LemonSky reviewed The hot rock by Donald E. Westlake
Review of 'The hot rock' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
I love the movie, "The Hot Rock", with Robert Redford and George Segal, but I did not read the book it was based on until recently. I wish I had read it earlier. Donald Westlake (who sadly passed away in 2008), was an excellent writer who knew how to combine humor, suspense, and evocative descriptions to make superb crime novels. I love Dortmunder and will definitely check out more of these books.
John Dortmunder is a career criminal who has just been paroled after serving a few years in jail. He isn't outside long, though, before he's back to his old ways. His old friend Kelp has a job for him. A former British colony in Africa has split into two independent nations, Akinzi and Talabwo. Akinzi has possession of a legendary jewel called the Balabomo Emerald, and Talabwo wants it. Major Iko of Talabwo is willing to pay $30,000 …
I love the movie, "The Hot Rock", with Robert Redford and George Segal, but I did not read the book it was based on until recently. I wish I had read it earlier. Donald Westlake (who sadly passed away in 2008), was an excellent writer who knew how to combine humor, suspense, and evocative descriptions to make superb crime novels. I love Dortmunder and will definitely check out more of these books.
John Dortmunder is a career criminal who has just been paroled after serving a few years in jail. He isn't outside long, though, before he's back to his old ways. His old friend Kelp has a job for him. A former British colony in Africa has split into two independent nations, Akinzi and Talabwo. Akinzi has possession of a legendary jewel called the Balabomo Emerald, and Talabwo wants it. Major Iko of Talabwo is willing to pay $30,000 per man (up to five men) to get the emerald.
Reluctant at first, Dortmunder decides to take the job. His old friend Kelp provides an endless supply of stolen vehicles (he has a taste for doctor's cars, which becomes a running joke). Stan Murch is the wheelman, a goofy character who is obsessed with cars and still lives with his mother (an equally eccentric cabbie). Roger Chefwick, the lockman, is a railroad fanatic, but is probably the most normal one of the bunch. Alan Greenwood, the strongman, is the not-so-bright ladykiller whose naivete causes the gang no end of trouble. Dortmunder, of course, is the brains of the operation.
To be fair, the plans are good and are carried out fairly well - with a few unexpected glitches - but the gang appears to be cursed. As soon as they successfully carry out one mission, something goes wrong and they have to go back to the drawing board - and ask Major Iko for more money and/or equipment. I actually felt sorry for Iko after a while. The whole scenario changes from "Let's do this job and make some money." to "Let's get this stupid thing over with!" There is a lovely twist in the plot and the ending is very funny.
I enjoy caper stories and have a soft spot for rogues (I'm a fan of the Saint), so "The Hot Rock" was a natural fit for me. Dortmunder and his crew are hilarious, but are also quite good at their jobs. You can't help but root for them. This is definitely one to check out. If you like this, try [b:Bank Shot|13500072|Bank Shot (Dortmunder, #2)|Donald E. Westlake|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1330197211s/13500072.jpg|2311787], which is the second book in the series. It's almost as good as this one. I also recommend the movie, "The Hot Rock," which is based on this book.
