Customer Reviews

The Action Man

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I had never heard of Jay (J.M.) Flynn until I read a biography of Flynn that Bill Pronzini wrote for Mystery File. Flynn's life certainly was colorful - he seems to have been one of those larger-than-life characters. After reading Pronzini's bio, I decided to track down a copy of The Action Man, which I eventually managed to find in a used bookstore in Atlanta.

The Action Man centers on Denton Farr, a larger-than-life character in his own right. Farr is a professional criminal who lives in northern California. Farr lives his life making money from various crimes and he's just a little too smart for the police to catch. He owns several businesses in the city, where he sees his mistress several nights a week. But Farr also has a quiet, normal life outside of town where he lives in a wonderful house with his wife.

When downtown one day, Farr discovers that a huge army payroll passes right by his bar. The wheels start turning in his head and he begins the plan a spectacular robbery. The bulk of The Action Man concerns Farr's attempts to steal the payroll, while Farr's messy romantic life is a sub-plot.

There's nothing wrong with The Action Man. It's a solid action novel. But it doesn't have a lot of suspense and Farr is one of those character who is little too cool to be true. Bill Pronzini recommended this novel and - given his recommendation - I was a little disappointed. The Action Man is worth reading, but I would not seek out a copy.