“One of the key characteristics of good crime fiction writing is to avoid arbitrary coincidences by weaving plausibility into the déroulement of the narrative. King’s writing is deeply rooted in plausibility, so much so that it reads like true crime non-fiction. As he introduces new twists to the plot, he provides strong frameworks around them, reinforcing their believability. ? Hommes de Lettres, food connoisseur, bon vivant, humanitarian ? Richard King will be missed by all who knew him. Montreal has lost a real Mensch.” Ian Thomas Shaw, Ottawa Review of Books

“King masterfully uses a slick third-person narrative throughout his novel, shifting from character to character at exactly the right moment, giving readers the best seat in the house. (?) Banking on Life definitely belongs in the long line of Montreal detective novels, with its polished writing and rapid-paced action, all taking place in the well-known nooks and crannies of today’s city.” Sharon Morrisey, Montreal Review of Books

“King, a lively writer with fine storytelling skills. Readers who know Montreal will recognize neighbourhoods, streets and landmarks in A Stab at Life. Indeed, the city is as much a character as the nurse and the detective.” Susan Schwartz, The Montreal Gazette.