'Killing Time' Summary

'Killing Time' centers around Tim Smith, a private investigator in a small, seemingly idyllic upstate New York town. However, behind the idyllic facade lies a deep-seated corruption, with Smith holding secrets that threaten to expose the town's powerful figures, including the mayor and city council members. Smith's nonchalant approach to his knowledge changes when a morally-motivated organization arrives, promising a clean-up of the town's political landscape. Fear and paranoia spread as the organization begins to make waves, and Smith becomes a target, an attempt on his life forcing him to confront the true nature of his connections. Navigating a maze of lies and hidden agendas, Smith must race against time to uncover the identity of the person who wants him silenced before they succeed in shutting him up for good. With each passing moment, the line between friend and foe blurs, leaving Smith to grapple with the potential betrayal of those he thought he could trust. In a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue, Westlake masterfully weaves a narrative that delves into the dark underbelly of small-town politics and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets and maintain their power.