On the HahaFiction shelf
The Hot Rock
Dortmunder · Book 1
Audiobook available · 6 hr 28 min
Fresh out of prison, John Dortmunder accepts an emerald theft proposed by his friend Kelp. The commission comes from a representative of an African nation that wants the disputed stone back. Dortmunder can devise the robbery; keeping the emerald turns out to require several more plans.
From the publisher’s blurb
“the thief whose capers never quite come off”Read the full description at Grand Central Publishing description
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What makes it funny?
Before Dortmunder even reaches freedom, a well-meaning warden costs him money. He has sold his prison cell, but the warden insists on walking him to the gate, making a discreet payoff impossible. The official’s pride in rehabilitation only increases the departing thief’s frustration.
The comedy at work
Westlake keeps sending the gang back to work on the same emerald. Each apparent solution leaves another logistical problem, giving accomplished thieves reason to attempt an increasingly varied series of capers. Their planning skills keep the job possible while bad luck keeps it unfinished.
Try this if…
Elaborate schemes, criminal teamwork and repeated reversals are the attractions here. Dortmunder is a capable planner whose helpers and circumstances make competence an unreliable route to a payday.
Good to know
The story is divided into six phases of one continuing pursuit. That structure gives the crew successive problems to solve rather than a single robbery to prepare.
A few distinguishing details
- One emerald requires repeated thefts
- A prison farewell interferes with a criminal payoff
More funny crime caper
Sources & further reading
- Audiobook publisher
Publisher
- Apple Books audiobook
Book information
- Kirkus review
Review
- Print publisher
Publisher
- Daniel Robichaud review
Review
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