The Hunter
The Hunter
Book Brief
Beta208
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1960s
1962
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Richard Stark's The Hunter, a determined individual, Parker, is betrayed and left for dead after a heist. Surviving against the odds, Parker relentlessly seeks vengeance and aims to reclaim his stolen money. The narrative explores themes of betrayal, survival, and vengeance as Parker navigates a criminal underworld to confront those who wronged him.
Gritty
Dark
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
15,737 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Richard Stark's The Hunter is widely praised for its taut prose and gripping narrative. The novel's protagonist, Parker, is a standout for his cold, calculated nature. However, some critics feel the plot is somewhat formulaic. Despite this, the book is celebrated for its engrossing depiction of criminal underworld and relentless pace.
Who Should Read The Hunter?
A reader who would enjoy The Hunter by Richard Stark is likely a fan of gritty crime fiction, heist narratives, and antihero protagonists. They might also enjoy The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett or The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler, appreciating the hard-boiled style and complex moral landscapes.
15,737 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Richard Stark is a pseudonym of Donald E. Westlake, a prolific author known for his crime and mystery novels, and The Hunter was his first book featuring the character Parker.
The Hunter was adapted into the film Point Blank in 1967, which starred Lee Marvin as the lead character.
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The novel was also the basis for the 1999 film Payback, with Mel Gibson in the main role, although it presents a variation on the original story.
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208
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1960s
1962
Adult
18+ years
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