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Saloninus #3
The Big Score
also appears in the collection Under My Skin
Welcome to the world of Saloninus, the most unlikely Renaissance Man you will ever encounter. A man of many and diverse talents, he is the hero and narrator of K.J. Parker’s witty, hugely entertaining novella, The Big Score.
Saloninus is a man with two distinct professions. In idle moments, he dashes off immortal masterpieces — philosophical treatises, musical compositions, dramas of Shakespearean range and depth — that never manage to turn a profit. His primary profession — that of thief, grifter and itinerant con man — is equally unprofitable, and he spends his life in constant flight from the encroaching forces of the law.
The story opens in the aftermath of Saloninus’s own funeral, an act of self-concealment he has staged many times before. Newly risen from the dead, he encounters an old flame — a sort of archetypal femme fatale — with whom he shares a colorful — and highly illegal — history. She has a plan in mind, one that involves both of Saloninus’s skill sets: criminality and literary genius. If successful, that plan will lead to the elusive “big score” that will set them free forever. Against his better judgment, and fully aware that failure and betrayal may await him, Saloninus agrees to participate. The result is this ingenious — and very funny — tale.
The Big Score is a comic gem that shows us another side of K.J. Parker’s prodigious narrative talent. Original, ingenious, and often laugh out loud funny, it also offers a heartfelt commentary on books, art, and the comforts they provide. It is a first-rate entertainment by a gifted writer who never fails to surprise and delight. This one is just too good to miss.
Cover illustration by Vincent Chong
Welcome to the world of Saloninus, the most unlikely Renaissance Man you will ever encounter. A man of many and diverse talents, he is the hero and narrator of K.J. Parker’s witty, hugely entertaining novella, The Big Score.
Saloninus is a man with two distinct professions. In idle moments, he dashes off immortal masterpieces — philosophical treatises, musical compositions, dramas of Shakespearean range and depth — that never manage to turn a profit. His primary profession — that of thief, grifter and itinerant con man — is equally unprofitable, and he spends his life in constant flight from the encroaching forces of the law.
The story opens in the aftermath of Saloninus’s own funeral, an act of self-concealment he has staged many times before. Newly risen from the dead, he encounters an old flame — a sort of archetypal femme fatale — with whom he shares a colorful — and highly illegal — history. She has a plan in mind, one that involves both of Saloninus’s skill sets: criminality and literary genius. If successful, that plan will lead to the elusive “big score” that will set them free forever. Against his better judgment, and fully aware that failure and betrayal may await him, Saloninus agrees to participate. The result is this ingenious — and very funny — tale.
The Big Score is a comic gem that shows us another side of K.J. Parker’s prodigious narrative talent. Original, ingenious, and often laugh out loud funny, it also offers a heartfelt commentary on books, art, and the comforts they provide. It is a first-rate entertainment by a gifted writer who never fails to surprise and delight. This one is just too good to miss.
Cover illustration by Vincent Chong
104 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2021
19 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Parker
132 books1,708 followersK.J. Parker is a pseudonym for Tom Holt.
According to the biographical notes in some of Parker's books, Parker has previously worked in law, journalism, and numismatics, and now writes and makes things out of wood and metal. It is also claimed that Parker is married to a solicitor and now lives in southern England. According to an autobiographical note, Parker was raised in rural Vermont, a lifestyle which influenced Parker's work.
According to the biographical notes in some of Parker's books, Parker has previously worked in law, journalism, and numismatics, and now writes and makes things out of wood and metal. It is also claimed that Parker is married to a solicitor and now lives in southern England. According to an autobiographical note, Parker was raised in rural Vermont, a lifestyle which influenced Parker's work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 14, 2021
(4.5/5)
As K.J. Parker’s writing fan, I’ll read anything he publishes. So far, it works for all involved. He gets sales; I get quality entertainment. I adore his shamelessly corrupted and self-centered characters. Saloninus shines as one of Parker’s best creations. He’s a genius and a fraud. His groundbreaking works on mathematics, physics, philosophy, and his plays changed the world and inspired countless scientists and artists. In theory, he should live a long and prosperous life; In reality, he’s short on money and on the run from those he owes the money to.
Saloninus likes when life gets exciting. His creditors not so much; Things escalate and Saloninus fakes his own death and flees the country. But there’s no rest for the wicked, even after they die. His former accomplice, an incomparable forgery artist, finds him and coaxes to attempt a con. The idea is brilliant in its simplicity: after Saloninus's death, the prices of his manuscripts exploded. So, he just needs to write a new play and his accomplice will make sure it looks perfect (right paper, right ink, traces of sweat on the paper, etc.) and they’ll sell it for millions. A foolproof scheme, right?
Well…Not really.
K.J. Parker mastered the novella format and packs his shorter works with so much humor, cynicism, and brilliance, that I always read them in one sitting. The Big Score thrilled me with the entertaining relationship between two con-artists, dark humor, and quotable lines. I loved the pacing. Parker provides a great balance between the current storyline and vignettes of protagonists’ cooperation in the past. It references some of Parker’s shorter fiction, and I think his fans will love this aspect of the story.
Saloninus is smarter than almost everyone around him; he is arrogant, selfish, and ambitious. And yet, I love his voice and unreliable narration. He provides humorous observations on people, society, and the art of writing. Like this one:
The Big Score is witty, surprising, and hilarious. It's the third entry in the Saloninus Saga and I hope it won't be the last one.
One of the problems with being dishonest is that you’re forced to spend much of your life in the company of very bad people. This isn’t as negative as it sounds until you reach the point when you have no choice but totrust them. And then, surprise surprise, they let you down.
As K.J. Parker’s writing fan, I’ll read anything he publishes. So far, it works for all involved. He gets sales; I get quality entertainment. I adore his shamelessly corrupted and self-centered characters. Saloninus shines as one of Parker’s best creations. He’s a genius and a fraud. His groundbreaking works on mathematics, physics, philosophy, and his plays changed the world and inspired countless scientists and artists. In theory, he should live a long and prosperous life; In reality, he’s short on money and on the run from those he owes the money to.
All I know for sure is that from time to time I’ve found myself in dire straits, penniless and on the run, always because of something I did in the last country, or the one before that, and under those oppressive circumstances I’ve been forced to do things—steal things—that a flawlessly honest man would’ve left alone. It didn’t help that I’m so smart, and honest people are, in comparison, so very stupid.
Saloninus likes when life gets exciting. His creditors not so much; Things escalate and Saloninus fakes his own death and flees the country. But there’s no rest for the wicked, even after they die. His former accomplice, an incomparable forgery artist, finds him and coaxes to attempt a con. The idea is brilliant in its simplicity: after Saloninus's death, the prices of his manuscripts exploded. So, he just needs to write a new play and his accomplice will make sure it looks perfect (right paper, right ink, traces of sweat on the paper, etc.) and they’ll sell it for millions. A foolproof scheme, right?
Well…Not really.
K.J. Parker mastered the novella format and packs his shorter works with so much humor, cynicism, and brilliance, that I always read them in one sitting. The Big Score thrilled me with the entertaining relationship between two con-artists, dark humor, and quotable lines. I loved the pacing. Parker provides a great balance between the current storyline and vignettes of protagonists’ cooperation in the past. It references some of Parker’s shorter fiction, and I think his fans will love this aspect of the story.
Saloninus is smarter than almost everyone around him; he is arrogant, selfish, and ambitious. And yet, I love his voice and unreliable narration. He provides humorous observations on people, society, and the art of writing. Like this one:
All I had to do was choose a plot from some masterpiece I admired by somebody dead, beat it a bit out of shape so that the theft wasn’t immediately obvious, decide who the characters were going to be, get to know them, and write down what they wanted to say to each other. That’s all there is to it. Anybody who tries to tell you that writing plays constitutes work is lying to you. Essentially all you’re doing is eavesdropping on your imaginary friends, pausing now and then to refill your inkwell.
The Big Score is witty, surprising, and hilarious. It's the third entry in the Saloninus Saga and I hope it won't be the last one.
March 2, 2021
Funny, erudite, clever, occasionally over the top, while poking a lot of fun at various topics, including the perennial "who actually wrote Shakespeare plays?"
A lot of name dropping from the author's oeuvre and a rollicking read, where the 100 or so pages turn by themselves as one cannot put the book down until finished.
Definitely recommended for a fast and fun read
A lot of name dropping from the author's oeuvre and a rollicking read, where the 100 or so pages turn by themselves as one cannot put the book down until finished.
Definitely recommended for a fast and fun read
April 4, 2021
A 100 page novella treat for KJ Parker fans.
Readers familiar with Parker’s commonly used fantasy world based loosely on the medieval Byzantium Empire will have come across Saloninus, a mix of Leonardo de Vinci, Michelangelo, Shakespeare, Galileo, etc. He’s commonly name checked in Parker’s stories set in this world as the source of all academic wisdom, but here he gets an entire story to himself.
I thought I caught a trace of an author’s justified bitterness (probably that of most creative types) in Saloninus describing the pittance he earns from his genius and how he has to resort to clever criminality to survive. Therein lies the tale told here. Saloninus trying to get that one Big Score, for himself to become rich rather than all those who’d exploited his talents.
I won’t say anymore on the plot other than that I enjoyed it. Not the very best Parker I’ve read but still better than most fantasy I read and an enjoyable few hours reading. I saw someone describe Parker as being particularly good at entertaining the reader with tales where very little happens. That’s the case here, with plenty of reflections on life by the wise but cunning Saloninus and a not too complicated plot.
As a low rent evangelist for KJ Parker, one of my favourite authors, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this novella as a starting point for the uninitiated especially as it alludes to some people and events in his earlier works in this world. For that I’d recommend the very accessible Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City and its follow up companion novel, How to Rule an Empire and Get Away with It. Maybe also The Father of Lies for short stories by the author. Thereafter, once you’re familiar with his poignant, wry humour, often slow paced plots and unlikeable but interesting lead characters then fill your boots with his back catalogue.
Readers familiar with Parker’s commonly used fantasy world based loosely on the medieval Byzantium Empire will have come across Saloninus, a mix of Leonardo de Vinci, Michelangelo, Shakespeare, Galileo, etc. He’s commonly name checked in Parker’s stories set in this world as the source of all academic wisdom, but here he gets an entire story to himself.
I thought I caught a trace of an author’s justified bitterness (probably that of most creative types) in Saloninus describing the pittance he earns from his genius and how he has to resort to clever criminality to survive. Therein lies the tale told here. Saloninus trying to get that one Big Score, for himself to become rich rather than all those who’d exploited his talents.
I won’t say anymore on the plot other than that I enjoyed it. Not the very best Parker I’ve read but still better than most fantasy I read and an enjoyable few hours reading. I saw someone describe Parker as being particularly good at entertaining the reader with tales where very little happens. That’s the case here, with plenty of reflections on life by the wise but cunning Saloninus and a not too complicated plot.
As a low rent evangelist for KJ Parker, one of my favourite authors, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this novella as a starting point for the uninitiated especially as it alludes to some people and events in his earlier works in this world. For that I’d recommend the very accessible Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City and its follow up companion novel, How to Rule an Empire and Get Away with It. Maybe also The Father of Lies for short stories by the author. Thereafter, once you’re familiar with his poignant, wry humour, often slow paced plots and unlikeable but interesting lead characters then fill your boots with his back catalogue.
May 20, 2022
I’m not even surprised that this is a 5 stars at this point. Review to come soon.
March 24, 2021
Full disclosure: I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Genius (and grifter) scientist-philosopher-playwright Saloninus has faked his death to escape the creditors and arrest warrants that have been closing in on him. On the one hand, being dead means that no one looking for Saloninus is likely to find him. On the other hand, being dead also means that he has no connections and his ideas are worthless without his name backing them up. When a con artist old flame shows up with blackmail and a grand idea for how they can pull off a score that will set them up for life, he reluctantly joins her scheme.
My favorite of Parker’s stories are those with a lovable rogue protagonist, and Saloninus, who has appeared elsewhere in Parker’s works, is his most memorable. I love the complexity in Saloninus, where he is simultaneously an unrepentant scoundrel and genius scholar and artist. He writes Shakespearean plays while hiding from the law, writes a seminal medical textbook after his experiences caring for wounds sustained while fleeing pursuit for theft, and uses his knowledge of alchemy to stage a prison break. He’s a brilliant disaster of a man who can’t help but get himself in trouble.
The plot here is full of delightful irony, as Saloninus and his partner in crime forge a lost play by the “deceased” Saloninus. It’s a real play, written by the real author, but forged to look as if it were written long ago. After all, works by Saloninus have exploded in value since his supposed death, so a previously unknown work would be an incredible find. The resulting scheme is hilarious in its details and the way it unfolds. The story does meander a bit through Saloninus’ memories and sardonic philosophy of life as he skewers academia and laments his lack of royalties for his many hugely famous works, but these detours are entertaining and useful illumination into his character and the corrupt, frequently absurd world around him.
Readers unfamiliar with Parker’s work will find this a perfectly good place to jump in. There are plenty of winks and nods to the previously published exploits of Saloninus and other characters and stories in this universe (Prosper’s Demon is a recent one), but there’s no missing context for new readers to try to sort through. If you’re looking for a fun, short fantasy about a couple of con artists trying to pull off the big score, I highly recommend this one.
Genius (and grifter) scientist-philosopher-playwright Saloninus has faked his death to escape the creditors and arrest warrants that have been closing in on him. On the one hand, being dead means that no one looking for Saloninus is likely to find him. On the other hand, being dead also means that he has no connections and his ideas are worthless without his name backing them up. When a con artist old flame shows up with blackmail and a grand idea for how they can pull off a score that will set them up for life, he reluctantly joins her scheme.
My favorite of Parker’s stories are those with a lovable rogue protagonist, and Saloninus, who has appeared elsewhere in Parker’s works, is his most memorable. I love the complexity in Saloninus, where he is simultaneously an unrepentant scoundrel and genius scholar and artist. He writes Shakespearean plays while hiding from the law, writes a seminal medical textbook after his experiences caring for wounds sustained while fleeing pursuit for theft, and uses his knowledge of alchemy to stage a prison break. He’s a brilliant disaster of a man who can’t help but get himself in trouble.
The plot here is full of delightful irony, as Saloninus and his partner in crime forge a lost play by the “deceased” Saloninus. It’s a real play, written by the real author, but forged to look as if it were written long ago. After all, works by Saloninus have exploded in value since his supposed death, so a previously unknown work would be an incredible find. The resulting scheme is hilarious in its details and the way it unfolds. The story does meander a bit through Saloninus’ memories and sardonic philosophy of life as he skewers academia and laments his lack of royalties for his many hugely famous works, but these detours are entertaining and useful illumination into his character and the corrupt, frequently absurd world around him.
Readers unfamiliar with Parker’s work will find this a perfectly good place to jump in. There are plenty of winks and nods to the previously published exploits of Saloninus and other characters and stories in this universe (Prosper’s Demon is a recent one), but there’s no missing context for new readers to try to sort through. If you’re looking for a fun, short fantasy about a couple of con artists trying to pull off the big score, I highly recommend this one.
October 24, 2021
Another excellent Salonius novella from Parker. Salonius has faked his own death and just wants to get away, but is pressed into a con by an old associate. Lots of Shakespeare allusions. Very fun. I really should catch up on my unread Parker books.
February 24, 2023
3.5 stars
March 26, 2021
Welcome to the nefarious world of Saloninus. He is proficient as a philosopher, scientist and playwright ... but, above all he is a shyster. He is capable of reeling off a masterpiece involving literature, philosophy or science, but none seem to bring him wealth and success. Rather, he is shaped by his skills as a con artist and finds himself perpetually fleeing from the encroaching arm of the law. This tales starts with Saloninus, once again, faking his death to avoid apprehension.
In the aftermath, he chances upon an old flame, who has partaken in several of his misadventures. She enlists him in an another "heist" that will involve both his literary and nefarious skill sets. She convinces him that this will lead to "The Big Score" that will set them both up for life. ( Saloninus to say the least is extremely skeptical of her plan and motivation)
K.J. Parker weaves a delightful and humorous tale with frequent twists and unexpected reveals. Concealments and devious motivations abound in this marvelous novella. This can be enjoyed as a standalone, although this is the third outing for our intrepid scoundrel. Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
( at readersremains.com)
In the aftermath, he chances upon an old flame, who has partaken in several of his misadventures. She enlists him in an another "heist" that will involve both his literary and nefarious skill sets. She convinces him that this will lead to "The Big Score" that will set them both up for life. ( Saloninus to say the least is extremely skeptical of her plan and motivation)
K.J. Parker weaves a delightful and humorous tale with frequent twists and unexpected reveals. Concealments and devious motivations abound in this marvelous novella. This can be enjoyed as a standalone, although this is the third outing for our intrepid scoundrel. Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
( at readersremains.com)
April 28, 2023
K J Parker liefert.
December 28, 2021
Saloninus is back having lost nothing of his witty, philosophical and humorous self. Once again Parker's writing manages to entertain, albeit I found this story the weakest of the three released. A new character is introduced who manages to stand as equal to our protagonist but it all felt a bit repetitive. Still I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to jumping into Parker bigger novels.
April 24, 2021
Quick read. The main character is both a thief, a scholar, and a famous playwright, and thoroughly a scoundrel. We start out with the main character attending his funeral, soon after he meets an old lover, and a great con job is planned.
April 14, 2023
4.4⭐
Quite a different take on the Big Score, compared to his other Saloninus works.
Give me a choice between doing the right thing and the interesting thing, and I'll do the wrong thing everytime.
Such is Life.
Quite a different take on the Big Score, compared to his other Saloninus works.
Give me a choice between doing the right thing and the interesting thing, and I'll do the wrong thing everytime.
Such is Life.
July 4, 2021
Huge continuity issues between this one and the first two made this "heist" plot less enjoyable for me.
With Blue and Gold and The Devil You Know, slight differences in the information given still had some cohesion: it was easily explained by the unreliability of Saloninus as a narrator.
But this book discards both Saloninus' sexond marriage AND the entire plot and consequences of book 2, which makes it more of a direct sequel to Blue and Gold, though a poor one.
The narration is also quite droning and Saloninus has never been a favorite of mine.
With Blue and Gold and The Devil You Know, slight differences in the information given still had some cohesion: it was easily explained by the unreliability of Saloninus as a narrator.
But this book discards both Saloninus' sexond marriage AND the entire plot and consequences of book 2, which makes it more of a direct sequel to Blue and Gold, though a poor one.
The narration is also quite droning and Saloninus has never been a favorite of mine.
May 13, 2021
Saloninus, ein Universalgelehrter, Theaterstückautor und Krimineller, befindet sich mal wieder inmitten der Durchführung einer seiner Gaunereien. Diesmal täuscht er seinen eigenen Tod vor, um eine Menge Geld abzuräumen. Doch dabei stellt er fest, dass es nicht so einfach ist, seine Vergangenheit zurückzulassen.
The Big Score ist eine weitere starke Novelle von K.J. Parker und die dritte Geschichte über den legendären Saloninus. Wie immer erzählt Parker seine Geschichte mit reichlich Witz, aber auch mit einigen philosophischen Anmerkungen.
Saloninus, einer seiner bekanntesten Charaktere, sticht dabei besonders positiv hervor. Der Universalgelehrte, aus dessen Perspektive die Geschichte in Ich-Form erzählt wird, ist eine kuriose Gestalt – wie anhand seiner am Anfang genannten Berufe/Fähigkeiten unschwer zu erkennen ist. Seine Gedanken schweifen während der ganzen Erzählung immer wieder ab und so erfährt der Leser einiges über seine vergangenen Untaten, die teils absolut unglaubwürdig sind. Gleichzeitig ist er einer von Parkers vielen kompetenten Hauptcharakteren, die die Geschichten des Autors auszeichnen.
Die Handlung ist amüsant und passt perfekt auf die gerade einmal 105 Seiten. Allerdings werden Saloninus' ständige Ausschweifungen manchmal nervig und lenken für meinen Geschmack etwas zu sehr/oft von der eigentlichen Geschichte ab.
Insgesamt ist The Big Score eine schöne, kurze Geschichte, die Parker-Fans genau das bietet, was man von dem Autor gewohnt ist. Als Einstiegspunkt eignet sie sich jedoch eher weniger. Hierfür empfehle ich Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City, The Folding Knife oder die The Two of Swords, Volume One-Reihe, mein persönlicher Favorit.
The Big Score ist eine weitere starke Novelle von K.J. Parker und die dritte Geschichte über den legendären Saloninus. Wie immer erzählt Parker seine Geschichte mit reichlich Witz, aber auch mit einigen philosophischen Anmerkungen.
Saloninus, einer seiner bekanntesten Charaktere, sticht dabei besonders positiv hervor. Der Universalgelehrte, aus dessen Perspektive die Geschichte in Ich-Form erzählt wird, ist eine kuriose Gestalt – wie anhand seiner am Anfang genannten Berufe/Fähigkeiten unschwer zu erkennen ist. Seine Gedanken schweifen während der ganzen Erzählung immer wieder ab und so erfährt der Leser einiges über seine vergangenen Untaten, die teils absolut unglaubwürdig sind. Gleichzeitig ist er einer von Parkers vielen kompetenten Hauptcharakteren, die die Geschichten des Autors auszeichnen.
Die Handlung ist amüsant und passt perfekt auf die gerade einmal 105 Seiten. Allerdings werden Saloninus' ständige Ausschweifungen manchmal nervig und lenken für meinen Geschmack etwas zu sehr/oft von der eigentlichen Geschichte ab.
Insgesamt ist The Big Score eine schöne, kurze Geschichte, die Parker-Fans genau das bietet, was man von dem Autor gewohnt ist. Als Einstiegspunkt eignet sie sich jedoch eher weniger. Hierfür empfehle ich Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City, The Folding Knife oder die The Two of Swords, Volume One-Reihe, mein persönlicher Favorit.
October 15, 2023
This is the to be expected Salonius plot, hilarious, witty, frivolous - until the musings on libraries, when it becomes thoughtful and deep. Wonderful.
July 8, 2021
Saloninus, genius, playwright, and con man, fakes his death then realizes he needs to write another play to make money.
3.5 stars You can't help rooting for Saloninus who is a character who frequently outwits himself. He and a fellow conman (conwoman) come up with the perfect Big Score - they'll sell a play by the great master Saloninus himself that no one has ever seen and have more money than they could ever need. Of course it doesn't work - so they tweak it to make an even Bigger Score (but does that work?). This was an entertaining story as all of KJ Parker's books are, but this one didn't make me look at it with my usual awe.
I've read eight books/novellas by KJ Parker now and would rank them from most enjoyed as: The Devil You Know, Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City, Prosper's Demon, Blue and Gold, The Last Witness, Mightier than the Sword, How to Rule an Empire and Get Away With It, The Big Score. Every single one is worth reading and I'll add anything Parker writes to my TBR.
3.5 stars You can't help rooting for Saloninus who is a character who frequently outwits himself. He and a fellow conman (conwoman) come up with the perfect Big Score - they'll sell a play by the great master Saloninus himself that no one has ever seen and have more money than they could ever need. Of course it doesn't work - so they tweak it to make an even Bigger Score (but does that work?). This was an entertaining story as all of KJ Parker's books are, but this one didn't make me look at it with my usual awe.
I've read eight books/novellas by KJ Parker now and would rank them from most enjoyed as: The Devil You Know, Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City, Prosper's Demon, Blue and Gold, The Last Witness, Mightier than the Sword, How to Rule an Empire and Get Away With It, The Big Score. Every single one is worth reading and I'll add anything Parker writes to my TBR.
May 21, 2023
Saloninus fakes his death to retire in anonymity with his accumulated wealth...which is promptly stolen. So when an old acquaintance blackmails him into committing One Last Scam™ worth millions, he's well motivated.
Parker has a habit--particularly in his novellas--of spamming non-sequitur sections, apparently random, disconnected departures that (ohhhhh!) tie back in to some relevant point in the last sentence. It always feels to me like a dangerous way to write, but rewarding if it's pulled off.
The Big Score doesn't pull it off. The tie-ins tend to be feeble or nonexistent. The entire climax is a non-sequitur told in a two paragraph afterword.
It's a mark of my appreciation for Parker's writing that despite the problems I still think this book is worth 3 stars.
Parker has a habit--particularly in his novellas--of spamming non-sequitur sections, apparently random, disconnected departures that (ohhhhh!) tie back in to some relevant point in the last sentence. It always feels to me like a dangerous way to write, but rewarding if it's pulled off.
The Big Score doesn't pull it off. The tie-ins tend to be feeble or nonexistent. The entire climax is a non-sequitur told in a two paragraph afterword.
It's a mark of my appreciation for Parker's writing that despite the problems I still think this book is worth 3 stars.
April 8, 2021
Loved this! I like how you don't need to read these in order - and having just finished my third re-watch of White Collar I felt this fit very nicely into that hole that is always left when you leave a world you love, especially with that first page. I can never go past a good con story, and for those who have seen the show, Saloninus reads oddly like a mixture of Mozzie and... (I loathe to say it)... Keller. But a non-bastard version of him.
I have to say, I enjoyed this more than the second, just because it was a bit snappier - definitely the story I needed after a long run of 2-3 star books recently.
4.5 of the very best forged stars
I have to say, I enjoyed this more than the second, just because it was a bit snappier - definitely the story I needed after a long run of 2-3 star books recently.
4.5 of the very best forged stars
July 9, 2024
Parker, in his Salonius series, has mischievously dealt with issues of immorality and immortality. In this work, he addresses a mystery plaguing many medieval scholars.
If certain terrific, in fact great plays had not been composed by the person whose names feature on their covers, then who had written them?
Obviously, Parker deals with the situation in his exquisitely Salonius-like way. In the process, we get a charming read.
Recommended.
If certain terrific, in fact great plays had not been composed by the person whose names feature on their covers, then who had written them?
Obviously, Parker deals with the situation in his exquisitely Salonius-like way. In the process, we get a charming read.
Recommended.
July 28, 2025
You’ve got to be careful with Parker. Many of his novellas ALSO appear in his story collections. I found this out in the worst possible way, paying $4.99 for a novella that I’d already acquired as part of an anthology.
This fantastic novella appears in the anthology _Under My Skin_. It’s a five star story; make sure you get a chance to experience either here in the stand alone format or in the ripping good antho.
This fantastic novella appears in the anthology _Under My Skin_. It’s a five star story; make sure you get a chance to experience either here in the stand alone format or in the ripping good antho.
March 28, 2021
There are very few authors that I can trust to give me a fun reading experience. Of the the few that can I try to stick to a series or two of their writing. With K.J. Parker a.k.a. Tom Holt I find myself becoming a fan of his work the more I read from him. This book was a very smooth read, meaning that once you start reading it the book flows by very quickly. I found myself reading half the book in a few hours. For me that's a sign that the author wrote something that I enjoy. The story is a heist book where the protagonist/antagonist of the previous books has to come up with one more scheme to make money. That is after he's faked his death and ran away from his fame but without any money. You don't need to know more then that. Just dive in for a few hours and you'll be just fine.
I read this book via NetGalley. I thank them for this book.
I read this book via NetGalley. I thank them for this book.
January 31, 2023
4.5 stars
Absolutely brilliant or shall I say Saloninusly intelligent ☺️
Absolutely brilliant or shall I say Saloninusly intelligent ☺️
June 17, 2021
Three stars for a K.J. Parker book feels really low. I mean, the story is usual Parker, told in his own sardonic style, with a lot of sly dialogue and clever turns, but the ending just didn't sit well with me at all. I'm so used to Parker's fiction having that "Oh." moment at the end, and while it's hard to judge the book simply for NOT having one, it's also hard to give it four stars when it doesn't come close to having the same feel as his other books I've rated four stars.
Honestly, this is a 3.5-star book, but I just can't round it up, knowing that there are books like Purple and Black, or Blue and Gold, or The Last Witness, that have more fulfilling endings. Besides, it's not going to stop me reading everything else he writes, since there's no other fiction out there that reads like a Parker book.
2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book about do-overs or fresh starts
Honestly, this is a 3.5-star book, but I just can't round it up, knowing that there are books like Purple and Black, or Blue and Gold, or The Last Witness, that have more fulfilling endings. Besides, it's not going to stop me reading everything else he writes, since there's no other fiction out there that reads like a Parker book.
2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book about do-overs or fresh starts
September 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this novella, right until the end. Parker has a tendency towards abrupt endings, so I shouldn't have been shocked. Still I was left unsatisfied, it wasn't necessarily the lack of a happy ending for the protagonist but the lack of resolution with his partner and his legacy that irritated me.
I enjoyed the mixing of the author's two styles under his different pseudonyms (which I absolutely would have never guessed, one of the best, if not the best, long bluffs in genre history). The myopic but brilliant protagonist was a joy to read. It's hard to write a genius character, often the more you try and paint the details the author's own mortality shows the cracks. Parker did an excellent job of not getting caught in the minutiae. I would give this story a much higher rating if it had any kind of resolution, instead of the protagonist getting screwed once again in the established pattern.
Even that would have been fine if it had some drama to it, and a sense of further adventures to come. As it is, there is no character growth or drama. It reads like one of the more boring side stories in a legend's biography that would make Leonardo Da Vinci look like a inept dabbler. Even then the structure of the con means it likely will end as an unknown portion of the protagonist's history.
Parker is hit or miss for me. I am in awe at times but often the denouement is disappointing, and other times the writing can be dry due to a lack of emotion and an abundance of technical divergences. This is something he keeps improving on under this pseudonym in a truly impressive fashion to the point it is almost non-extant. He can write in a dry tone, but now he conveys much more character depth to the reader. I keep coming back because he has a truly unique voice.
I don't expect an author to change just to suit my specific tastes, but there was nothing dry about this novella. If he improves his endings I think he could become a legend in his own right. He writes with such a unique, original perspective that he is a wonderful voice in the genre.
I personally believe he likes to leave his endings open ended, and episodic in nature. Since he mostly writes standalone, and unconnected works this doesn't resonate for me as a reader, the protagonist essentially doesn't grow through the events of the story. This was delightfully suprising and unexpected at first, but leaves a bitter taste as it recurs throughout his stories.
In summary I like K.J. Parker, and I'll keep reading him because he is a genuinely brilliant author in the genre, but his shortcomings are magnified by how amazing he is otherwise. In this novella he overcame one of my two biggest gripes with his writing, and I have high hopes that he will overcome the second. It is easily well within his talents, and that's a rare thing in the writing world no matter how talented you are. Style is a hard thing to change, but this is more a matter of structure.
In short read this novella, its amusing. Don't expect the main character to end up anywhere but exactly where he started though.
I enjoyed the mixing of the author's two styles under his different pseudonyms (which I absolutely would have never guessed, one of the best, if not the best, long bluffs in genre history). The myopic but brilliant protagonist was a joy to read. It's hard to write a genius character, often the more you try and paint the details the author's own mortality shows the cracks. Parker did an excellent job of not getting caught in the minutiae. I would give this story a much higher rating if it had any kind of resolution, instead of the protagonist getting screwed once again in the established pattern.
Even that would have been fine if it had some drama to it, and a sense of further adventures to come. As it is, there is no character growth or drama. It reads like one of the more boring side stories in a legend's biography that would make Leonardo Da Vinci look like a inept dabbler. Even then the structure of the con means it likely will end as an unknown portion of the protagonist's history.
Parker is hit or miss for me. I am in awe at times but often the denouement is disappointing, and other times the writing can be dry due to a lack of emotion and an abundance of technical divergences. This is something he keeps improving on under this pseudonym in a truly impressive fashion to the point it is almost non-extant. He can write in a dry tone, but now he conveys much more character depth to the reader. I keep coming back because he has a truly unique voice.
I don't expect an author to change just to suit my specific tastes, but there was nothing dry about this novella. If he improves his endings I think he could become a legend in his own right. He writes with such a unique, original perspective that he is a wonderful voice in the genre.
I personally believe he likes to leave his endings open ended, and episodic in nature. Since he mostly writes standalone, and unconnected works this doesn't resonate for me as a reader, the protagonist essentially doesn't grow through the events of the story. This was delightfully suprising and unexpected at first, but leaves a bitter taste as it recurs throughout his stories.
In summary I like K.J. Parker, and I'll keep reading him because he is a genuinely brilliant author in the genre, but his shortcomings are magnified by how amazing he is otherwise. In this novella he overcame one of my two biggest gripes with his writing, and I have high hopes that he will overcome the second. It is easily well within his talents, and that's a rare thing in the writing world no matter how talented you are. Style is a hard thing to change, but this is more a matter of structure.
In short read this novella, its amusing. Don't expect the main character to end up anywhere but exactly where he started though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2021
One more adventure with Saloninus, the Renaissance-era con man and accidental creator of a number of original works of art and science, not that he made a penny from any of them.
This alternate Renaissance-era world of Parker's is full of whimsy and strange happenings, usually around swindling someone out of something or double-crossing a partner. The latter plays into this story – a woman from Saloninus' past recruits him to make The Big Score, the con that will set them both up for life. That is, presuming they can pull it off – and she doesn't run off with the money like she always has in the past.
These novellas are lightweight but fun. Saloninus is snarky but practical, knowing that life will pound him down any chance it gets. But he's so good at conning people and coming up with creative swindles, he keeps trying. Very fun reading. If I had to describe these books in a sentence, I'd call them alternate Renaissance-era caper novels, often with magic.
This alternate Renaissance-era world of Parker's is full of whimsy and strange happenings, usually around swindling someone out of something or double-crossing a partner. The latter plays into this story – a woman from Saloninus' past recruits him to make The Big Score, the con that will set them both up for life. That is, presuming they can pull it off – and she doesn't run off with the money like she always has in the past.
These novellas are lightweight but fun. Saloninus is snarky but practical, knowing that life will pound him down any chance it gets. But he's so good at conning people and coming up with creative swindles, he keeps trying. Very fun reading. If I had to describe these books in a sentence, I'd call them alternate Renaissance-era caper novels, often with magic.
November 29, 2021
Saloninus has a problem. He is dead, I mean, he has attended his own funeral which he had arranged. But now he has cut off one of his few revenue streams since being a con man does not do well for him while creating masterpieces of philosophy and plays has made him famous. Unfortunately, he never seems to get the money from either his con jobs or his writings. Hence the funeral. But then She found him. She needed him to create one last masterpiece that she could sell to a certain duke for a big score. She twists his arm, hard, to get this favor out of him. In the end, he produces the play , but the scheme goes sideways, so another scheme has to be hatched. K. J. Parker has fun with literary tropes of philosophy, British literature, and scholarly authentication of manuscripts. A nice short crime caper set in the same universe as Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City and Prosper's Demon. Have reading this tale!
April 8, 2021
The Big Score by K.J.Parker
The Big Score opens in the aftermath of Saloninus's funeral, an act of self-concealment he has staged many times before. Newly risen from the dead, he encounters an old flame in which he shares a colourful and highly illegal past.
She has a plan in mind, one that involves both of Saloninus's skill sets: criminality and literary genius. If successful, that plan will lead to the elusive "big score" that will set them free forever. Against his better judgment, and fully aware that failure and betrayal may await him, Saloninus agrees to participate.
We have previously met Saloninus in Blue and Gold and The Devil You Know. Saloninus is sharp, crafty, sly, a liar, con artist and fun to read. The dialogue is sharp and snappy as with the majority of Parker novellas. The setting is the same as all Parker books, with no official name but referred to by fans as (Parkerland). You don’t need to have read any of Parker’s previous books as they aren't connected. However, there are plenty of easter eggs, nods and winks to his previous works. The plot is a straight forward con. It's not overly complicated but made more pleasurable by Parker’s dry wit. Reading how Saloninus tries to get out of a situation of his own making was fun. There’s plenty of commentary on philosophy and politics but not too much.
Overall, once again, Parker delivers a solid novella, that was fun and entertaining to read.
The Big Score opens in the aftermath of Saloninus's funeral, an act of self-concealment he has staged many times before. Newly risen from the dead, he encounters an old flame in which he shares a colourful and highly illegal past.
She has a plan in mind, one that involves both of Saloninus's skill sets: criminality and literary genius. If successful, that plan will lead to the elusive "big score" that will set them free forever. Against his better judgment, and fully aware that failure and betrayal may await him, Saloninus agrees to participate.
We have previously met Saloninus in Blue and Gold and The Devil You Know. Saloninus is sharp, crafty, sly, a liar, con artist and fun to read. The dialogue is sharp and snappy as with the majority of Parker novellas. The setting is the same as all Parker books, with no official name but referred to by fans as (Parkerland). You don’t need to have read any of Parker’s previous books as they aren't connected. However, there are plenty of easter eggs, nods and winks to his previous works. The plot is a straight forward con. It's not overly complicated but made more pleasurable by Parker’s dry wit. Reading how Saloninus tries to get out of a situation of his own making was fun. There’s plenty of commentary on philosophy and politics but not too much.
Overall, once again, Parker delivers a solid novella, that was fun and entertaining to read.
March 22, 2022
It took me a minute to think about it, but so far all of the K. J. Parker books that I've read have taken place in the same world setting, just different parts of it.
This one is a series of con games that are truly unusual. I mean, what if Shakespeare had been, in addition the whole poetry and plays thing, an infamous thief and con man? That's the kind of character that Saloninus is in this story, brilliant but amazingly flawed, by most standards.
When an old "friend" approaches him about setting up "the big score," the theft of the ages, one to set up both of them in wealth for life...after all, what could go wrong? Well, lots of things, but the book is also a spoof of modern academic scholarship and the way finances work on the world of theater.
A short book, but a very good one, and worth reading even if you haven't read the other books, because this one stands alone very well.
This one is a series of con games that are truly unusual. I mean, what if Shakespeare had been, in addition the whole poetry and plays thing, an infamous thief and con man? That's the kind of character that Saloninus is in this story, brilliant but amazingly flawed, by most standards.
When an old "friend" approaches him about setting up "the big score," the theft of the ages, one to set up both of them in wealth for life...after all, what could go wrong? Well, lots of things, but the book is also a spoof of modern academic scholarship and the way finances work on the world of theater.
A short book, but a very good one, and worth reading even if you haven't read the other books, because this one stands alone very well.
March 21, 2021
The Big Score by K. J. Parker- Another first-person rumination full of highs and lows from a Post-Renaissance un-named con man in one of Parker's imaginary worlds, who never seems to profit from his misdeeds. A romp full of comic asides and dark goings-on. The clever, often almost poetic, passages reflect the mood of the times with brief modern slang to keep you aware that you are being conned as well. Early on She enters, a also un-named person from his past(think heroine, villain, thief, seductress, backstabber). She wants to involve him in a fraud of false treasured documents that he needs to write. Of course, She is not telling him everything and of course he knows that, but the game is on! Utterly enjoyable. If you like Parker's sharp wit and laughable style, this goes down nicely.
April 15, 2021
I have been a fan of K.J. Parker ever since I happened upon his short story collection "Academic Exercises". (I got it in a Humble Bundle ;-)) Nowadays I am always on a lookout for new K.J. Parker books. I love his dry humour and a rather cynical (yet not misanthropic) view of human nature. His universe is meticulously and finely crafted - there is a bit of Byzantium, there is a bit of Venetian republic, sometimes there is magic, and sometimes there is no magic at all.
I had enjoyed the previous novella featuring Saloninus ("The Devil You Know") more than this one, but it was a lot of fun to meet the Renaissance con man again. Also, this time K.J. Parker has a field day with the question of authorship of certain plays (in our world, they are by Shakespeare :-D) - what's not to love?
I had enjoyed the previous novella featuring Saloninus ("The Devil You Know") more than this one, but it was a lot of fun to meet the Renaissance con man again. Also, this time K.J. Parker has a field day with the question of authorship of certain plays (in our world, they are by Shakespeare :-D) - what's not to love?
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