The Plotters

A dark, funny, deliciously different literary thriller about a jaded hitman, set in the criminal underworld of Seoul. The book speaks to the idea that even those who seem to hold power are often just following orders from someone else. This is particularly relevant to the protagonist of the story, Reseng, who is a hitman carrying out orders from higher-ups in Seoul's organized crime network.

Despite his expertise and success as a hitman, Reseng begins to question his place in the criminal underworld after an act of mercy towards one of his targets leads to increased surveillance and suspicion. As he tries to navigate this new reality, he also becomes intrigued by the mysterious actions of a new librarian at the Library of Dogs, where he was raised and trained.

The story explores the themes of power, control, and the consequences of actions. Reseng realizes that he may have been blindly following orders without considering the larger picture, and that there may be forces at play beyond his understanding. As he tries to uncover the truth, he must also confront his own role in the violent world he has been a part of.

Overall, the book suggests that power is often an illusion, and that even those who seem to hold it may actually be pawns in a larger game. This idea is central to Reseng's journey in the story, as he grapples with his own position within the criminal hierarchy and tries to uncover the truth behind the machinations of those in power.