Donald E. Westlake
Donald Edwin Westlake was a prolific American writer known for his crime fiction, particularly the Parker and Dortmunder series. He wrote under his own name and several pseudonyms, including Richard Stark.
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
A Dortmunder Novel
"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 2147th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. 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 7003rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. Bank Shot
A Dortmunder Novel
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 7691st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. Drowned Hopes
In this comedic crime novel, a retired bank robber enlists the help of his old friend, a hapless but resourceful thief, to recover a fortune in cash he buried years ago, now submerged under a reservoir. As they embark on this challenging quest, they encounter a series of misadventures and eccentric characters, including a determined ex-girlfriend and a group of bumbling criminals. The story unfolds with a blend of humor and suspense, highlighting the absurdity and unpredictability of their mission as they navigate various obstacles in their pursuit of the hidden loot.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Nobody's Perfect
A Donald Westlake Novel
In this witty and engaging crime caper, a charming yet hapless thief finds himself embroiled in a convoluted art heist that spirals into a series of unexpected twists and turns. Tasked with stealing a valuable painting, he navigates a world of eccentric characters, including a cunning art dealer and a suspicious insurance investigator, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the law. As the plot thickens, the thief's plans are constantly thwarted by his own missteps and the unpredictable nature of his allies, leading to a humorous and unpredictable conclusion.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org
