Mystery Review: The Prone Gunman (per the movie tie-in, simply The Gunman) has a main character who, unlike in so many similar novels and films, makes mistakes, panics, is not always in control (which makes him more sympathetic in those moments when readers realize we're actually rooting for a serial killer). But he's also tough, persistent, and ruthless. Something like Jay Gatsby, our murderous protagonist left home to make his fortune, when he'd be able to return a success to his high school sweetheart who promised to wait for him. A less-comedic Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) vibe (the lead characters are both named "Martin"). The Prone Gunman is written in a stark, cinematically vivid, noirish, hard-boiled style. Fast paced and tense. This is a book aware of existentialism and absurdity: "Between meaninglessness and suffering, I prefer bacon." Though not his best work, this is what Manchette does well. An exciting story that comes full circle and shows what is meaningless in the midst of its social commentary. The Prone Gunman is a story of failure mixed with blood, violence, and death. [3★]
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