DONALD E. WESTLAKE STRIKES AGAIN! PRAISE FOR THE HOOK
“A clever ending that’s both surprising and inevitable.”
—New York Times
“THE HOOK is a heartstopping suspense novel from the pro of pros . . . full of nasty jolts and turns, including one of the most hair-raising murder scenes ever written. Westlake shines . . . and in this case he terrifies as well.”
—Stephen King
“A chilling tale. . . . You will be hooked right through the final chapter.”
—Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Without argument, Westlake is the dean of smart crime novels, and in THE HOOK he proves it with bells on. . . . Westlake is one of those uncommon writers who come up with deceptively simple plots that, when unraveled, leave you shaking your head in admiration and amazement.”
—Denver Rocky Mountain News
“A chilling conclusion. . . . Red herrings and skillful plotting make THE HOOK a satisfying confection.”
—Business Week
“Expert and merciless lampooning of modern, corporatized book publishing.”
—Washington Post Book World
“Brilliant.”
—USA Today
“THE HOOK begins with an agreement signed in blood and smoothly, unobtrusively, gracefully, relentlessly moves toward absolute devastation. This is Donald E. Westlake at the top of his form, writing with the power and confidence of a master and keeping the reader dazzled and agape all the way to the last sentence.”
—Peter Straub
“Fast moving. . . . [A] clever tale of crime and punishment in Manhattan and Connecticut exposes the dreadful bottom line that drives the publishing industry, while it reveals an insider’s knowledge of the writing life.”
—Boston Herald
“Haunting . . . Westlake’s spare writing keeps what could be a very cerebral story solidly grounded, using ordinary details of the two writers’ lives to reflect the stress and turmoil going on in their minds.”
—Cleveland Plain Dealer
“Another biting satire of our market-driven society, this time aimed directly at the publishing industry . . . moves so fast and works so well. . . . When it comes to mixing crime, satire, and desperate men, no one does it better than Westlake.”
—Denver Post
“In his latest work, Westlake once again proves himself a master storytelling craftsman. . . . Instead of romanticizing or sensationalizing Westlake brilliantly examines the psychological toll that it takes on every aspect of both men’s lives.”
—Library Journal
“Westlake writes tersely and moves his plot along briskly . . . a spooky and weird book. And I loved it.”
—St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“The insider’s view of the writer’s life and the publishing industry is Westlake at his most trenchant. . . . Trust Westlake to outthink you for a chilling, remorseless ending.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Ingenious. . . . Crime fiction as literature. . . . Wonderful insights into novel writing, story line and character development, and relationships between writers and editors. There is a neat twist at the end that is not entirely unexpected but chilling nonetheless.”
—Winston-Salem Journal
“Compulsive reading on every level. The suspense is overwhelming but the black humor is what really makes the book. This is a tale the great Alfred Hitchcock would have delighted in filming.”
—Romantic Times
“A rousing read that redefines the modern thriller.”
—Providence Sunday Journal
“Westlake always has a fresh twist for his funny and intelligent crime novels. . . . THE HOOK is vintage Westlake, one of his best.”
—Toronto Globe and Mail
“Another thrilling tale. . . . Westlake thoroughly explores the horrific psychological price exacted on both men when the scheme is carried out.”
—Abilene Reporter News
“Westlake ‘hooks’ the reader like a fish into this suspenseful novel and then slowly reels you in until the very end. . . . The last page is well worth reading for itself alone. It sent chills up my spine.”
—Salisbury Post