Synopses & Reviews
Recipient of the prestigious Mystery Writers of America Grand Master award and author of novels that range from noir to thriller to everything in-between, Donald E. Westlake has compiled an unrivaled literary oeuvre. This story introduced John Dortmunder to the world, started an acclaimed series, became a classic movie starring Robert Redford, and launched a literary genre of its own: the comic crime caper.
The Hot Rock
John Dortmunder left prison with the warm words of the warden ringing in his ears and not one chance of going straight. Soon Dortmunder was riding in a stolen Cadillac with venetian blinds, reuniting with old friends, and scheming to heist a large emerald belonging to a small African nation. As always, his planning is meticulous. As always, the execution is not. Undaunted, Dortmunder is now chasing the gem by plane, train, and automobile. Because this hot rock has a way of getting stolen not just once, but again and again and again...
Review
"Westlake's novel comes awesomely close to the ultimate in comic, big-caper novels; it's so filled with...action and imagination." The New York Times Book Review
Review
"Westlake is a master hand at the running gag....This Westlake brought on such a case of the laughing bends that I required decompression." The Washington Post
Synopsis
The Hot Rock introduces John Archibald Dortmunder, the thief whose capers never quite come off, as he and his convict friends plot to steal the fabulous Balaboma Emerald.