Ask the Parrot    by Richard Stark Order:  USA  Can Mysterious Press, 2006 (2006) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth After a massive bank heist, Parker is being pursued by police dogs and the men that usually accompany them. As the hounds bay, Parker happens upon an old recluse with a rifle in his hands. Instead of the command, 'Hands up,' he is greeted by friendly but inquisitive words. How lucky can a man be, when running from the law, to run into someone with a like mind? Thus Parker meets Tom Lindahl who tells him of his own plans for making off with a bundle of money not his own. And the fun begins. As cool-headed Parker works to steal money so he can continue on the lam, Tom is bent on robbing the racetrack where he had worked and been a whistle blower. We all know what happens to whistle blowers. Now reduced to penury, more than money, Tom wants to get revenge. Ask the Parrot has a well-crafted plot, and a shallow but engaging protagonist, who has a cool head and the ability to think (very fast) on his feet. Non-stop action bounds off the pages. The supportive characters play their parts well and the ending is unexpected but suspenseful and exciting. In my mind, that all adds up to a very good read. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews