In the depths of Jackson Street Booksellers, a beloved establishment tucked away in the heart of Omaha’s Old Market neighborhood, I stumbled upon a treasure. It was Elmore Leonard’s 2005 novel, “The Hit Kid”, proudly displayed on a high shelf in the mystery section. What made this find even more remarkable was that it was a first edition, signed by the author himself, and priced at only $12.50.
I found myself in Nebraska to support my son during the final weeks of his career as a student-athlete. As any parent of a dedicated athlete knows, there is a surplus of downtime involved in attending practices, games, and team meetings. During these moments, I often found solace in exploring the nearby bookstores. It had become one of the many joys of being a pitcher’s father.
“The Hot Kid” held a special place in my heart, just like my son did. I had the privilege of reviewing it for a notable publication when it was first released. I praised it as one of Leonard’s finest works, describing it as a pure pleasure that compelled readers to disconnect from their responsibilities and immerse themselves in its pages. This sentiment was reminiscent of my college review of Leonard’s “Killshot” in 1989, where I confessed that the book had stolen my attention the night before an important test. To this day, my glowing review is proudly displayed as a blurb on the paperback edition of “The Hit Kid”. I am pathetically proud of this accomplishment, as it allows me to imagine Leonard discovering my words and feeling a sense of satisfaction.
Acquiring a signed copy of one of Leonard’s best novels for a mere $12.50 seemed like a fantasy. As we approach the 10th anniversary of Leonard’s passing at the age of 87, his literary reputation and influence remain strong. The Library of America has celebrated his work by publishing four elegant collections of his finest novels. FX recently launched an extension of their popular series “Justified”, based on Leonard’s 1980 novel “City Primeval: High Noon in Detroit”, further solidifying his legacy.
With extra time on my hands in Omaha, I eagerly delved back into “The Hot Kid” and soon discovered that it surpassed my previous recollection. Set in 1921, the novel follows the rise of Carl Webster, a self-assured federal lawman from Oklahoma. Leonard skillfully weaves together a tapestry of characters, including oil barons, bank robbers, white supremacists, bootleggers, and a tabloid reporter who serves as the tale’s troubadour. True to Leonard’s style, the villains are not criminal masterminds but rather individuals driven by ego-driven motives.
The writing in “The Hot Kid” is simply marvelous — comparable to the genius of Charles Portis’ “True Grit”. In one scene, Webster and his girlfriend spend their evening at home, sharing drinks and contemplating their desires. The author’s choice of words and expert use of commas adds a delightful touch of humor to the dialogue. Leonard’s ability to infuse ordinary moments with an erotic undercurrent sets him apart from lesser pulp writers. Despite his age at the time of writing, there is an unmistakable liveliness to the narrative.
Reflecting on my appreciation for Leonard, written ten years ago from a humble campground near the Little League World Series, I recall the suggestion of Jim McGrath, the chief editorial writer of this paper. Jim was a fan of crime novels and urged me to write about Leonard’s impact. Unfortunately, his life was cut short just two weeks later by a heart attack while on vacation. In that piece, I mentioned that I still had approximately 20 unread Leonard titles, and if I paced myself, I could savor them until my own journey’s end. Revisiting “The Hot Kid” reaffirmed my belief that these pleasures are truly inexhaustible.
As we approach August, a month that calls for leisurely reading on a porch, I am reminded of the brevity of life. It is a gentle nudge to put down our phones and indulge in the delight of a good book, whether in the company of family or alone.
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