Synopsis/blurb....
Keller on the Spot is the eighth story about Keller, your basic Urban Lonely Guy and wistful assassin for hire. Like most of the its predecessors, it made its first appearance in Playboy, and in due course won the MWA Edgar Allan Poe award as best short story of the year.
The life of a hired killer has its rewards, but the opportunity to be a hero is rarely one of them. Here Keller is unquestionably heroic, at least early on...
Keller on the Spot is one of ten adventures that comprise the episodic novel, Hit Man.
My third time reading this little episode from my favourite hit man's life and it never gets old.
Keller gets to play a hero here remembering the life saving skills he was taught as a boy. Our hitman is out scouting a target at a party when he strips to his whites and rescues a young swimmer who cramped unnoticed while the party was in full swing. Not the best cover for a hitman, making yourself the centre of attention.
We get to ponder whatever happened to that life-saving certificate and why the best brandy gives you heartburn, all the while considering whether to fulfill our contract or not.Entertaining, enjoyable, engaging, never a dull word.
4.5 from 5
Read in January, 2018
Published - 1998 (as part of Hit Man)
Page count - 30
Source - owned copy
Format - kindle
There are certain stories, Col, that are that good you can read them again and again. And this one sounds like vintage Block talent. I can see why it's a 'go to' for you.
ReplyDeleteI think I get something a bit different from it each time.
DeleteEvery time I read one of your reviews of Block's work, I think I really must read more of it. I doubt I'll ever catch up . . .
ReplyDeleteI don't think I will either, but I'm going to have a good go!
DeleteI've read this one! Great story, as you say, and part of a great collection. I loved Keller...
ReplyDeleteHopefully you're minded to read more Keller in the future!
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