The Snatch, by Bill Pronzini

Retrieved from: ILL
0394472268, 1971
Suggested by: my author list
My Ratings: 9 Merit, 8 Interest, 7 Fun

What a step up from the first book I read. This one introduces Pronzini's current character, Nameless. He is so good at writing this series that, unless you are really paying attention, it's not noticeable that the main character is never addressed by name. Even 35 years later, this man still has no name.

The story here involves a kidnapped boy. The kidnappers want someone outside the family to deliver the ransom, so the father has hired this detective to do so. In the process of waiting for the final call from the kidnappers, Nameless discovers a lot is going on under the surface of the parents and employees around this household.

While delivering the ranson, Nameless is injured. His girlfriend walks out on him. He finds the boy, safe and sound. And eventually he figures out who was behind the kidnapping.

It's fun to watch Pronzini's writing skill grow.