Knowing my penchant for edgy American crime fiction, The White Van from debut novelist Patrick Hoffman, delivered in spades. With what appears to be an incredibly simple premise for a story, the power of Hoffman’s incredibly understated prose, and the natural fluidity and ramping up of the tension, heralds a striking new voice in the genre. I am confident enough to compare Hoffman to another of my favourite authors Denis Johnson, in terms of the pared- down style. Like Johnson, the rendition of violence when it occurs is rapid and brutal, entirely reflective of the burgeoning intensity of the story.From its ‘what-the-hell-is-going-on’ opening, I was utterly hooked from the outset, and immediately immersed in Emily’s world sharing her confusion and fear at the situation she finds herself in. The build-up to her involvement in a bank robbery is brilliantly formulated, and likewise her attempts to extricate herself from the clutches of the Russian gang that have used her effectively as an unwitting pawn in their crime. She is a curious mix of vulnerability, underscored by a steely determination to both conquer and profit from the situation she finds herself in. Equally, Hoffman’s cast iron characterisation of the burnt out cop, Leo Elias, down on his luck, in debt to his eyeballs with an imploding marriage, gave a real solidity to the storyline overall. As Elias becomes enmeshed in a maelstrom of problems, and his natural greed kicks in, his unrelenting pursuit of Emily and her cohorts adds a further intense momentum to the plot. This is further strengthened by the changing parameters of Elias’ professional relationship with his police partner, Trammell, which can only be destructive as Elias goes into free fall.Hoffman’s depiction of the Tenderloin district of San Francisco also works terrifically well, as the down at heel, sordid and dangerous backdrop to this violent tale, easily assuming a character of its own. It’s brilliantly done, and overall a debut that I cannot recommend highly enough. Intrigued by the authors background, I gave this book a read. The characters were gritty, and I am sure found in the seedy section of any city. I don't really understand drug addiction but Emily's character development shows the path to destruction. I must say I enjoyed Sophia's late character development, if it would have happened earlier in book I would have been sympathetic to her. I was not expecting a happy ending so it had a surprise ending.
What do You think about The White Van (2014)?
Suspenseful crime novel that you don't want to put down. Enjoyed the setting in San Francisco.
—shubhra
Fun, easy read caper reminded me a bit of Westlake but no love here for the characters.
—55962
Loved this!!!! Devoured it in a few nights.
—geodaw2
