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thosh's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Fun heist book by the same guy (using a pseudonym) who wrote The Hunter, which was the basis for the movie, “Payback” (1999) with Mel Gibson. Donald Westlake had two main protagonists, Parker and Dortmunder. Parker was the one in The Hunter, totally serious. The books with Dortmunder have a comedic bent, in this case the team tries to steal the same gem over and over again as the carefully planned heists go smoothly but one minor thing goes wrong. Made into a movie with Robert Redford in 1972.
snowynight's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vailynst's review against another edition
3.0
Notes:
That was fun! Solid intro to a new series. Great heist story with quirky attitude.
That was fun! Solid intro to a new series. Great heist story with quirky attitude.
volcoach's review against another edition
1.0
This book had such high ratings that I thought this was the book for me. With phrases like "hilarious" or "lots of laughs", I figured it would be a good, playful story to read on my latest business trip. Instead, this is a very simple plot with simplistic characters. I tried to find the hilarious dialog, but never did. Several times I considered putting it down for something else. I rarely do that because I always think it will get better. In this case, it never did. If you have those same thoughts after the first "caper", move on. Don't waste your time like I did.
dontmissythesereads's review against another edition
3.0
I think this was a case of hearing so many great things that this book did not meet my built up expectations. It was good, but not as funny as I had heard. I may give the next a chance, but it won't be right away.
maraijabech's review against another edition
3.0
This needs to be made into a movie!! Oh wait, IT IS!
jokoloyo's review against another edition
4.0
I had high expectation when reading this heist-theme story and at first I was rather disappointed, nothing too special at start. But the plot was progressing, and near the climax, I actually laughed, the punch-line worked. The author built the humor slowly, but I admit the story was getting better at the end. I prefer this approach than heist story that have good opening but getting worse toward the end of story.
mattsitstill's review against another edition
3.0
Very funny and entertaining. It’s a brisk read and charming sure. The prose styling is sometimes awkward and dated but the dialogue is often on-point. Overall, a good read.
purpleaardvark's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25