"Sharp dialogue, unforgettable characters" - review of THE FINAL SCORE

THE FINAL SCORE by Don Winslow (HarperCollins, 2026)

Reviewed by Craig Sisterson

In six all-new short novels written with the trademark literary style, trenchant wit, and incisive characterization that have made Don Winslow “America’s greatest living crime writer” (Providence Journal), this repeat New York Times bestselling author serves up a collection of tales sure to delight Winslow’s most devoted fans and first-time readers.

With a foreword written by award-winning crime author Reed Farrel Coleman, The Final Score is a propulsive, perceptive, and deeply immersive collection of crime writing — the ultimate testament to Don Winslow's prowess as a living legend of the genre.

Masterful storyteller Don Winslow has shown in The Border and The Cartel that he can write epic literary crime novels that tilt the scales around 700 pages, maintaining multi-layered, crisp and compelling storytelling throughout (unlike some bloated tomes from other bestsellers). Now, in The Final Score he underlines that he’s also a dab hand at pitch-perfect short stories; intense tales, memorable characters, high-pressure situations.

In the titular tale, a legendary thief on the cusp of a life sentence plans an audacious casino heist to secure the financial future of those he loves. Elsewhere, we meet an ambitious teen looking to raise college funds by delivering illegal liquor to his town’s residents (“The Sunday List”), two gangsters before a hit sharing breakfast and reminisces (“True Story”); a promising cop facing a life-changing dilemma for love of family (“The North Wing”); and surfer-private eye Boone Daniels and his crew - who feature in earlier Winslow novels like The Dawn Patrol - battling with the high-maintenance, drug-addicted film star they’re hired to protect (“The Lunch Break”).

All building to the lengthiest story, “Collision”, where a moment of madness unfurls a whole new life for a high-achieving hotelier and family man. Short story collections can be tricky to review, as often quality can vary, and different readers may prefer different tales, but in Winslow’s case he knocks it out of the park each and every time. Sharp dialogue, unforgettable characters, tight storytelling.

The Final Score is a delightful buffet of humanity caught up in dark deeds where every morsel is moreish. A treat for long-time Winslow fans, and great entrée for those new to his talents.

Craig Sisterson is a lawyer turned writer, editor, podcast host, awards judge, and event chair. He's the founder of the Ngaio Marsh Awards, co-founder of Rotorua Noir, author of Macavity and HRF Keating Award-shortlisted non-fiction work SOUTHERN CROSS CRIME, editor of the DARK DEEDS DOWN UNDER anthology series, and writes about books for magazines and newspapers in several countries.