The original Parker novel, the most frequently reprinted, twice filmed (officially), and perhaps the most brutal. Offensive on several levels, but primarily because we are introduced to a main character (hero is not the right word) with a total disregard for any human life that gets in his way. We’ve had thieves as protagonists before, but they were usually charming, witty, dapper fellows who never took from anyone who didn’t deserve it, and who amused us with complicated and marvelous schemes.

Not so with Parker. He is a thug who kills a prison guard to escape confinement, even though he’s only got one month left of his sentence. His heist schemes are not generally all that clever-he just finds a way to get his money and knocks off anyone that he can’t get rid of by a less risky and incriminating method.

Parker’s mind works logically, but most readers cannot imagine being so completely heartless and selfish (at least I hope not). But despite being repellent as a human being, Parker is fascinating, and his escapades, written in often-masterful dry-as-bone prose that frequently condenses what would have been dozens of pages by another writer into two or three, are extraordinarily compelling reading. If you read one (and The Hunter is the best place to start), chances are you will read many more.

The Hunter creates the template for most of the subsequent Parker novels-the heist, the betrayal, and the bloody path Parker takes to get his money back by whatever means necessary and live on until the next book.