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432nd out of 3,393 books
—
7,808 voters
Killshot
It's not Carmen Colson and her ironworker husband Wayne's fault that they were in the real estate office when a pair of thugs walked in with extortion on their minds. But as far as aging Ojibway Indian hit man Armand Degas is concerned the Colsons are going to have to pay dearly for seeing too much . . . and for the damage Wayne inflicted on Armand and his sicko partner Ri...more
Paperback, 416 pages
Published
January 28th 2003
by HarperTorch
(first published March 1st 1989)
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Part of the problem here is that Elmore Leonard is hyped as an Important Writer, a kind of second-coming of Raymond Chandler et al. If I'd sat down to read Killshot (my first and probably last Leonard novel) without those expectations, I'd probably have come away satisfied by this workmanlike but generally unremarkable thriller. As it was, I found myself holding him to a standard against which he doesn't even begin to compete: Leonard is decent at characterization and has a nice ear for local id...more
I absolutely hate these kinds of stories..... except when Elmore Leonard writes them. I'll read anything that he's written, especially when I'm looking for a cross between light entertainment and something with deeper overtones. He always hits this balance on the head, although this book is somewhat on the lighter side.
I enjoyed it thoroughly. This one is not his best, you can't be at your best for every book. It was still enjoyable, though.
As I said, I don't really like this type of fiction, a...more
I enjoyed it thoroughly. This one is not his best, you can't be at your best for every book. It was still enjoyable, though.
As I said, I don't really like this type of fiction, a...more
Typical Elmore in many ways, is Killshot. Stupid, deadly, comic villains. Characters caught in the middle because of their own weakness or venality. Superb dialogue. Excellent scenery. But there’s something different, too. This is as much about the relationship between protagonist Wayne and his wife, Carmen. They’re working class folks living a middling prosperous life in a fairly successful marriage. Carmen has spunk and imagination and ambition. Wayne’s a good provider, but not long on imagin...more
This has plenty of the Elmore Leonard style we all enjoy, but I almost quit on it more than once. It seems like half of the book takes place as characters are on the phone at inopportune moments, wasting time talking about how they really need to get going. I’m not one to “feel” for or against characters very often, but these people drove me nuts. By the time the book ends, Wayne and Carmen have dithered around so much about obvious decisions that I no longer care if they’re killed or not. The s...more
20th title from leonard for me, paperback, 1989...a dedication, for gregg sutter, story begins:
the blackbird told himself he was drinking too much because he lived in this hotel and the silver dollar was close by, right downstairs. try to walk out the door past it. try to come along spadina avenue, see that goddamn silver dollar sign, hundreds of light bulbs in your face, and not be drawn in there. have a few drinks before coming up to this room with a ceiling that looked like a road map, all th...more
the blackbird told himself he was drinking too much because he lived in this hotel and the silver dollar was close by, right downstairs. try to walk out the door past it. try to come along spadina avenue, see that goddamn silver dollar sign, hundreds of light bulbs in your face, and not be drawn in there. have a few drinks before coming up to this room with a ceiling that looked like a road map, all th...more
My wife mentioned that she thought this book had a stupid title. She said that "Killshot" was redundant-- akin to calling the novel "Shootgun" or "Stabknife." I disagreed with her reasoning, explaining that there are many different types of shots (warning shots, missed shots, kill shots, etcetera), but agree now that the book is poorly titled. The whole conceit of "one shot, one kill" has character purpose in this story, but not much plot or thematic purpose.
With that said, I'm not convinced thi...more
With that said, I'm not convinced thi...more
This may be the most unique of Leonard’s books if compared to his others. I can understand why certain fans who are used to his more fun-loving crime and violence may not be too crazy about this trip into the darker side. Not that it’s without its humor and sarcasm, but it’s like there’s a black cloud hanging over it. It’s not just in the details, it’s in the feeling.
Most of the characters in this book seem to feel things on a deeper level than a lot of his others, whether they realize it or not...more
Most of the characters in this book seem to feel things on a deeper level than a lot of his others, whether they realize it or not...more
i finally picked this up after years of enjoying the various film-adaptations of elmore leonard stories, but having never read one of his novels.
like the best films of his work (the original 3:10 to yuma, the tall t, mr. majestyk, jackie brown), this novel shows respect to all of its characters. some are good people, some are scoundrels, some are clever, some are idiotic. but leonard takes the time to turn each one of them into something with at least a shred of humanity and complexity, regardle...more
like the best films of his work (the original 3:10 to yuma, the tall t, mr. majestyk, jackie brown), this novel shows respect to all of its characters. some are good people, some are scoundrels, some are clever, some are idiotic. but leonard takes the time to turn each one of them into something with at least a shred of humanity and complexity, regardle...more
I’ll admit, there is a character that dies in this novel who I wanted to live. At times you’re not sure who is supposed to be the protagonist. The story is a hitman, who gets tangled up with a petty (and psychopathic) thief turned murderer. A crime goes awry. As a consequence a couple goes into the witness protection program.
So, most of the time you’re wondering… is this a story of the good guy overcoming the baddies? Is this about the bad guys and how they got away?
The ending wasn’t completely
...more
Since I am a fan of the movie adaptations of Elmore Leonard's works ("Jackie Brown," "Be Cool") I've been wanting to start reading his books. This is the first I've read and I was most impressed with his writing style.
I was amused to find him not at all sympathetic toward police or U.S. Marshals, although he did seem to like his FBI character; in fact, if anything, he seemed most sympathetic toward Blackbird, his assassin character. Despite gaping holes in this character, his was the most fille...more
I was amused to find him not at all sympathetic toward police or U.S. Marshals, although he did seem to like his FBI character; in fact, if anything, he seemed most sympathetic toward Blackbird, his assassin character. Despite gaping holes in this character, his was the most fille...more
This was my first Elmore Leonard book and it may be my last. The book started with nothing but horrible unlikable people. I was thinking, "Who cares if these people kill each other? I hope they do." Finally the protagonists appear. People I can root for, but why do they have to do such dumb stuff? They end up in wit sec, the husband is off on a job and the wife decides she'll go back to their house, where the bad guys know they live. Speaking of the bad guys, why are they even terrorizing these...more
This is my first Elmore Leonard book. The pace was fast, and I can see it play out like a movie - just a lot of action. It didn't have as much psychological intrigue as I wanted (I really had no expectation), and it reminded me a lot of "No Country for Old Men," or perhaps I wanted it to be more like it. I felt the main antagonist was a bit confusing, I couldn't tell if he was cold and intelligent, or just cold. There was definitely elements of intellect in Armand's behavior, but he was no Anton...more
This is a downloaded from my library & was my first by this author, so I gave it an extra star for being a good introduction. I don't know who narrated this - the info isn't even on the audio. He was good, though.
The story was fast paced & fairly well put together. There were a few times I wondered why the characters acted as they did, but not one of them was particularly normal. The bad guys were psychos, the authorities stuffed bureaucrats, & the victims were - great. Not exactly...more
The story was fast paced & fairly well put together. There were a few times I wondered why the characters acted as they did, but not one of them was particularly normal. The bad guys were psychos, the authorities stuffed bureaucrats, & the victims were - great. Not exactly...more
8 likes · like · see review
Anyone wanting to study dialogue writing should certainly include some Elmore Leonard in their diet.
I listened to this one as an audio edition and was a little disappointed with the narrator, Rider strong. The modulation was off; which, at times, had me cranking the volume and then other times the volume was just too much. It was a distraction. Usually, I'm an audiobook advocate, but I'd give this version a pass.
The story itself is a classic E L. thriller in which a couple in witness protection...more
I listened to this one as an audio edition and was a little disappointed with the narrator, Rider strong. The modulation was off; which, at times, had me cranking the volume and then other times the volume was just too much. It was a distraction. Usually, I'm an audiobook advocate, but I'd give this version a pass.
The story itself is a classic E L. thriller in which a couple in witness protection...more
I was looking forward to reading Elmore Leonard, having thoroughly enjoyed the screen adaptions of Rum Punch, Out of Sight, etc. I knew him thusly and by reputation as a writer with a flair for twisty comic plots and wry characterizations.
I was somewhat disappointed. Killshot did not seem the ideal place to start. The denouement felt too tidy, and our heroes, though more than cardboard cutouts, didn't seem as vivid a pair as villains Nix and Degas, who are both in the end too easily dispatched.
K...more
I was somewhat disappointed. Killshot did not seem the ideal place to start. The denouement felt too tidy, and our heroes, though more than cardboard cutouts, didn't seem as vivid a pair as villains Nix and Degas, who are both in the end too easily dispatched.
K...more
I really like the characters in his novels. Many times, I am frustrated by simple stupidity which leads to convenient solutions for characters. However, his characters always do what you would expect, not what would be convenient for the plot.
This may sound like rambling, but it makes sense if you've ever yelled at a character (literary or otherwise) for commiting a downright stupid/foolish act; especially one that led to a convenient resolution to an issue.
I tend to prefer honest characters;...more
This may sound like rambling, but it makes sense if you've ever yelled at a character (literary or otherwise) for commiting a downright stupid/foolish act; especially one that led to a convenient resolution to an issue.
I tend to prefer honest characters;...more
"Killshot" did not get as solid a film treatment as some other El Leo books. That's too bad, because this is one of his most under appreciated works.
Two hit men try to take out a couple who witnessed one of their "jobs." They hunt the couple even as they disappear into a crooked protection program.
The climax at the end is the definition of "unputdownable." I HAD to finish it, but my plans ran up against a doctor's appointment. That didn't prevent me from polishing it off in the waiting room.
This...more
Two hit men try to take out a couple who witnessed one of their "jobs." They hunt the couple even as they disappear into a crooked protection program.
The climax at the end is the definition of "unputdownable." I HAD to finish it, but my plans ran up against a doctor's appointment. That didn't prevent me from polishing it off in the waiting room.
This...more
I've never read a book like this. I don't usually read genre but my mother sent it to me to look at the dialogue. This is one of those books where it's nearly impossible to notice the writing. It's well written though, dont get me wrong. It seems effortless and its a story driven novel with great character detail and, yes, great dialogue. Clever and beautifully orchestrated. Kept me wondering, 'how did he do that?' When I think genre, (mistakenly I know) I think facile Dan Brown crap but this is...more
My first Elmore Leonard. His dialogue is a pleasure to read, and pretty funny. The 'bad guys' are interesting, realistic characters. That is what sets him apart as a pulp writer. I understand his popularity.
That being said, this book was boring. The most interesting aspect of the book being a profusion of details concerning river barge operations.
I'm sure he has better books, and I liked the funny dialogue, so if anyone has recommendations I would welcome them, since he has written about 643 pap...more
That being said, this book was boring. The most interesting aspect of the book being a profusion of details concerning river barge operations.
I'm sure he has better books, and I liked the funny dialogue, so if anyone has recommendations I would welcome them, since he has written about 643 pap...more
This book is ok. Not bad, not great, just ok. The characters are realistic (there are some nice touches like a top of the line hitman eating frozen dinners) and the plot is compelling in that it tells the story of two completely innocent people caught up in a violent situation simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Unfortunately, while the characters are interesting, Leonard doesn't show us their full emotional range. For example, most married couples have their ups and downs. Car...more
I've got a confession to make, I'm not an Elmore Leonard fan.
Yes I know, I'm Mr. Hardboiled, and as Elmore Leonard is more or less responsible for modern American crime fiction, revolutionized the use of dialogue in pulp fiction, he writes cracker jack plots, vibrant characters, and by some accounts smells like cinnamon. By all rights I should be shining the man's shoes.
But something is just always off for me in his books and it always manages to ruin them for me.
Killshot's a perfect example,...more
Yes I know, I'm Mr. Hardboiled, and as Elmore Leonard is more or less responsible for modern American crime fiction, revolutionized the use of dialogue in pulp fiction, he writes cracker jack plots, vibrant characters, and by some accounts smells like cinnamon. By all rights I should be shining the man's shoes.
But something is just always off for me in his books and it always manages to ruin them for me.
Killshot's a perfect example,...more
Jul 22, 2008
Joshua
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Only for Elmore Leonard completists
Shelves:
crime
Killshot is a subpar Elmore Leonard book at its best. Its the story of a man who stops his wifes boss from getting beat up by two assassians and then has to run and hide with his wife while said assassians look to finish them off.
Simple story, poor execution. The dialogue feels broken and incoherent at times. Also, the protagonists are a question. Why does the wife love her husband so much since he splits most of his time living in his own world and being a jerk to her? And why does the husban...more
Simple story, poor execution. The dialogue feels broken and incoherent at times. Also, the protagonists are a question. Why does the wife love her husband so much since he splits most of his time living in his own world and being a jerk to her? And why does the husban...more
I love a good Elmore Leonard crime story, he's long been one of my favorite authors, but the man must have written Killshot in his sleep. It's a painfully simple chase story involving an innocent married couple on the run from a pair of dumb (but dangerous) criminals. That's about it. No classy caper or head-spinning plot twists to take in, just a lite version of The Getaway with revenge instead of money as the prime incentive, although the couple involved in this particular thriller aren't near...more
The start was a bit slow for a Leonard book but once it got going it was his usual mix of twists n turns with the usual sudden ending, they always leave me wanting just a little bit more, but i guess that isn't the Leonard way!!
Bit of a strange one with a couple characters - like i couldnt really see Bird putting up with Richie much past him hijacking his car, a bit far fetched there. Also Ferris was a bit too much as well, ok i'm sure you do get the occasional characters like that but it just s...more
Bit of a strange one with a couple characters - like i couldnt really see Bird putting up with Richie much past him hijacking his car, a bit far fetched there. Also Ferris was a bit too much as well, ok i'm sure you do get the occasional characters like that but it just s...more
More a modern marriage novel than a noir, Killshot is a rambling story that is as much about the relationship between the husband and wife protagonists as it is about the crooks on their trail. It has solid characterization, excellent idiomatic Michigan dialogue and a playful reality that makes everything that occurs totally plausible.
For fans of straight-ahead mystery and crime novels, Killshot will seem unfocused, slack and low-stakes, but taken on its own terms it's a solid story told well.
For fans of straight-ahead mystery and crime novels, Killshot will seem unfocused, slack and low-stakes, but taken on its own terms it's a solid story told well.
I like Elmore Leonard and I like this one..... a good book, easy to read. He has believable (or not totally UNbelievable anyway) characters in situations that are possible to imagine in real life. Not MY life, but somebody's. So all that makes it "not bad". I get tired of the ones that are so over the top that you feel like the characters are superheroes thinly disguised as regular humans. Anyway, what makes it good is lots of action, strong characters, interesting events and decent writing.
Creepier than the normal Elmore Leonard, at least at the beginning. Not much to laugh about in this one, the bad guys were scary and induced an uncomfortable feeling and the whole time I thought these guys were going to get really grotesque. Didn't happen but that wasn't a bad thing. Didn't love the main characters either, not that I hated them, they were just the normal Elmore characters. By the end I pretty much knew that the ending was going to be the typical for Elmore Leonard anti-climatic...more
As usual with Leanard, great prose.
The plot is a mess. Carmen saw some thugs pulling a heist. She has to pay for it. She also has a problem with creepy stalker types. These episodes fill out an otherwise thin snorey that could have paid off at 100 fewer pages.
One often asks, "How can these people be this stupid?"
Such as the time when Carmen decides to return to her thug-ridden house with no suspicion that her killers might be there. Her huband takes off on tirades that agrivate Carmen only slig...more
The plot is a mess. Carmen saw some thugs pulling a heist. She has to pay for it. She also has a problem with creepy stalker types. These episodes fill out an otherwise thin snorey that could have paid off at 100 fewer pages.
One often asks, "How can these people be this stupid?"
Such as the time when Carmen decides to return to her thug-ridden house with no suspicion that her killers might be there. Her huband takes off on tirades that agrivate Carmen only slig...more
Super story by Elmore Leonard, one of his best. His characters and dialogue are first rate, and the woman main character herein is priceless! The trailer trash young man's internal monologue had me laughing out loud! (I had the book on CDs and heard it: BTW, superb job by the reader). Only part I found a bit questionable was why the young man's partner hung around with him for so long when it was obvious that they weren't a good team.
Great bad guys in this one. The silent professional killer teams up with a crazy motor mouth wacko who's holed up with a slightly over the hill ex corrections officer girlfriend. The good guys are not as interesting and sometimes thier story drags a bit but it all works.
There are many funny moments when we follow the bad guys which to me is Leonard's best special quality. Amidst all the bad stuff he can make you chuckle at the stupidity of people.
There are many funny moments when we follow the bad guys which to me is Leonard's best special quality. Amidst all the bad stuff he can make you chuckle at the stupidity of people.
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Elmore John Leonard lived in Dallas, Oklahoma City and Memphis before settling in Detroit in 1935. After serving in the navy, he studied English literature at the University of Detroit where he entered a short story competition. His earliest published novels in the 1950s were westerns, but Leonard went on to specialize in crime fiction and suspense thrillers, many of which have been adapted into m...more
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“when you're really cute that's all you have to be, you make a career out of it. someone asks you what you do, you say, 'nothing. i'm cute.”
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Feb 12, 2013 02:57pm