Rating: 
Summary: Well Written but Disgusting
Review: I actually read this book. Now that I'm done, I really don't want to admit that, but the writing was too good to put it down, even though I grew to thoroughly hate the lead character. I kept hoping something bad would happen to him. I kept thinking up the possible endings that could cause this book to justify itself. The actual ending was the only one I never thought of. And the only one I can't condone.
Rating: 
Summary: a masterpiece
Review: Having read hundreds of crime novels and thrillers over the years, I've become pretty jaded, yet this book blew me away. Westlake was able to make me feel every excruciating agonizing moment of DeVore's descent into murder, and the ending is dynamite. Out of the dozens (sometimes hundreds) of novels I read, there is usually only one a year that really stands out. This is one of those books. A classic.
Rating:
Summary: More thought provoking than I ever imagined
Review: The premise of this books seems so bizzare that one could never find it plausible. However placed in the context of the reality of life we see played out each day (flying planes into buildings, snipers on the loose, etc) this book will make you think. I am not an expert on Mr. Westlake by any stretch, but having completed reading several of his books over the past few months this book lives up to Westlake writings in spades. Hoping you enjoy the book!
Rating:
Summary: Twisted
Review: The Ax is the story of Burke Devore, a middle manager, recently laid off from his job where he worked for over 20 years. He can't find another job and so devises a twisted plan to find one. Burke is bitter about his loss and Westlake does a wonderful job conveying that bitterness, which I found remarkably convincing given Westlake's own successes. Burke's story is amusing but Burke himself is utterly despicable. His solution is the ultimate rationalization, one which goes too far over the line. The novel grabs you from the first page and is an engaging, quick read. Enjoy
Rating: 
Summary: What would you do to get a job?
Review: It's a lot easier to empathize with the protagonist of this story if you've had trouble finding work. After reading the first chapter, I didn't think the book was going to very good. However, I'm glad I kept on reading; it improved quickly.
Rating:
Summary: i cant believe i read the whole thing in one sitting!
Review: This book was written by Alan Marshall using the penname of Donald Westlake. I have read many of books by Marshall and this is the best thing he has done to date. Excellent work by a man with many aliases.
Rating:
Summary: Chilling In Its Realism
Review: When Burke Devore loses his job, he finds it difficult for a 50-year-old to get another in the competitive market out there. He needs a job in his line of expertise, but realises that there are many people in his same predicament. His solution is to narrow the odds in his favour by eliminating the competition, literally. He places an ad in a trade magazine in order to collect resumes of people in a similar situation to him. Then, anyone he decides has better qualifications than his is marked for elimination.This chilling story describes the desperation that drives an apparently normal middle-aged man with a wife and grown children to embark on a killing spree. We're taken along for the ride as he tries to justify to himself the need for these murders to take place, his agony of guilt after each one, but then, frighteningly, his ability to overcome the guilt before planning the next one. Indeed, he begins to pride himself on picking up a new skill! As Burke goes from one victim to another, he depersonalises what he is doing by using his victim's initials when referring to them rather than their names. Although this is fiction, it seems an altogether likely scenario of the thought patterns of the real-life serial killers, and the unbelievable justifications for their murders. This is a frightening story in the absolute cold-bloodedness of the murders by a man who, in all outward appearances, comes across as a very gentle man.
Rating:
Summary: More relevant than ever, given the present economic climate.
Review: A year after being "downsized", former paper mill worker Burke Devore is unemployed and desperate. Reading of a dream job in a trade journal, Burke conceives a plan. Running ads in "The Paperman", he solicits resumes for a position with a fictitious paper company located in his region. Using the resumes he receives in response to the ad, Burke identifies his rivals for the real job. Then, working his way along "the learning curve of murder", Burke methodically hunts and executes them, in hopes of reducing his competition. Westlake walks a fine line, but manages to make Burke a sympathetic character--it's hard not to feel for Burke, a killer who weeps for his victims and rejoices when a potential target finds a job. But it's also hard not to be scared by his methodical ways, his casual brutality, and his rationalizations for murder. Relentless and oh so very plausible, this book should shake even the most jaded reader.
Rating:
Summary: A MODERN DAY MORALITY TALE...
Review: What do you do when you are over fifty years old, and the company for which you have worked for nearly a quarter of a century is downsizing and gives you the ax? One would think that you would simply get another job. Wrong! In this era of corporate downsizing and fierce competition, that may be easier said than done. Ask Burke Devore. Burke Devore, unemployed now for nearly two years, would like nothing better than to get a job commensurate with his experience as a product manager for a paper mill corporation, but as I said, competition is fierce. Desperate in his quest for the american dream that seems to have turned into a nightmare from which he cannot wake, his middle class life is spiraling out of control. He must regain control by whatever means necessary. Burke Devore, thinking out of the box, simply decides to eliminate the competition...literally. Our erstwhile serial killer is mad as hell, and he isn't going to take it anymore. This darkly satirical and provocative novel is a veritable page turner. Moreover, there is an underlying social commentary that permeates the plot, which serves to make the reader complicit with the protagonist, as he moves forward with his deadly agenda. Well written and original in concept, it makes for a book well worth reading, especially by those who enjoy mysteries and novels of suspense.
Rating: 
Summary: THE WANT ADS COULD BE AN ALTERNATIVE
Review: I am at a loss as to why this thriller has received the critical acclaim boasted on its cover and inside pages. Granted, Westlake is a good writer, but "The Ax" is a pretty far-fetched, tedious, and unpleasant read. How can one "root" for the hero, who so blatantly kills innocent people just so HE can get the job he wants? Maybe Burke Devore needed to pay more attention at the downsizing "seminars" on the best way to get a job. The murders are almost comical in their execution. The use of his Voyager to eliminate one of his competitors is especially mean and inexcusable. His last murder, the one who has the job HE REALLY WANTS, is nothing short of cruel and horrendous. I would have felt differently towards this character and the book had Devore gone after the managers who downsized him, rather than the other poor fellows who were in the same boat. The ending is especially disturbing. Why three stars? In spite of all this, you can't help but read it and finish it, as there are some interesting scenes and one can't help but wonder how Burke's going to get away with everything. That is to Mr. Westlake's credit. Still don't think it deserves the kudos, though.
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