Donald E. Westlake
Donald E. Westlake (1933–2008) was an acclaimed American writer of numerous novels and screenplays, particularly known for his crime fiction. He was a three-time Edgar Award winner and was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America. Westlake was famous for his dark humor and for creating the enduring character of John Dortmunder, featured in a series of comic caper stories.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Hot Rock
"The Hot Rock" is a thrilling heist novel that follows the misadventures of a group of criminals as they attempt to steal a valuable gem known as the Balabomo Emerald. Led by the clever and resourceful Dortmunder, the team encounters numerous obstacles and setbacks, including double-crossing partners, a persistent detective, and a series of comical mishaps. With a blend of humor, suspense, and unexpected twists, the book takes readers on a wild ride through the world of high-stakes theft and the eccentric characters that inhabit it.
The 1772nd Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Bank Shot
In this comedic crime caper, a motley crew of thieves concocts an audacious plan to steal a bank. Rather than attempting a traditional heist, they decide to literally take the entire bank with them by hijacking a mobile home that serves as a temporary bank branch. The ringleader, a clever and somewhat luckless criminal, leads his eccentric team through a series of misadventures and close calls as they try to outwit the authorities and pull off what they hope will be a lucrative, if not entirely well-thought-out, crime. The novel is a blend of humor and suspense, delivering a story where the heist itself becomes as unpredictable as the characters attempting it.
The 4535th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. God Save The Mark
The book is a comedic crime caper centered around a perpetually gullible man who finds himself the unexpected heir to a large sum of money. His naivety makes him a magnet for con artists and criminals, leading him into a series of misadventures as he navigates a world filled with deceit and danger. Despite his susceptibility to being duped, he must learn to outwit the schemers who are after his inheritance, all the while questioning the legitimacy of his windfall and the intentions of those around him. The story combines humor with suspense, creating a satirical look at the lengths to which people will go for wealth.
The 4632nd Greatest Book of All Time
