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A Filthy Business
Good they’ll bite you every time.
A lifetime ago, brutally efficient fixer Phil Kubiak coldly cleaned up the messes of shady clients from Miami to Las Vegas by any means necessary—short of murder.
Now he’s one eye and one working leg short of the man he used to be, scarred beyond recognition, and with the feds and criminal organizations in hot pursuit. Throwing back sour beer in a dingy bar, Phil recounts the long story of his bitter life to the only person left to listen …
Across the splintery table, a journalist in pursuit of a career-making interview has driven into the bowels of the desert, seeking not only an award-winning profile but also something more…something darker.
Will what she sees in Phil’s empty gaze spur her toward forgiveness—or vengeance?
A lifetime ago, brutally efficient fixer Phil Kubiak coldly cleaned up the messes of shady clients from Miami to Las Vegas by any means necessary—short of murder.
Now he’s one eye and one working leg short of the man he used to be, scarred beyond recognition, and with the feds and criminal organizations in hot pursuit. Throwing back sour beer in a dingy bar, Phil recounts the long story of his bitter life to the only person left to listen …
Across the splintery table, a journalist in pursuit of a career-making interview has driven into the bowels of the desert, seeking not only an award-winning profile but also something more…something darker.
Will what she sees in Phil’s empty gaze spur her toward forgiveness—or vengeance?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2017
274 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
William Lashner
49 books303 followersWilliam Lashner is a former criminal prosecutor with the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. and a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. His novels have been published world-wide and have been nominated for two Shamus Awards, a Gumshoe Award, an Edgar Award, and been selected as an Editor’s Choice in the New York Times Book Review. When he was a kid his favorite books were The Count of Monte Cristo and any comic with the Batman on the cover.
Under the pseudonym Tyler Knox he wrote the noir novel, Kockroach.
Series:
* Victor Carl Mystery
Under the pseudonym Tyler Knox he wrote the noir novel, Kockroach.
Series:
* Victor Carl Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 10, 2017
Phil Kubiak is an outlaw concierge/fixer who struggles to understand the morality of his life's direction in William Lashner's brilliant new thriller. It's so satisfyingly entertaining that it reminded me of why I read fiction in the first place and seriously tempted me to start over on page one and reread it. Originality, humor and masterful first person prose drive the action in this uniquely crafted work of crime fiction. Phil Kubiak, unlike his more sedate predecessor Victor Carl in Lashner's earlier legal thrillers, lives on the razor's edge of the dark side as a totally unforgettable character..... The Kindle version is interspersed with interactive illustrations which I've not seen before but enjoyed immensely and so will you. Very highly recommended.
September 3, 2018
I am not a big fan of the narrative mode of sitting the main character at a table and made him tell his story. This novel is a little the archetype of this literary genre, a kind of huge flashback interspersed with scenes that bring back the present. With the particularity of having as a narrator a psychopath who assumes himself as such, which gives a grand-guignolesque side to the story, and also allows the author to show his usual humor.
The story is very well built, although a bit long, and the end of the book is very well done. The main character is very interesting.
As is often the case in Lashner's books, there is a lot of matter for thought on the concepts of good and bad, which is a bit of his trademark.
As long as the author uses a narrative mode less clenching I'm open to read the continuation of the adventures of Mr Kubiak., The door is clearly open for a suite.
Note that the book is proposed in "kindle in motion", with small videos and photos of illustration. If like me you do not read with a Fire you have little chance to see them. Which is not worse considering if I want to see actors embody characters I watch a movie or a series, I do not read a book.
The story is very well built, although a bit long, and the end of the book is very well done. The main character is very interesting.
As is often the case in Lashner's books, there is a lot of matter for thought on the concepts of good and bad, which is a bit of his trademark.
As long as the author uses a narrative mode less clenching I'm open to read the continuation of the adventures of Mr Kubiak., The door is clearly open for a suite.
Note that the book is proposed in "kindle in motion", with small videos and photos of illustration. If like me you do not read with a Fire you have little chance to see them. Which is not worse considering if I want to see actors embody characters I watch a movie or a series, I do not read a book.
May 31, 2017
Wow, I don't even know where to start. First off, this is not for the faint of heart; I read a lot of crime/noir/hardboiled books and this book made me gag in a few places. Second off this is an unforgettable book. The main character is a psychopath and recognizes that he is one. He has no empathy and thinks only of himself and how he can manipulate others to further his ambitions. Is he redeemed at the end of the book? That's for you to decide. I listened to this audiobook and the narrator was superb (maybe that's why I gagged 😏).
May 10, 2017
Magnificent Thriller
Lashner is becoming one of my favorite writers. Great characters, tight plots and a few twists you don't see coming. Highly recommended.
Lashner is becoming one of my favorite writers. Great characters, tight plots and a few twists you don't see coming. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2019
Eh
It wasn't like horrible but you ever read a book and just know without looking at the author it was written by a man? Yea. That's this book.
It wasn't like horrible but you ever read a book and just know without looking at the author it was written by a man? Yea. That's this book.
April 22, 2020
Another interesting romp from William Lashner. I do enjoy his books.
July 15, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
There are plenty of reviews giving a synopsis of the book, so I won't. The story was great as was the writing. I have to say that the in motion animation was a little disconcerting at first, but I got used to it and even found that it added to the enjoyment.
As the tale unfolded, I felt sorry for and even liked the outlaw and found myself wishing that his injuries were a disguise. Since I had been so thoroughly engrossed in his story, I was completely surprised by the ending. That doesn't happen to me often.
This is the first book that I have read by William Lashner, and it will not be the last. He is an extremely talented author.
There are plenty of reviews giving a synopsis of the book, so I won't. The story was great as was the writing. I have to say that the in motion animation was a little disconcerting at first, but I got used to it and even found that it added to the enjoyment.
As the tale unfolded, I felt sorry for and even liked the outlaw and found myself wishing that his injuries were a disguise. Since I had been so thoroughly engrossed in his story, I was completely surprised by the ending. That doesn't happen to me often.
This is the first book that I have read by William Lashner, and it will not be the last. He is an extremely talented author.
July 1, 2017
ok read, not great
An interesting story but I lost interest and started skimming. Charters slightly formulaic and plot not overly compelling. Maybe just not my cup of tea
An interesting story but I lost interest and started skimming. Charters slightly formulaic and plot not overly compelling. Maybe just not my cup of tea
July 18, 2017
Great adventure, like an old pirate saga
Super characters, with an awesome anti-hero. Really fun to read. Lashner can really keep you engaged, highly recommend his books.
Super characters, with an awesome anti-hero. Really fun to read. Lashner can really keep you engaged, highly recommend his books.
July 13, 2017
W „Brudnym interesie” opowieść o szemranym przedsięwzięciu, polegającym na zaspokajaniu życzeń klientów, przeplatana jest roztrząsaniem własnej osobowości przez uczestnika tej inicjatywy. Owo zaspokajanie wymaga przeprowadzania operacji nie tylko podejrzanych moralnie, ale na ogół niezgodnych z prawem. Relacjonujący je bohater, przedstawiający się jako Phil Kubiak, ma świadomość kryminalnego charakteru przedsięwzięcia, tym bardziej że z wykształcenia jest prawnikiem. Podejmując w związku z tym kolejne decyzje skupiony jest na analizie swojego nieudanego życia, co jest konsekwencją, jak uważa, jego psychopatycznej osobowości, która prowadzi go do angażowania się w podobne inicjatywy.
W obskurnym barze, gdzieś na pustynnej południowo-wschodniej amerykańskiej prowincji, ambitna dziennikarka magazynu ilustrowanego spotyka się z człowiekiem wyjętym spod prawa, za którym ciągnie się aura bohaterskiego obrońcy pokrzywdzonej dziewczyny. Ma nadzieję na ciekawy wywiad. Rozmówca okazuje się wrakiem człowieka, zupełnie niepodobnym do przystojnego młodzieńca, o którym słyszała. Zaczyna swoją opowieść od tego, jak po kolejnej utracie pracy trafił do jegomościa nazwiskiem Maambong i wraz z kilkoma innymi życiowymi nieudacznikami poddany został dość specyficznemu procesowi rekrutacji, w wyniku której objął kierownictwo czteroosobowej grupy w organizacji zwanej oddziałem hien (Hyena Squad).
Podczas gdy zadania, które wykonuje grupa Phila, struktura i cele całej organizacji, do której ta i inne podobne drużyny należą, i wreszcie los, który go spotyka, tworzą ciekawą intrygę kryminalną, jego auto-wiwisekcja bardzo mnie wymęczyła. Introspekcja bohaterów powieściowych ma bogatą tradycję w literaturze amerykańskiej. Kiedyś zaczytywałam się w tego typu dziełach. Pewnie w dużym stopniu to kwestia formy. Nadmiar opisowych wynurzeń, oczekiwania diagnozy i terapii od psychiatry, składanie na karb swoich domniemanych psychopatycznych cech podatności na takie nie inne życiowe wybory, co prowadzi na ogół do klęski, przekroczyły przy lekturze Filthy Business moją wytrzymałość. Psychiczno-moralny ekshibicjonizm potrafi być irytujący także w literaturze, szczególnie w takich ilościach i przekazany środkami, moim zdaniem, dalekimi od mistrzostwa. Choć trzeba przyznać, że w podtrzymywaniu nastroju braku równowagi psychicznej autor jest konsekwentny. Taki jest cały świat wokół Phila Kubiaka! Wielu czytelnikom wypowiadającym się na temat książki, na przykład na stronie Amazona czy w Goodreads, ta konwencja się spodobała.
Książkę czytałam i „oglądałam” w formie Kindle in Motion. Co jakiś czas wyskakiwały na stronie obrazki lub zdjęcia, najczęściej ożywione. Dość ciekawie zaaranżowane, współgrające z gęstą atmosferą powieści, ale żadna rewelacja. Oczywiście do obejrzenia jedynie na bardzo niewielu modelach czytnika lub poprzez aplikacje zainstalowane na komputerze, tablecie czy komórce.
W obskurnym barze, gdzieś na pustynnej południowo-wschodniej amerykańskiej prowincji, ambitna dziennikarka magazynu ilustrowanego spotyka się z człowiekiem wyjętym spod prawa, za którym ciągnie się aura bohaterskiego obrońcy pokrzywdzonej dziewczyny. Ma nadzieję na ciekawy wywiad. Rozmówca okazuje się wrakiem człowieka, zupełnie niepodobnym do przystojnego młodzieńca, o którym słyszała. Zaczyna swoją opowieść od tego, jak po kolejnej utracie pracy trafił do jegomościa nazwiskiem Maambong i wraz z kilkoma innymi życiowymi nieudacznikami poddany został dość specyficznemu procesowi rekrutacji, w wyniku której objął kierownictwo czteroosobowej grupy w organizacji zwanej oddziałem hien (Hyena Squad).
Podczas gdy zadania, które wykonuje grupa Phila, struktura i cele całej organizacji, do której ta i inne podobne drużyny należą, i wreszcie los, który go spotyka, tworzą ciekawą intrygę kryminalną, jego auto-wiwisekcja bardzo mnie wymęczyła. Introspekcja bohaterów powieściowych ma bogatą tradycję w literaturze amerykańskiej. Kiedyś zaczytywałam się w tego typu dziełach. Pewnie w dużym stopniu to kwestia formy. Nadmiar opisowych wynurzeń, oczekiwania diagnozy i terapii od psychiatry, składanie na karb swoich domniemanych psychopatycznych cech podatności na takie nie inne życiowe wybory, co prowadzi na ogół do klęski, przekroczyły przy lekturze Filthy Business moją wytrzymałość. Psychiczno-moralny ekshibicjonizm potrafi być irytujący także w literaturze, szczególnie w takich ilościach i przekazany środkami, moim zdaniem, dalekimi od mistrzostwa. Choć trzeba przyznać, że w podtrzymywaniu nastroju braku równowagi psychicznej autor jest konsekwentny. Taki jest cały świat wokół Phila Kubiaka! Wielu czytelnikom wypowiadającym się na temat książki, na przykład na stronie Amazona czy w Goodreads, ta konwencja się spodobała.
Książkę czytałam i „oglądałam” w formie Kindle in Motion. Co jakiś czas wyskakiwały na stronie obrazki lub zdjęcia, najczęściej ożywione. Dość ciekawie zaaranżowane, współgrające z gęstą atmosferą powieści, ale żadna rewelacja. Oczywiście do obejrzenia jedynie na bardzo niewielu modelach czytnika lub poprzez aplikacje zainstalowane na komputerze, tablecie czy komórce.
September 30, 2019
I loved this book! I found the plot so refreshing! A writer set out to get the story of a recluse, societal runaway or castaway etc.
I loved the believable if not hauntingly real dialogue. Mr. Lashner is certainly taking his reader to unique, unknown settings with plot magic! Yes magic. Mr. Lashner takes you from a totally disgusting event o one so endearing:
"But then she remembered her brother's smile that summer night when she was seven and they were catching fireflies and he put the insects in a jar with a lid pocked through with holes, and how the jar spun with magic as he held it up against the stars. And she remembered the way he'd hugged her close during their mother's funeral before he went up and spoke for them both in a choked voice because she was too broken apart to rise from her chair."
Mr. Lashner is a master!
I loved the believable if not hauntingly real dialogue. Mr. Lashner is certainly taking his reader to unique, unknown settings with plot magic! Yes magic. Mr. Lashner takes you from a totally disgusting event o one so endearing:
"But then she remembered her brother's smile that summer night when she was seven and they were catching fireflies and he put the insects in a jar with a lid pocked through with holes, and how the jar spun with magic as he held it up against the stars. And she remembered the way he'd hugged her close during their mother's funeral before he went up and spoke for them both in a choked voice because she was too broken apart to rise from her chair."
Mr. Lashner is a master!
August 7, 2017
Is a psychopathic outlaw who can win your sympathy the ultimate in noir heroes? Probably because this was the ultimate noir. Now noir isn't my favorite, but I have to respect this rich and exciting effort by Lashner, and I even have to love it a little. Phil Kubiak, the narrator and protagonist, comes from a hard scrabble life. His main motivation in life is money, although noirishly, sex figures into it too. When he lands a position in a high powered and secret fixer league he thinks he has it made. But a strange kind of morality spoils his fun. I had fun reading this though and the animated illustrations added to it.
March 14, 2019
Another Lashner masterpiece
This is another amazing piece of work by Lashner. As usual, you need to read ten percent into the book before infatuation with the book. Lashner is such a writer who challenges you early on in the book for you to determine whether you like the book or not. There are so many great twists and the storytelling, which I do n9t want to divulge so as not ruin enjoyments of others. But, but, this is but a great book. Maybe this is the most cunning of all the Lashner books. Also, the words chosen are amazingly stylish and elegant. If you have enjoyed other Lashner books, you will not be disappointed.
This is another amazing piece of work by Lashner. As usual, you need to read ten percent into the book before infatuation with the book. Lashner is such a writer who challenges you early on in the book for you to determine whether you like the book or not. There are so many great twists and the storytelling, which I do n9t want to divulge so as not ruin enjoyments of others. But, but, this is but a great book. Maybe this is the most cunning of all the Lashner books. Also, the words chosen are amazingly stylish and elegant. If you have enjoyed other Lashner books, you will not be disappointed.
October 7, 2017
Phil Kubiak is broken, a self described psychopath and abomination, but that doesn't mean he's not ambitious. Regrettably he also has a self destructive streak, and trying to be a decent human being often conflicts with his desire to attain wealth, which can be a problem when you're working for a dark criminal empire. A Filthy Business by William Lashner is an appropriate title, and as Kubiak's life swirls down the toilet you'll have a hard time putting down this fiendishly entertaining, noirish novel. A very strong 4 stars.
July 24, 2017
My 3 year old accidentally bought this book while playing with my Kindle. It wasn't my usual read, but I kept it and gave it a shot. Destiny, or something, right?
I was enthralled right from the beginning. The characters are interesting and exciting, and the plot is engrossing. I spent every moment I had reading it. The tone is a perfect mix of levity and darkness. It never felt too hokey or too heavy. A real delight from beginning to end.
I was enthralled right from the beginning. The characters are interesting and exciting, and the plot is engrossing. I spent every moment I had reading it. The tone is a perfect mix of levity and darkness. It never felt too hokey or too heavy. A real delight from beginning to end.
September 6, 2017
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. The kindle in motion really added to the story. This was one of the best thrillers I have read in a long time. It was as if Red from the Blacklist and Ray Donovan were the same person. This book was no where near what I expected. It had twists and turns that just keep you going page after page. There is not a single dull moment in this book. I loved the style and the way the story developed by the end. Excellent! Definitely read this!
Read
October 15, 2020A lawyer who has failed at being an attorney & a gold certificate salesman becomes a "fixer" for an underground organization offering solutions to otherwise unsolvable problems for a fee. If you ever enjoyed a Parker novel by Richard Stark (Donald E Westlake) or believe in conspiracies this book is for you. I was a bit disappointed at the end because I wanted to know what the protagonist did next.
May 18, 2025
DNF, dropped at 30%
Backstory: The Novel is all exposition and unnatural dialogue. No plot, stakes, (meaningful) conflict, character motivation (except spite/resentment and titties, on the part of the MC -- dude is OBSESSED with breasts), or interesting twists. Up to the 1/3 mark, everything you expect to happen happens exactly how you expect it to. Perhaps it all turns on its head later, but I won't know about it.
tl;dr this story was boring and disappointing.
Backstory: The Novel is all exposition and unnatural dialogue. No plot, stakes, (meaningful) conflict, character motivation (except spite/resentment and titties, on the part of the MC -- dude is OBSESSED with breasts), or interesting twists. Up to the 1/3 mark, everything you expect to happen happens exactly how you expect it to. Perhaps it all turns on its head later, but I won't know about it.
tl;dr this story was boring and disappointing.
September 28, 2017
Startlingly different
Slow and a little monotonous to start with, but turned out to be a slow burner that fizzed and crackled when it really got started. Twists and turns driven by a dry humour that draws the book along at a fine clip.
Slow and a little monotonous to start with, but turned out to be a slow burner that fizzed and crackled when it really got started. Twists and turns driven by a dry humour that draws the book along at a fine clip.
March 27, 2018
A fast and fun ride of a story
Interesting plot and absorbing characters. A little predictable at times but that in no way detracts from the enjoyment of this dirty little tale. Be prepared to root for the bad guy.
Interesting plot and absorbing characters. A little predictable at times but that in no way detracts from the enjoyment of this dirty little tale. Be prepared to root for the bad guy.
June 3, 2018
Holy Cow! I love a good anti-hero! This is what fiction is all about. Plot. Character. Imagery. Dialogue. I am left shaken by how great this book is. The person who cast this audiobook reader is a genius at her/his job. It was a perfect pairing.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
June 8, 2018
Filthy Business is a good story by great author
William Lashner is the kind of writer who tells a story. Some writers build stories around characters. At least that's what I believe and I'm sticking to my "story"....a very good piece of work.
William Lashner is the kind of writer who tells a story. Some writers build stories around characters. At least that's what I believe and I'm sticking to my "story"....a very good piece of work.
October 17, 2018
The twists in this story told in the middle of the desert between LA and Las Vegas has some twists that are unexpected. Some surprises are better than others however, so find the one that is best for you.
August 2, 2019
Different but good!
The way this story is told was quite different, but really good. All of the characters brought there’re own special drama to the story. And the ending was the best yet.
The way this story is told was quite different, but really good. All of the characters brought there’re own special drama to the story. And the ending was the best yet.
December 31, 2019
Could have been a five
Clever plot, convincing antihero. Well written as all of Mr Lashner's work seems to be.
But please, please lose the video/graphics! This is a book. Words. I the reader use my mind to visualize the characters and scenes! Otherwise there is Netflix.
Clever plot, convincing antihero. Well written as all of Mr Lashner's work seems to be.
But please, please lose the video/graphics! This is a book. Words. I the reader use my mind to visualize the characters and scenes! Otherwise there is Netflix.
Read
March 6, 2020Another good solid tale from William Lashner. Fairly implausible, but told in interesting format so we know from the outset where the chief protagonist has ended up and there book reveals how he got there.
April 13, 2020
VERY Different story
Enjoyed this book because it was a very different story.. The characters were unusual and the plot was a mind blower. I've enjoyed all his books and this is no exception. Veritas, renamed Truth, is not to miss.
Enjoyed this book because it was a very different story.. The characters were unusual and the plot was a mind blower. I've enjoyed all his books and this is no exception. Veritas, renamed Truth, is not to miss.
July 8, 2020
I think Lashner is a good writer but this one didn't impress me at all. Read it if you like your main characters to be psychopaths; otherwise skip this one. I never connected with the characters at all.
February 23, 2022
Hadn't ready any Lashner for several years, though back in the day, I had read nearly everything he wrote. I found that I had somehow missed this novel published in 2017 and boy, I remember why I read nearly everything he wrote! Ready to pick him up again; maybe even re-read some....
May 29, 2017
I just finished "A Filthy Business," and loved it. The story will brilliantly inventive. The dialogue sharp enough to cut a diamond. Kudos to William Lashner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews