Swag: A Novel

Bought the book after reading "Hombre" and seeing how close to the movie it was. "Valdez..." is just as good as well. It is rare that a movie can be "just-as-the-book" because of the differences of the genres. In this case the movie followed the book rather closely and just as well.

Another book in the same genre by Elmore Leonard...unlikely story, great dialog, strange but very likeable characters. But a very entertaining book which makes no unreasonable demands on your intellect...typical Elmore Leonard. Glorious without being brilliant. We shall miss Mr. Leonard terribly...although he is now out of sight, he will never be out of mind.

Fans of Elmore Leonard will love this book, but so will anyone who has seen the movie. His words paint such vivid pictures that the book is a movie by itself. I must admit I saw the movie first, but that just added to the enjoyment. Definitely a must read.

I am always attracted to books about the hidden world of hit-men... especially those with a heart. Strange. Leonard delves into the technique and the psychology... and I guess you would have to add, the city of Tokyo. An interesting thriller... oh yes, and with heart.

Who doesn't like Elmore Leonard. This is from earlier in his career when he was writing westerns. After the genre went out of style he went to write some of the best criminal stories I've read. This story is about a man on a quest. Excellent plot, dialog and character development.

Leonard is a first-rate crime writer with a great, easy-flowing style and a first-rate sense humor. Every once in a while in the middle of a serious story he throws in a line that has me laughing out loud. I'm looking forward to reading more of his books.

Frank, a used-car salesman, decides Earnest; who likes to be called Stick; might be useful to know, so rather than ID-ing him in court, helps get an auto-theft case thrown out.
Frank and Earnest. A meeting ensues. Agreement that they can make a comfortable living by sticking to Frank's ten rules; and they do just that.
They stick-up bottle-shops, liquor stores, convenience stores, etc, small stuff with low risk that gives them the few thou's they need to live comfortably in a decent apartment block. And the fact that half a dozen of the local denizens happen to be young women who like to decorate the pool only helps pass the time..
Then Frank hears of a major department store robbery going down, something worth twenty times the small, penny-anti stuff they've been dealing with and, against Stick's better judgement, they make plans with a wily night club owner, Sportree.
With plans too loosely made and the odd double-cross, not to mention shooting some bad characters, it looks like Frank and Stick might get away with it.
All they need is the help of Stick's new girl friend...

I think I would read anything he wrote. Swag isn't his best, but it's such a fun read. Thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining. I wasn't sure at first who the protagonist was, which was kind of fun. Probably not the best choice for a first Leonard novel, but if you already like his style, go for it. You'll have a great time!

This was my first Leonard novel. It was called, at the time, "Ryan's rules" (For Success in Armed Robbery). What fun it was to read. Too bad, I gave it away, though I would love to read it again. It is a MUST for any Elmore Leonard fan.

I adore the ending of this book. Along with most other Elmore Leonard books, this would make a good movie. It has enough humorous moments to be a similar tale to "Get Shorty" and "Out of Sight." Hollywood, do you hear me?

A very good Leonard novel. Lots of twists and turns until you think there can't be anymore left...but they keep on coming. There were times that I felt the story dragged. Then there would be some surprise to wipe that out.

What an ear for capers Leonard has! Everything down to the 70's lingo is pitch perfect in this gritty crime novel about two partners who think they have the right formula for living a life of larceny without going back to the pen.

I have never read crime novels but wanted to check out some of this man's best since he passed away recently. And I'm glad I did. Found this on a list of his best and thought it was fabulous. Well written, realistic characters. A lot of humanity and believable creepiness.

Mr. Leonard never fails me. The first few pages did not hook me but i kept going. So very glad I did. The "Justified" TV series was my introduction. I am an avid reader but somehow never read an Elmore Leonard.

This novel, although not the most recent work of Leonard's, its excellent. It encompasses a character which many people can relate and puts him in a completely new life with money and girls. You will not be able to put this book down, I read it in about 2 days, and by the end it becomes so intense you are reading as fast as you can. The ending of the book and the last line are perfect.

Classic Elmore Leonard. Colorful, compelling characters which are believable and engaging. It is an adult read, because Leonard uses the language of the characters he portrays. If you are not offended by that, you will enjoy this book.

I hastily bought the Kindle edition one day, based on the "(Jack Ryan)" after the title. I believe Jack Ryan is mentioned only once in this book.

Other than that, it's an Elmore Leonard. I've enjoyed every one I've read, although I have avoided the Chili Palmers (so far).

Typical Elmore Leonard, sharp, gritty and to the point. This guy knows how to write. I am fast becoming addicted to his writing. The stories are realistic and unpredictable. The Characters build the plot and the dialogue sets the scene. A great read!

I love Elmore Leonard. Usually I would give his books 4 or more stars but this one was an exception. One of the things I love about Leonard is that unlike so many authors he (usually) seems to give a fair amount of thought to how his characters act. So often with many writers a character makes a choice and its obviously driven on the need for drama or to advance the plot, usually in Leonard's case the characters behave in quite believable ways. If the hero behaves heroically its because he has been pushed to the limit and/or sees no other alternative. That just wasn't the case here. The whole major conflict of the book just wasn't credible. Valdez initiates a fight with a ruthless powerful man over fairness to a woman that he doesn't know and that doesn't even seem to want or really need his help that much. Also, the character of Valdez didn't have much to him. With other Leonard characters (e.g. Hombre) we know the man's back story and why he would have such amazing fighting and tracking skills. This book has Leonard's usual flare for action and I liked it for that reason and also for the fairly minor character of the "segundo" (second in command) but IMO this is clearly a lesser Leonard novel. I read that this is the last western he did, not sure if that is true but if it is that would make sense, it seems like he was losing interest in the genre here. I thought Law at Rendado and Gunsights were far superior Leonard Westerns.

Leonard's spare, straight-forward writing style wastes little time in getting on with the story. His plot twists and character development are excellent. This book will stick with you after you've finished.

When they make the list of America's great authors, Elmore Leonard has to be in the top ten. Jack Foley and Karen Sisco are real people in a story that is fast read and, of course, in between the suspense there is the usual Elmore Leonard humor.