Monday, June 27, 2011

Book Review: "Calling Mr. King"

Ronald De Feo's debut novel is Calling Mr. King (forthcoming from Other Press). An expert hit man who makes a little slip-up, our protagonist (known by various names) is sent on a forced vacation by leaders of the shadowy gang who give him his orders (and his paychecks). In New York, he finds himself developing a deep interest in art and architecture, and when the time comes to get back to work, our strangely likeable killer finds that something has changed.

Dark, but funny; meandering but well-paced, Calling Mr. King is a suspenseful and most enjoyable read. De Feo has managed to create a likeable assassin, who would make a great tour guide of London or Barcelona architecture in his spare time.