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.
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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.
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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.
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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 17010th 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.
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6. I Gave At The Office
A Novel of Crime and Comedy
The book is a comedic crime novel that follows the misadventures of a public relations executive named Paul Manning, who becomes entangled in a convoluted scheme involving a charity scam. As Manning navigates the chaotic world of corporate deceit and criminal antics, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including bumbling crooks and opportunistic colleagues. The story unfolds with a blend of humor and suspense, highlighting Manning's attempts to extricate himself from the increasingly absurd situations while maintaining his sanity and professional reputation.
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7. Memory
A gripping exploration of identity and the human psyche, this novel follows the journey of a man who wakes up in a hospital with no memory of his past after a brutal attack. As he struggles to piece together fragments of his life, he grapples with the unsettling realization that he may not want to return to the person he once was. Set against a backdrop of suspense and introspection, the narrative delves into themes of self-discovery, the fluidity of memory, and the quest for a new beginning amidst the shadows of a forgotten past.
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8. The Busy Body
In this comedic crime caper, a bumbling mobster named Charlie finds himself in a whirlwind of chaos when he is tasked with retrieving a corpse that has mysteriously vanished. As he navigates a series of misadventures involving a quirky cast of characters, including a nosy neighbor and a suspicious detective, Charlie's attempts to solve the mystery only lead to more confusion and hilarity. Set against the backdrop of 1960s New York, the story unfolds with a blend of wit and slapstick humor, showcasing the absurdity of organized crime and the unpredictable nature of human folly.
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9. Dancing Aztecs
In a whirlwind of comedic chaos and misadventure, a valuable Aztec statue, mistaken for a cheap replica, becomes the centerpiece of a madcap chase across New York City. As the statue changes hands among an eclectic cast of characters, including bumbling criminals, ambitious reporters, and unsuspecting civilians, the city becomes a vibrant backdrop for a series of hilarious and unpredictable events. With each character driven by their own motives and misunderstandings, the story unfolds with a blend of humor and suspense, capturing the essence of a treasure hunt gone delightfully awry.
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10. Somebody Owes Me Money
In this witty and fast-paced crime novel, a New York City cab driver named Chet Conway finds himself embroiled in a whirlwind of chaos after discovering his bookie has been murdered. Initially seeking to collect a modest gambling debt, Chet is thrust into a tangled web of deception, danger, and unexpected alliances. As he navigates through a series of comedic misadventures, Chet encounters a colorful cast of characters, including mobsters, detectives, and femme fatales, all while trying to clear his name and solve the mystery. The story is a delightful blend of humor and suspense, capturing the essence of a classic caper with a modern twist.
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11. The Parish Gilds Of Mediæval England
This scholarly work delves into the intricate social and economic roles of parish gilds in medieval England, exploring their evolution from religious fraternities to influential community institutions. The book examines how these gilds fostered communal solidarity, provided mutual aid, and supported local churches, while also regulating trade and craft practices. Through detailed historical analysis, it highlights the gilds' contributions to the social fabric of the time, illustrating their significance in shaping medieval English society.
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