The Bank Job

A bank robbery goes wrong in a small Connecticut town, setting off a chain of escalating events. The story takes place over 24 hours as multiple characters become entangled in the aftermath. The novel follows bank robber Craig, teenage bank employee Jessica, investigator George Murphy, and various townspeople whose lives intersect during the crisis. Each character's perspective reveals different angles of the unfolding situation against the backdrop of a close-knit community. The fast-paced narrative examines themes of desperation, unintended consequences, and how split-second decisions can alter multiple lives. Through its exploration of a small town under pressure, the book considers questions of morality, redemption, and the connections between seemingly unrelated people.

Readers found the book moved at a fast clip with its small-town bank robbery plot, but several noted it felt less polished than Dobyns' other works. Positive comments highlighted: - Dark humor throughout - Realistic portrayal of small-town characters - Multiple perspectives that build suspense - "Tight plotting with no wasted scenes" (Goodreads reviewer) Common criticisms: - Less complex character development compared to other Dobyns novels - Some found the ending unsatisfying - Violence level made some readers uncomfortable - "Too many viewpoint shifts that interrupted the flow" (Amazon reviewer) Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (157 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.4/5 (28 ratings) The book ranks in the middle range of Dobyns' work according to reader ratings, with his Saratoga series receiving higher scores.

Cold Shot to the Heart by Wallace Stroby A professional thief plans one last heist while being hunted by a vengeful mobster through New Jersey's criminal underworld.

The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton A mute safecracker becomes entangled in a series of high-stakes robberies orchestrated by dangerous criminal organizations.

The Driver by Hart Hanson A former Special Forces operator turned limousine driver gets pulled into a complex web of crime involving stolen money and deadly consequences.

Ask the Parrot by Richard Stark A career criminal on the run finds temporary shelter in a small town where he becomes involved in a racetrack heist.

The Ways of the Dead by Neely Tucker A veteran crime reporter investigates a series of murders in Washington D.C. while uncovering corruption in local law enforcement and politics.

🏦 Stephen Dobyns wrote The Bank Job as part of his Charlie Bradshaw series, featuring a former police officer turned private investigator in Saratoga Springs, New York. 📚 The novel was published in 1994 and showcases Dobyns' signature blend of dark humor and crime fiction, which he developed through his experience as both a detective novelist and an acclaimed poet. 🎭 The story incorporates elements of theater, as one of the main characters is putting on a production of "Death of a Salesman" while simultaneously planning a bank heist. 🏇 Saratoga Springs, the book's setting, is famous for its historic horse racing track, which Dobyns weaves into the narrative fabric of many Charlie Bradshaw mysteries. 🖋️ Before becoming a novelist, Stephen Dobyns taught creative writing at several universities and published multiple collections of poetry, bringing a distinct literary quality to his crime fiction.