Step into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of Quarry, where a Vietnam vet turned hitman navigates a morally murky underworld with a sharp wit and a sharper aim! Max Allan Collins’ Quarry series is a cornerstone of crime fiction, blending noir thrills with a rebellious antihero who challenges readers to root for a killer. Through Quarry’s first-person narration, this series delivers a raw, unfiltered dive into contract killing, personal vendettas, and the blurred lines of justice.
With its hard-boiled style and Midwestern setting, Quarry stands out in a genre often dominated by big-city backdrops. From its 1970s roots to its Cinemax TV adaptation, the series has captivated fans with its blend of action, dark humor, and introspective depth. Ready to meet a hitman with a heart—albeit a cold one? Let’s explore Quarry’s world!
How Quarry Began
Max Allan Collins, a prolific mystery writer, crafted Quarry while at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop in the early 1970s. Inspired by hard-boiled icons like Dashiell Hammett and Mickey Spillane, Collins wanted to push the boundaries of crime fiction. He drew from Richard Stark’s Parker series but gave Quarry a unique twist: a hitman who narrates his own story, blending cynicism with a personal code of honor. Set in the fictional Port City (based on Collins’ hometown of Muscatine, Iowa), the series debuted in 1976 with Quarry (also titled The Broker), introducing a sniper-turned-assassin betrayed by love and society.
Collins aimed to prove crime fiction could thrive in a Midwestern setting, far from the neon-lit streets of New York or Los Angeles. His gamble paid off, launching a series that’s now spanned decades, with Quarry’s morally complex journey resonating with readers and inspiring a 2016 TV adaptation.
The Heart of Quarry
The Quarry series follows a Marine sniper who, after returning from Vietnam to find his wife unfaithful, becomes a professional killer under a middleman called the Broker. The first book, Quarry (1976), sets the tone: Quarry is hired to kill a seemingly insignificant target, only for the job to unravel, forcing him to hunt the person who betrayed him. Quarry’s List (1976) sees him stalked by assassins, blending high-stakes action with a seductive femme fatale. Quarry’s Deal (1976) introduces a female hitwoman, adding layers of intrigue and danger. Later, The Last Quarry (2006) explores Quarry’s attempt at retirement, only to be pulled back for one final, perilous job.
The series’ themes dig deep into morality, loyalty, and the psychological toll of violence. Quarry’s first-person voice—wry, reflective, and darkly funny—pulls readers into his conflicted psyche. He justifies his kills by targeting those he believes deserve it, like corrupt politicians or mobsters, yet grapples with his own humanity. The Midwestern setting grounds the stories in a relatable, small-town vibe, contrasting the high-stakes violence. Collins’ lean prose and tight plotting make each book a fast-paced, addictive read, perfect for fans of pulp noir.
With over 15 novels, including recent entries like Quarry’s Blood (2022) and Quarry’s Return (2024), the series balances standalone thrills with an evolving character arc. Quarry’s blend of action, mystery, and moral ambiguity keeps readers hooked, proving crime fiction can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Why Quarry Resonates
Quarry’s enduring appeal lies in its bold take on the antihero. By making a hitman the protagonist, Collins challenges readers to empathize with a morally gray character, paving the way for later complex leads in shows like Breaking Bad. The 2016 Cinemax series, though canceled after one season, brought Quarry to a wider audience, capturing the novels’ gritty tone and 1970s aesthetic. Fans praise the series for its nuanced exploration of PTSD and the Vietnam War’s aftermath, themes that echo in the books.
Collins’ ability to blend pulp thrills with emotional depth has cemented Quarry as a cult favorite. Its influence on crime fiction lies in its unapologetic embrace of the hitman’s perspective, inspiring writers to explore unconventional protagonists. For readers, Quarry offers a thrilling escape into a world where justice is subjective, and every job could be the last.
- First Published: 1976
- Total Books: 17 (as of 2024)
- TV Adaptation: Cinemax series (2016)
- Setting: Port City, a fictional Midwestern town
Grab Quarry and dive into a world of noir thrills, where every hit comes with a twist and every choice tests the limits of loyalty. Max Allan Collins’ hitman is waiting—are you ready to pull the trigger?