As far as Mickey Spillane novels go, this one was pretty good. There are better, and there are worse, but The Snake is quintessential Spillane, and a fan of the hardboiled genre will love it. The story centers around a 30 year old heist, a mysterious hitman known only as "the snake", and a criminal syndicate as it tries to rub out a young girl under Mike Hammer's protection.

As with most Spillane's book, the plot is larger than life. Mike Hammer always seems to get himself caught up in huge evil plots, earth-shaking exploits that only he can unravel. It's what makes Spillane's works so thrilling, the larger than life exploits, derring-do and hard as nails dialogue. It's not necessarily the most believable plot, but it's undeniably Spillane, and that's why we love him.

The twist at the end of this one is pretty good. I had an inkling it would end the way it did, but I was by no means sure. I won't ruin the surprise though. To learn what exactly happens, you'll have to read for yourself. As far as the mystery/crime genre goes, there are those that do it more artfully, there are those that do it more raw, but there are none who do it exactly like Spillane. ( )

The Snake is a very good Mike Hammer mystery thriller that Mr. Spillane wrote. First time I could not figure out who true culprit was.....and when Mike has to be rescued in the end.....you will never guess how that will be done either. This is one of those books you do not want too much given away or it will ruin your enjoyment. ( )

4/9/22