Seventh (The University of Chicago Press)

Parker, the ruthless anti-hero of Richard Stark's eponymous mystery novels, is one of the most unforgettable characters in hard-boiled noir. Lauded by critics for his taut realism, unapologetic amorality, and razor-sharp prose style - and adored by fans who turn each intoxicating page with increasing urgency - Stark is a master of crime writing, his books as influential as any in the genre. The University of Chicago Press has embarked on a project to return the early volumes of this series to print for a new generation of readers to discover - and become addicted to. This season's offerings include volumes 7-9 in the series: "The Seventh", "The Handle", and "The Rare Coin Score". In "The Seventh", the heist of a college football game goes sour, and the take is stolen żeby a crazed, violent amateur. Parker must outrun the cops - and the killer - to retrieve his cash.