Being a Noir/Hard Boiled crime thriller fan, I just got into Hard Case Crime books earlier this year with Lawrence Block's "Sinner Man". Thoroughly enjoyed it, so I decided to start with Hard Case Crime #001 "Grifter's Game (also a Block novel). Loved it! After two books, I have become a Lawrence Block fan. I really like that his novels are short and to the point, no extra filler that doesn't need to be there.

I thought I had an idea where the story was going to end, then it took an unexpected twist that I did not see coming at all! Good Stuff!! ( )

Grifter's Game by Lawrence Block

Joe Marlin is a conman, always on the make and the run. He is good at his game, getting money off of unsuspecting wealthy women. Then he steals a suitcase, (finds it) full of heroin and meets Mona Brassard. He wants Mona, (her) money and a life of luxury. But at what cost. Soon his life takes a turn and there is no looking back.

A fantastic story with a likable antihero (Joe) and woman who has met her match. With thought provoking moments, intrigue, twists and turns I was hooked from the start. Grifter's Game is perfect for those who enjoy thrilling crime/drama. A must read. ( )

Well, that took a dark turn!! ( )

I had a lot of fun with this one - loved the pacing, phrasing, etc. Good old pulpy pulpy. ( )

Joe Marlin goes by many fake names and pulls just about any grift, from theft to skipping out on hotel bills to conning wealthy women and gigolo work. Escaping his latest con in Philly, he heads to Atlantic City to see what he can get away with there. First thing, he steals expensive luggage in the hopes that it has cash, or at least some clothes in his size, but is startled to find an enormous amount of heroin inside. Joe doesn't have a drug connection anymore but it's too valuable to throw away, so he begins hatching a plan for how it can make him money. In the meantime, he's also surprised to find that he's fallen in love with a blonde he meets on the beach, one who is unhappily married to a very rich older man.
As much pulp as a glass of orange juice. Joe is a scoundrel who you almost root for as he turns each action around to look at it from every angle. This was Block's first published novel, originally titled "Mona". ( )