melds together into a satisfying novel. I'm going to watch for his other series as well now, just to compare. Would recommend to anyone who wants a fast pa
More...
Sep 26, 2010
Jessica
rated it:
Lawrence Block is extremely prolific and I've read all of the books in his Bernie Rhodenbarr and Matthew Scudder series. In the former, he makes a burglar funny and sympathetic. In the latter, he makes an alcoholic PI sympathetic, though not especially funny. This time, Block writes ten linked stories about Keller, a killer for hire, and somehow makes you root for him and his victims at the same time. It was a quick and entertaining read in the best Block style.
Jun 10, 2011
Katherine
rated it:
I love Lawrence Block (well, usually) and I enjoyed this book. I am not a huge fan of mystery short stories, nor do I like protagonists that aren't very smart. My trouble with this protag is that he learned from his (fatal for others) mistakes, but always too late. This was annoying. Otherwise, worthwhile reading, though I probably won't read others. This emulation of assassins/killers (ala Sopranos and such) is disturbing to me. I don't like it.
Nov 27, 2011
Ketty
rated it:
I listened to this as an audio book and Robert Forster made it all worth while. He perfectly brought to life the world and thoughts of hit man John Paul Keller. In a gruff manly voice, he leads us through the head of Keller, as everyone calls him, with just the right amount of feeling. The chapters with Keller and his therapist were some of my favorites. Although the hits did start to blur into one long string of fat men being killed and there was a lot of obsessive talk of dogs, I still enjo
More...
Aug 07, 2011
Yvonne
rated it:
Funny, interesting look at a guy who kills people for a living. He's all business and really good at what he does, never gets caught or never any interest by police in him. The murder business is full of unusual characters. Our hit man is lonely and often daydreams about what it would be like to live in the towns he is sent to to dispatch his victim. I enjoyed this very much, but also think that Lawrence Block is a terrific writer.
Sep 20, 2007
LJ
rated it:
Hit Man - G
Lawrence Block - 1st in series
Keller is your basic Urban Lonely Guy. He makes a decent wage, lives in a nice apartment, works the crossword puzzle. Until the phone rings, and he flies halfway across the country...and kills somebody. It's a living, but is it a life? You've never met anyone like Keller. Keller is a killer. Professional, cool, confident, competent, reliable. The consummate pro. The hit man's hit man. But he is a complex person: understandably guarded and recl More...
Lawrence Block - 1st in series
Keller is your basic Urban Lonely Guy. He makes a decent wage, lives in a nice apartment, works the crossword puzzle. Until the phone rings, and he flies halfway across the country...and kills somebody. It's a living, but is it a life? You've never met anyone like Keller. Keller is a killer. Professional, cool, confident, competent, reliable. The consummate pro. The hit man's hit man. But he is a complex person: understandably guarded and recl More...
Apr 08, 2010
Felicia
rated it:
This was an entertaining read. And rather odd to find yourself reading about a killer like it is nothing out of the ordinary - and, indeed, Keller's life at home is quite routine. I also read and equally enjoyed, Hit List, the sequel, but I stopped after that. I often do not enjoy series, and feel that they quickly become repetitive.
Jun 04, 2011
Jack
rated it:
An easy read ... feels like a collection of linked short stories more than a traditional narrative. The Hit Man is a sympathic and somewhat neurotic type ... your basic " everyman " dealing with the banalities and trivialities of his work with no connection to the issue of being a killer.
Nov 26, 2010
Yeva
rated it:
I finished the book this morning, and I'm already feeling bereft. I'm going to miss Kellar and Dot. They've become old friends, and this book was by far the best. I recommend reading this series in reverse order. While each book introduces you to the characters, albiet briefly, the first completes the list of "Things I Wish I Knew." Mr. Block's work is always tight, always engaging. Hit Man is one of his best.
Jan 09, 2009
Kerry
rated it: 
I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it either. It was OK – till the end. I finished it - so that's saying something. Despite the hum drum narration (which actually pretty much fit the character but was kinda annoying to me); it kept my interest for most of the story. At first I was really interested in this hit mans life and where it was headed, then it just started to drag on and with stories about his hits, etc... with seemingly no point. I was expecting it to lead somewhere or reve
More...
