Plot Summary

Citizen Vince

Jess Walter
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Citizen Vince

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

Book Brief

Jess Walter

Citizen Vince

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Spokane, Washington • 1980s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Jess Walter's Citizen Vince, Vince Camden, formerly a New York criminal named Marty Hagen, starts anew in Spokane under witness protection. There, he manages a donut shop and develops a civic interest, including voting in the 1980 election. However, when a mob hitman arrives to settle old scores, Vince must navigate a treacherous path to balance his past and present identities. Sensitive topics include crime, mob violence, and sex work.

Gritty

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Contemplative

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.0

5,550 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Citizen Vince by Jess Walter offers an intriguing blend of crime and political drama. Reviews highlight the compelling character development and sharp prose, praising Walter's ability to mix humor with tension. Some find the plot’s pace uneven, but overall, it’s a satisfying read with a vivid 1980s backdrop that captures the era's zeitgeist effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Citizen Vince?

Readers who enjoy Citizen Vince by Jess Walter are likely fans of crime fiction intertwined with political intrigue. They may appreciate novels like George Pelecanos' Shoedog or Elmore Leonard's Get Shorty, where sharp dialogue and a flawed protagonist drive a suspenseful narrative set against a gritty, realistic backdrop.

4.0

5,550 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Spokane, Washington • 1980s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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