Parker, the ruthless antihero of Richard Starks eponymous mystery novels, is one of the most unforgettable characters in hardboiled 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. TheRare Coin Score features the first appearance of Claire, who will steal Parkers heisters heart-while together they steal two million dollars of rare coins. ``Parker . . . lumbers through the pages of Richard Starks noir novels scattering dead bodies like peanut shells. . . . In a complex worldhe] makes things simple.``-William Grimes, New York Times ``Whatever Stark writes, I read. Hes a stylist, a pro, and I thoroughly enjoy his attitude.``-Elmore Leonard ``Westlake knows precisely how to grab a reader, draw him or her into the story, and then slowly tighten his grip until escape is impossible.``-Washington Post Book World ``Donald Westlakes Parker novels are among the small number of books I read over and over. Forget all that crap youve been telling yourself about War and Peace and Proust-these are the books youll want on that desert island.``-Lawrence Block