The Death and Life of Bobby Z: A Thriller

By Don Winslow

Book Overview

FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE CARTEL. When Tim Kearney, a small-time criminal, slits the throat of a Hell's Angel and draws a life sentence in a prison full of gang members, he knows he's pretty much a dead man. That's until the DEA makes Kearney an offer: impersonate the late, legendary dope smuggler Bobby Z so that the agency can trade him for one of their own, who was captured by a Mexican drug kingpin. Knowing his chances of survival are a little better than in prison, Kearney accepts, and he winds up in the middle of a desert at the notorious drug lord's lavish compound. To his surprise he meets Bobby Z's old flame, Elizabeth, and her son. At first, it's a short vacation by the pool, but when things turn bloody, the three of them begin the most desperate flight of their lives, with drug lords, bikers, Indians, and cops furiously chasing after them. Whether he pulls it off, whether he can keep the kid and the girl and his life, makes this compelling novel a hilarious, fast-paced thriller about a con caught in a devil's bargain.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307275345
• ISBN13: 9780307275349
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Because I haven't finished it, 3 stars.

After "The Winter of Frankie Machine", which was the most enjoyable book that I've read this year so far, I was a little disappointed with this one as far as I have read. I haven't read more than 1/3 of the book and it's a bit less enjoyable, but set it aside to read a new release that I received). But, since I am a big fan of Don Winslow's writing ability (which is IMHO one of the best, The Cartel, etc.), I have great hopes of changing my rating to 5 stars.

HOME RUN!

Fun, fun, fun, fun, FUN. God, this was so good I didn't want it to end. THIS is how you make good writing look effortless. I'm amazed this guy isn't more popular. I read mysteries and thrillers at a very fast rate, and this guy just hits it out of the park chapter after chapter. He's that good. READ HIM.

A Phenomenally Entertaining Novel

I had the pleasure of meeting the author of this book while I was studying in Cambridge, England last summer, and I was curious to find out if he was as captivating on paper as he was in person. This tale of a three time loser who has a talent for making enemies at every turn and a knack for outliving them is quite possibly the most captivating novel I have ever read. Every character is intriguing and every corner has a surprise behind it. If you want a deeper meaning, read the classics. If you want the most purely entertaining novel in existance, read this book! PS Don't mistake this Don Winslow for the other Don Winslow on this site. One writes brilliant action novels, and the other writes "erotic literature". Just a helpful hint.

Great Summer Read

"The Life And Death Of Bobby Z" is a fun and exciting thrill ride that keeps you reading until you finish. The poor guy is put into a mess and has to dig his way out the hard way. It has all the elements to become a great Nicholas Cage summer flick. "A MUST read!"

A great summer read!

This is one of the best suspense novels I have read this year. Fast paced with short chapters. The main character is a loser-an ex con and war veteran who is being hunted by a Mexican drug lord, bikers and the feds at the same time. Check out my plot synopsis: Bruce's books lists- http://www.tiac.net/users/brucem