I have to admit I was not sure of this book, after the vulgar first 40-50 pages set in a prison. Hunter paints a realistic picture of life there, and Lamar Pye, convicted murderer, thrives in it until he kills the wrong man. His only chance to survive is to break out, which he does with the inept and sensitive Richard and his handicapped cousin, Odell. Yes, Lamar does have a human side, his love for Odell, a 300 pounder with the mind of a child, no sense of right or wrong, who does what Lamar says. Their foil is Officer Bud Pewtie, a respected officer with a wife and two wonderful sons. Unfortunately, he is sleeping with his fellow officer's wife, complicating things. As Lamar and crew go on a crime spree, we see Bud walking the tightrope between family and a guilty conscience, as he corners Lamar a couple of times, ends up getting shot, but always coming back for more, miraculously. Lamar and entourage reminded me a bit of Bonnie and Clyde and I have to admit that Hunter makes both Lamar and Bud more than stereotypes of the good and bad guy. Not a great book, but I did enjoy it after the first 50 pages. Hunter delves into the psychological make up of both, in interesting and helpful ways.
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