The Edgar Award–winning novel by the “master of nail-biting suspense”(Los Angeles Times) Thomas Perry exploded onto the literary scene with The Butcher’s Boy. Back in print by popular demand, this spectacular debut, from a writer of “infernal ingenuity” (The New York Times Book Review), includes a new Introduction by bestselling author Michael Connelly. Murder has always been easy for the … Connelly.
Murder has always been easy for the Butcher’s Boy—it’s what he was raised to do. But when he kills the senior senator from Colorado and arrives in Las Vegas to pick up his fee, he learns that he has become a liability to his shadowy employers. His actions attract the attention of police specialists who watch the world of organized crime, but though everyone knows that something big is going on, only Elizabeth Waring, a bright young analyst in the Justice Department, works her way closer to the truth, and to the frightening man behind it.
Praise for The Butcher’s Boy
“A stunning debut . . . a brilliantly plotted thriller.”—The Washington Post
“A shrewdly planned and executed thriller.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Thomas Perry has hit the mark.”—Houston Chronicle
“Totally enthralling.”—The New Yorker
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This is an outstanding thriller, that grabs you by the throat and never lets go. The Butcher’s Boy is a top notch contract killer, feared even by those who use his services. After being hired to kill a senator, the mob bosses who hired him double cross him. But the Butcher’s Boy is not the type to walk away quietly, and more bodies start piling up, even while he is pursued by police, the Department of Justice, and the mafia who wants him silenced. The book is told from different points of view, and the Butcher’s Boy is a satisfying anti-hero. The characters are solid, the plot is complex and the writing is excellent. There are two more books in the series, and they are equally as good. Highly recommended for anyone who loves killer thrillers.
It was a long time ago, but this is one of the reasons I started writing. Perry did a great job of capturing the emotions a hit man must go through. He creates a credible plot and describes it well.
I’ve read the entire Butcher’s boy series and I hope there will be more! Every single one of Thomas Perry’s books in this series is outstanding, start to finish.
Perry’s first great thriller, followed by many more . . . .
This is the first of three or four books on the main character, a hitman; but one who has feelings for other things in life. Highly recommend the entire group of books featuring this character . . . and pay attention.
Grabs you at the beginning and doesn’t let go!
This is the book that taught me how to read a book like a writer. When The Butcher’s Boy was re-released in 2003, it included a forward by Michael Connolly who praised, among other things, the pacing. Perry’s foot presses the gas, and you’re off!
Warning, you’ll find yourself rooting for a hired assassin.
Though not literature, this thriller was written well with interesting characters.
Great characters and writing.
I loved reading about the butcher boy in the novels.
One of Thomas Perry’s best even though not an award winner and he has plenty.
Will keep you up late.
Loved it. Great assassin book!
Thomas Perry writes suspense novels that are almost impossible to put down. It was disconcerting to feel sympathy for a contract killer but that’s what happens. I feel like I’m writing almost a spoof of advertising for a movie but this is truly a nonstop page-turner. Perry is better known for his Jane Whitefield books but he stated with books like The Butcher’s Boy and the follow-up Sleeping Dogs. I promise you will be glad you picked it up.
Not Thomas Perry’s best book, but very enjoyable.
Thomas Perry is one of my favorite writers. The Butchers Boy, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie and The informant are trio of books about a professional hit man. Who would ever think that one would root for a professional killer but he only kills the bad guys. Trained as a boy he continues in the family business and he is ever so good. As with all Thomas Perry books the story is riveting. I reread the The Butchets Boy at least once a year, it is one of my favorite books. I so recommend it.
This book introduced me to Thomas Perry. It was totally unlike the crime novels I was used to reading, totally riveting, and I became a fan for life. I read it again about 15 years later and it still creates a strong emotional impact. Talking about the story is just wasting time. Go get it and start experiencing its edgy brilliance for yourself.
Probably the first book of his I read many years ago, not bad as I recall, may read it again, but the Jane Whitmore follow-ups are better.
Part of an exceptional trilogy; well worth reading for fans of both mysteries and thrillers.
Very different story line. I was engrossed from the start. Had some unexpected twists.