“Refreshing ... entertaining ... For readers who appreciate wry precision and expert timing, it may be enough to know that “Citizen Vince” arrives with sky-high praise from both Ken Bruen and Richard Russo, with whom Mr. Walter shares these qualities. For others, the book’s fusion of humor, crime and politics may be recommendation enough.” — Janet Maslin, New York Times
“You just have to read it ... Utterly inventive ... excruciatingly breathless … Maybe if Aaron Copland had written the score for a film noir starring the Marx Brothers there would be some prototype for Walter’s fusion fiction, but he didn’t and there isn’t.” — Maureen Corrigan, Washington Post
“(An) immensely entertaining crime thriller and wry social commentary.” — Chicago Tribune
“Fresh and different—a gritty story of betrayal, and an extended riff on life, death, and politics. Walter is a literary talent writ large.” — Boston Globe
“It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book as compulsively, indeed greedily, as I read Citizen Vince. Here are characters who seem to live of their own volition, who talk out of a terrible inner need to make themselves known and understood, who reveal not just themselves but the yearning heart of our great flawed democracy.” — Richard Russo, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Empire Falls
“With a multitude of scruffy, likable characters and a hopping plot, the story moves along, at turns gritty, funny, poignant and, despite some bloody crimes, surprisingly charming.” — The Oregonian (Portland)
“Rich in robust characters ad wry dialogue, with agile prose, a big heart and a finely tuned plot.” — Seattle Times
“The magic—and, yes, that’s the correct word—of “Citizen Vince” comes from the character of the protagonist and the setting he finds himself in.” — Spokesman Review
“Admirably unpredictable ... a story full of wonderful small surprises. Dispassionate and compassionate by turns, and always engrossing. Walter’s best by far.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A splendidly entertaining, thoughtful book. . . . Jess Walter continues to impress.” — Sunday Telegraph
“This tale of unlikely redemption works because of Walter’s virtuoso command of character and dialogue—along with a wicked second-act twist. . . with its Capara-like spirit, it serves as a surprisingly satisfying antidote to the avalanche of cynical chatter emanating from this year’s political campaigns and commentators.” — Booklist
“What makes Walter’s third novel so enjoyable is Vince, a flawed but sympathetic character trying to find redemption.” — Library Journal
“Citizen Vince is the book of 2005 for me. I flat-out adore it. The dialogue is marvelous, and the characters-man, they sing. It’s a stunning, moving piece of work.” — Ken Bruen, author of The Magdalene Martyrs