A., applying pressure to Catlett to make good for what he owes and accelerating the story to even more delightful speeds.

Odd coincidence … I was getting ready for bed, brushing my teeth, when I heard the TV that my husband had on in the bedroom. Chili is a big movie buff who thinks he might give up loan sharking for producing, and he sets out to help Harry get a deal with the help of Karen Flores, a former actress known for screaming in Harry’s horror movies who just so happens to be Michael’s ex. Chili is fine with this, dismissive of the respect demanded by certain guys who, in his view, haven't earned it. Here we are mid-lock down and I thought why not since my days are a mixture of working from home, reading or watch the TV.

So all the American crime thriller fans who are as phony and pompous as European art film aficionados act like they do not like his novels. Una venganza de lo más fina que logra establecer una historia bastante metaficticia, un diálogo muy vibrante (aunque cuesta un poco porque hay mucha jerga de usureros, de mafiosos y de gente del cine) y un personaje principal que actualiza al clásico pícaro con su manera de escapar de las situaciones más peliagudas. Five of his novels – Live by Night, Mystic River, Gone, Baby, Gone, Shutter Island and The Drop – have been adapted into films. A major Hollywood film starring John Travolta, GET SHORTY has also been adapted for TV with Chris O'Dowd and Ray Romano . View image in fullscreen Harvey Keitel, far left, with John Travolta and James Woods, in Be Cool, the sequel to Get Shorty, 2005.

When his pitch for Harry’s movie isn’t getting through, Chili starts talking about his recent adventures, and Michael is intrigued. To Leonard's credit, when Michael Weir comments that Chili's pitch is the best he's ever heard, I'm inclined to agree. His on-point characters and no-holds-barred narratives make these stories pretty much clapperboard ready, with actors and directors including Quentin Tarantino, John Travolta and Gene Hackman queuing up for screen credits. I remember seeing the film some years ago and although I had no prejudices I was not expecting it to capture my attention - I was wrong, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Twelve years later, Chili’s boss was killed and Barboni’s boss put Barboni in charge of the loan racket. There is a complex web, multiple storylines which weave together, but all revolve around Chili Palmer, and they all get wrapped up at the end. Some of us are more organised than others, some less so, but that’s the crux of the job description.