Quarry's Greatest Hits

This collection of stories featuring Max Allan Collins' hired killer called Quarry features all four Quarry short stories and the fifth novel in the series, Primary Target, which appeared ten years after the fourth entry, Quarry's Cut (previously published as The Slasher). But that's nothing when you consider that it would be almost twenty before Collins would write The Last Quarry for Hard Case Crime. In Primary Target, Quarry is offered one million dollars to assassinate up-and-coming third-party presidential candidate Preston Freed. When he turns it down -- he is retired, after all -- there are major consequences and Quarry is forced to get back into the business he knows best: killing. Only this time, it's personal. What results is a wonderfully intricate story where every character is connected to at least one other. Collins stretches out the suspense beautifully and only reveals the connections one by one, as Quarry discovers them himself. Collins' style is engaging as always and Quarry is a fascinating choice for a protagonist, given that he is only ever looking out for himself (although he does show a surprisingly tender side). Primary Target is exceptionally well-crafted, with every piece fitting firmly into place. It also has a perfect ending and is just the right length, coming in at just under 200 pages. Also included are four short stories, the most significant of which is "A Matter of Principle," which has been adapted into a short film and is purported to be the basis for the forthcoming (and abovementioned) The Last Quarry; it would certainly work well as an opening chapter. Originally published in the seminal genre anthology Stalkers, "A Matter of Principle" has Quarry rescuing a kidnapped woman through his own special means. But Quarry's motives are his own, as we soon find out....

This anthology consist of one strong novel and four delightful shorts starring a hit man who suffers no remorse as he sees this as a means of earning a buck. Readers familiar with Quarry will know this book is a winner and he will fascinate newcomers. This collection represents some of Max Collins greatest hits."Primary Target". This is an exciting novel that showcases the intriguing antihero at his best. In his thirties, Quarry is retired from his kill for pay job. He lives comfortable in Paradise Lake, Wisconsin running an in inn with his young pregnant wife Linda. A client offers Quarry $1 million to assassinate ultra right wing religious fanatic and presidential candidate Freed. Quarry turns down the job. Not long afterward two amateurs attack Quarry's home killing his spouse and visiting brother-in-law, but failing to take out the key antagonist. Quarry dispatches the duo and begins his quest for vengeance.The four short stories are all well written and provide further insight into Quarry, a strong character whose presence is enhanced by deep secondary players and strong plotting.Harriet Klausner