Book Review: The Getaway Man

Reviewed By: Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

The Getaway Man     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Andrew Vachss
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Vintage Crime / Black Lizard 188 pages/ $ 11.00

I hate to use comparisons to other authors when I review, but this book really felt like Vachss was channeling Jim Thompson. Vachss has his usual flair for writing bad guys working in this book. I got so caught up in the story I sometimes forgot that I was reading about criminals. No real references are made to time other than a few movie titles, so this could have taken place almost anytime after 1975. I like that about the book. And I like Eddie.

Eddie wants to drive. As far back as he can remember. He didn’t steal cars for money, he did so he could drive them. And after a few turns locked up Eddie hooks up with some good heist guys. And he always gets them out. He’s a great getaway man. And when something goes wrong he does his time like a man. Towards the end Eddie is hooked up with a couple guys who are going to pull one last big job. The retirement job. The kind of job all crocks talk about.

Enter Vonda. The gal who could ruin it all.....

This is a quick read, but an engulfing one. I loved every minute of it.

And as much as I enjoy reading about Burke and his underground crew, I really hope to see more work like this from Mr. Vachss.

Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM