This is not a book about a bank robbery, although a bank robbery plays a central role in the book's climax. Rather, it is a character study of a small Alabama town and of its citizens' loves, fears, and vices. It has more in common with John O'Hara's "Appointment in Samarra" than it does with a Lionel White or Donald Westlake caper yarn. This explains the points of view from which the story is told, including the description of the robbery. The ending of the book concerns how its characters have changed--or not--instead of whether the robbery was a success. Heath writes well, and this is a memorable, if not classic, tale. ( )

Solid hiest gone bad, pulp gem. ( )