Citizen Vince

Vince Camden wakes up in Spokane, Washington in 1980, working at a donut shop and living under witness protection. His former life as a small-time credit card scammer in New York has followed him across the country, forcing him to navigate both his criminal past and his attempt at a legitimate future. The upcoming Reagan-Carter presidential election serves as the backdrop as Vince registers to vote for the first time and becomes invested in the political process. He must balance his newfound civic engagement with evading hitmen, dealing with local thugs, and managing a budding romance. The story moves between Spokane's gritty underbelly and Vince's tentative steps toward becoming a participating member of society. His journey raises questions about redemption, democracy, and what it means to be a citizen - both legally and morally.

Readers highlight the noir atmosphere, dark humor, and political commentary woven throughout the story. Many found the protagonist's journey from criminal to engaged citizen compelling and authentic. Likes: - Sharp dialogue and character development - Balance of crime story elements with deeper themes - 1980 election backdrop adds historical context - Satisfying ending that ties themes together Dislikes: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some found political elements heavy-handed - Character motivations unclear at times - Several readers expected more crime/thriller elements Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (5,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (240+ ratings) Reader quote: "The way Walter connects voting rights to personal redemption really stuck with me" - Goodreads review Another notes: "Expected a straightforward crime novel but got something much more complex and rewarding" - Amazon review Critical view: "Too much time spent on politics, not enough on the mob story" - LibraryThing review

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🗳️ The novel takes place during the 1980 U.S. presidential election between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, weaving this historic moment into its crime narrative. 🍩 Author Jess Walter worked as a donut maker in his youth, similar to his protagonist Vince Camden's cover job in the witness protection program. 🏆 The book won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel in 2005, one of crime fiction's most prestigious honors. 🏛️ Walter extensively researched the Federal Witness Protection Program (WITSEC) for authenticity, including its operations in the early 1980s when the program was still relatively new. 🏠 The story's setting of Spokane, Washington, is the author's hometown, where he still lives and frequently uses as a backdrop for his novels.