This is the second in our F17 batch of the final four Parker novels, and initiates the final story-line of the Parker series. The sequel, ASK THE PARROT, continues the saga culminating in DIRTY MONEY. The opening of this novel is particularly exciting: a poker game at which someone is wearing a wire, spotted by Parker, ends in a necktie party. With that job soured, Parker decides to go in on a messy scam--stealing an armored car--with someone he hardly knows. As usual, the amateurs let their emotions get in the way of the work, and the book ends on a cliffhanger. In his new foreword, Duane Swierczynski writes about how he discovered the Parker series, and how much he admires Westlake. Swierczynski writes for Marvel Comics, has written award-winning mysteries, including the Charlie Hardie series, and had two new novels last year.