Did you know that the University of Chicago Press gives out a free eBook every month?Their September give-away is great news for fans of crime fiction – you can download the digital version of The Score, by Donald E Westlake (writing here as Richard Stark). This classic 1960s hardboiled novel focuses on Parker, who is the archetypal anti-hero. He’s a bank robber. He’s a killer. He’s your man if you need someone who gets things done.

UCP has revived the legend of Parker and re-issued 20 of Westlake’s novels which normally sell at $14 each in print or in eBook formats. After clicking the link below you’ll need to give them your email address, and you’ll then be sent a link which enables you to download the book. Be aware that you’ll need the Adobe Digital Editions reader software installed on your Mac or PC, as well as an Adobe ID. The latter can be set up automatically as you install Adobe Digital Editions. If you use an iPad or Android tablet, you can use the Bluefire Reader, which is also free, to read the book.

It can be a bit of a hassle but once it’s all set up you can download The Score for free. And when you do you’re in for a treat as you discover that Stark’s writing is, well, pretty stark. He’s economical and precise with words, and direct in his storytelling, in that great tradition of American writing which may remind you a little of Robert E Howard or even Hemmingway. It’s pulp crime fiction at it’s best as Parker and his gang attempt to rip-off an entire town in North Dakota.

Click here to get a free copy of The Score, and do let us know what you think.