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Published Apr 2005
320 pages
Genre: Thrillers
Publication Information
Hapless criminal John Dortmunder returns in another rollicking tale of disorganized crime from Grand Master of Mystery Donald E. Westlake. It's the score of a lifetime: easy access to a lavish New York City apartment, hordes of valuables, and an absentee owner avoiding the lawyers of his unhappy ex-wives. But before they pull the job, Dortmunder's crew is startled to find their beloved gin joint, the OJ, in the clutches of the Mafia-who consider it perfect for a little fraud, courtesy of a nice big fire. For tactical and highly superstitious reasons, the fate of the OJ is even more important to the crew than the enormous score. Now, Dortmunder and his gang are determined to split their time, fighting the mob and robbing the rich simultaneously.
"Starred Review. Events unfold in a delicious sequence, and every step is complemented by great writing, right down to the hilarious exchanges between the regulars hanging out at the O.J." - Publishers Weekly.
"Starred Review. Crime may not pay, but the adventures are always rich in the company of Westlake's men of steal." - Booklist.
"Begin laughing right now. Offensive fence Arnie Albright's been sent to a Caribbean Club Med by his family in hopes that, once there, he'll develop charm and social skills." - Kirkus Reviews.
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Donald E. Westlake wrote over a 100 novels and nonfiction works over
thirty-five years under his own name and many pseudonyms, including Richard
Stark and Alan Marshall. Many of his books have been made into movies,
including The Hunter, which became Point Blank, and
the 1999 smash hit Payback. He penned the Hollywood scripts for The
Stepfather and The Grifters, which was nominated for an Academy Award
for Best Screenplay. The winner of three Edgar awards and a Mystery Writers of
America Grand Master, Donald E. Westlake was presented with The Eye, the Private
Eye Writers of America's Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Shamus Awards.
He died of a heart attack in December 2008. He is survived by his wife,
Abby Adams, and seven adult children.
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