A review by peapod_boston
The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake

2.0

First of the famous Dortmunder novels, Westlake lays out a comedy of capers in which Dortmunder and his crew of thieves steal the same gem multiple times. The clever concept and intricate plotting are undercut by a style so dry as to be distracting. While the dialogue snaps and there are a number of gem-like moments, I found myself skimming to get to the next caper. I suspect it would make a delightful movie (and I understand there is one with Robert Redford), but I found it a difficult book to read.