The Ax: Previously published as The Ax

by Donald E Westlake

288 pages, Paperback

Published December 23, 2025

Reviews

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about the modern horror of losing a sense self, meaning, and worth through the process of corporate layoffs. Through the main character's own unique way of dealing with this tragedy in his own life the author peppers in commentary on many aspects of the modern suburban worker's life and times. Uncovering ways in which other similar characters deal with their own tragedies or non-tragedies in their lives. The violence committed by the main character is always self-justified in their own eyes. The reader is able to watch in slow motion as our protagonist spirals deeper and deeper into madness and depravity to "solve" their problem.