830 and counting …

• Posted in Books I've Read

Finished Walking Around Money by Donald E. Westlake. It’s one of several novellas included in the book, Transgressions, edited by Ed McBain.

If you’ve never read Westlake, start now. He’s one of my favorite writers, and he never disappoints. I especially love his Dortmunder series, about a gang of thieves, all of whom are lovable losers. Walking Around Money features the two main characters from that series, John Dortmunder and Andy Kelp.

They’re approached by a guy who has a plan to break into the printing plant where he works and run off several million dollars’ worth of money belonging to some obscure South American country (whose name I can’t recall). Then, they’ll exchange the South American money for real U.S. dollars. There are several hitches in the plan, including a travel agent and her jealous husband. But Dortmunder and Kelp always find a way to keep their heads above water.

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough — Donald Westlake is the funniest crime writer around. Go to the library now, and get his books. You’ll be glad you did.

Up next: Rain Fall by Barry Eisler.

PS: Can you tell I’m getting of my book review backlog today? 😉

4 Responses to “830 and counting …”

  2. Jennifer Estep says:

    I don’t think I’ve read The Hook. I know that’s not one of the Dortmunder books. I will say some of his other stuff is hit or miss. The Spy in the Ointment was another one that was pretty good.

    Westlake also writes under the name Richard Stark. His Parker novels are very noirish and cool thrillers.

  3. Angie-la says:

    I luurves Barry Eisler.
    I totally enjoyed Rain Fall. I am almost finished with Hard Rain right now.

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