Reviews

The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake

mitchtypo's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

bundy23's review against another edition

3.0

Originally written as a Parker novel, Westlake quickly realised that the caper was a bit silly for that series and swapped out his lead character. Dortmunder, as well as the style and structure of the novel, retains way too much of Parker to not compare the two... I'll read another book in the series and see if he morphs into his own character but, despite being quite entertaining and a really quick easy read, I found this book a tad disappointing (it needed more of the ruthlessness of the Parker books).

jgoalder's review against another edition

4.0

A little contrived perhaps, but exceptionally entertaining with a few genuine guffaws. If you're looking for a fun caper story with some sharp humor, pick this one up.

mrchuckles's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No

4.0

tmdavis's review against another edition

3.0

First in the Dortmunder series. A comedy of errors. Dortmunder has just been released from prison when he meets up with his old friends (and criminals) and they are contracted to steal an emerald from a museum showroom. They manage to steal the emerald but then it keeps getting misplaced and they have to keep stealing it back. Would like to read another.

andrewgraphics's review against another edition

4.0

Having just been released from prison, Dortmunder is hired by an African nation to steal an emerald they hold dear from a museum, but complications ensue and he has to steal it again, and again, and again...

Quintessential caper/heist story, with all sorts of hijinks. Unfortunately, because there are actually several heists going on, the story is light on characterization and details; but it's a fun ride while it lasts. This is my first Westlake novel (tho I have read many he wrote under his guise of Richard Stark), but don't feel I got the full effect. Will need to read another, soon.

scaryfridge5's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

So many heists fit into one book! The pace and humor in this is so good. 

wispila's review against another edition

4.0

Enemmän sellanen 3,5 tähteä.

Kevyt ja hauska jännäri ajalta, jolloin rikoksetkin olivat yksinkertaisempia. Keikkaa suunnitellaan kantakapakassa, mutta kaikki ei menekään ihan toivotulla tavalla. Kummiskaan kukaan ei kuole, vaikka välillä pyssyjä onkin pelissä. Tämmöinen kreisi sekoiluseikkailu sopii melkein minkä vaan ikäiselle, kuka jaksaa lukea.

Katkelma tekstistä:
"-Pelkään joka hetki että tuo ovi lennähtää auki ja miljoona jeparia ryntää sisään."
"He ovat kaikki kaupungilla lapsia hakkaamassa", Greenwood rauhoitteli häntä.
Kieli on vanhahtavaa ja tietyllä tapaa kliseistä, juuri sitä mitä voisi odottaa tältä kirjalta, mutta muhun koominen sävy nappas ihan hyvin.

Enemmänkin olisi voinut jännitystä olla. Osassa tapahtumista ollaan epäuskottavan puolella niin paljon, ettei se oikein naurata. Jotenkin hahmokehittely tai ennemmin hahmokehitys jää lapsenkenkiin. Plussaksi katson, että hahmoilla on kuitenkin ainakin paikoin melko selkeästi eroavat persoonat ja heidät erottaa jo tavasta puhua. Heikkouksia heillä ei kuitenkaan ole tämän kirjan puitteissa, kaikki hoitavat osaamisalueensa niin nappiin, että se on osin puisevaa.

Kaiken kaikkiaan kirja oli sitä mitä odotin, sillä kaipasin kevyttä ja vähän hölmöä seikkailua. Mutta ei kuitenkaan ihan niin hyvä, kuin olisin toivonut.

sunny76's review against another edition

4.0

A heist from the criminal's perspective. Murphy's Law makes an appearance here and there, which adds a lot to the story. The way the criminals deal with the appearances of Murphy also add to the story. I will read more in the series.

critical_hit's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0