The Hot Rock

I have read 15 of the authors 'Parker' novels, written as Richard Stark. I really fluked across this series of his books. Not deep and meaningful, but clever and funny!Having read this one I ordered four more. I guess that says it all

The first book in the Dortmunder series - check the author's introduction to how and when Dortmunder came about. Crime thrillers as funny as this don't come along that often, so it's incredible to discover (thanks to Amazon) that Donald Westlake wrote an entire series on Dortmunder and his perpetually cheery but (in their opinion) unfairly treated by life associates.The laugh all the way through book has a complex and ingenious plot, with human foibles and determination to the fore. Along with British authors Reginald Hill's A Fairly Dangerous Thing, and Colin Watson's Flaxborough novels, Donald Westlake's Dortmunder novels remain way ahead when it comes to the elusive art of comedy crime fiction.

Really enjoyed, The Hot Rock and The Bank Shot. I won't give any spoilers but The Dortmunder books are in essence about Dortmunder (The planner: at least when he's not making ends meet with his encyclopedia scam) and his assorted gang of misfits as they try to get rich, but never quite seem to pull it off. There's far more humour in these books than those of Parker, and i have to admit that i actually prefer these. The Parker stories can be pretty bare bones at times, but these sparkle with a lot of wit.

I read several Donald Westlake books in the 70s, and when “ The hot rock” popped up on my phone, I thought I’d give it another read, to see if I still find it funny. I do and have laughed out loud several times as I’m reading it. I’ve recommended it for my book club, so I am curious to see if they will also find it witty and amusing or just too silly for their consideration.There is a little danger this will ever pass for literature, but it is an enjoyable, fast read

Within a few hours of being released on parole, John Dortmunder, a small-time thief and con artist is embroiled in a new caper. He has been commissioned to steal a valuable emerald for a newly-formed small African nation. John handpicks the men who will assist him in this heist, each of whom brings their special skills to the job at hand and their off-center behavioral traits. This is not exactly your gang that couldn't shoot straight. Rather, these misfits just seem to be the victims of events often beyond their control. No matter how much inventive planning goes into each robbery, they never seem to walk away with the prize. It is constantly back to the drawing board for Dortmunder and each robbery calls for more innovative and daring methods.At times, the dialogue reads like the old "who's on first, what's on second" routine made famous by Abbott and Costello. At other times, the humor is much more subtle. Either way, you will find yourself chuckling or, if you are in the safety of your own home, laughing out loud.Living in New York, I was amazed at how well Mr. Westlake knows the city and the outer boroughs. Having grown up in a rather obscure part of one of these boroughs, I think that unbeknownst to me, Mr. Westlake must have lived next door to me. He can describe stores and houses on the smallest side street with pinpoint accuracy.This is not the type of book that I would normally seek out. However, I had recently read a short story by Mr. Westlake that caught my fancy. I liked the style of writing so much that I decided to try one of his books.If you like a well written action caper that will have you laughing throughout, I suggest you pick up a copy of "The Hot Rock." As for me, I am going to order the next few books in the Dortmunder series as soon as I submit this review.