After diving into a few later books in Donald Westlake’s hilarious Dortmunder series, I decided to go back to the beginning, and boy, am I glad I did. I’ve enjoyed the Parker novels, so I anticipated clever plots and engaging stories, and I wasn’t disappointed. But then I picked up The Hot Rock, and immediately, I understood why this book is considered something special. This isn’t just another crime novel; The Hot Rock is in a league of its own.
Fresh off finishing Julia Child’s “My Life in France” (a late-night reading session!), I found myself completely absorbed by this book. Luckily, I had some free time to indulge (procrastinating on taxes, if we’re being honest!). But truly, this book is a page-turner in the truest sense. From the first page, The Hot Rock grabs you and doesn’t let go.
While the “normal” Dortmunder novels are relatively concise reads (numbers two and three certainly are), The Hot Rock feels more substantial, like a richer, more developed story. It’s not an epic tome, but it has a satisfying depth compared to some of the others in the series. Once you get into the narrative, the reason for its slightly greater length becomes clear, and trust me, it’s entirely justified. I won’t reveal any spoilers here, but the extra pages are filled with delightful twists and turns that make it an even more rewarding read.
Having inadvertently started my Dortmunder journey in the middle of the series, I was already familiar with some of the recurring characters. However, the masterful way Westlake introduces each member of Dortmunder’s crew in The Hot Rock is truly impressive. Each character is brought onto the scene, introduced to the reader with a distinct personality, and given their moment to shine. I haven’t read other “first-in-series” books by Westlake, so I can’t say if this is his standard approach, but it felt particularly well-executed here, setting it apart from how many other authors handle ensemble casts.
Like many of Westlake’s books, The Hot Rock is firmly rooted in its time period. Some might label this as “dated,” but I see it as a charming reminder of the era in which it was written and first read. It adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia. Think of the early Ian Fleming James Bond novels; they are full of references to his wartime experiences. Does that make them less enjoyable? Absolutely not. In fact, it enriches the reading experience. The same is true for The Hot Rock; its period details are part of its charm.
John Dortmunder himself is an unlikely protagonist. Westlake describes him in less-than-flattering terms, portraying him as a somewhat hapless, ordinary-looking man. But beneath the surface, Dortmunder is a consummate professional when it comes to criminal planning. We may not know his backstory or how he honed his skills, but he is undeniably the brains of the operation, the acknowledged “planner.” While others might find the targets, it’s Dortmunder who analyzes the location, assesses the security, evaluates the challenges, and devises a scheme that gives the team a fighting chance of success. And because they are always aiming for a worthwhile score, the obstacles are invariably significant.
It sounds tough, right? Similar to Parker, Westlake’s other famous criminal creation, Dortmunder meticulously plans his heists and even practices beforehand. Both characters encounter their fair share of bad luck, but it often feels like Dortmunder gets hit harder by Murphy’s Law. Part of the enduring appeal of these books is watching him navigate his way out of seemingly impossible situations. You can’t help but root for him, hoping that just this once, everything will go according to plan.
Dortmunder’s world is New York City. Westlake’s depictions of locations and roadways feel authentic and accurate, bringing the city to life. Like Bernie Rhodenbarr in Lawrence Block’s “Burglar” series, Dortmunder relies on the city as his hunting ground, providing targets, resources, and a means of (sometimes precarious) living. (Bernie, it seems, is a bit more successful at the “living” part!). While Dortmunder does venture outside of state lines in later novels, NYC and its surrounding areas are his primary domain, where we find this lovable anti-hero most of the time.
As I mentioned earlier, The Hot Rock completely captivated me. I’d tell myself to read just a few more pages and then stop, but within a couple of hours, I’d be back at it, engrossed in the unfolding caper. I enjoyed it so much that as soon as I finished, I immediately picked up the next book in the series, Bank Shot, and kept the Dortmunder momentum going. Knocking off three books in rapid succession is something I haven’t done in ages.
Do I regret not reading these books sooner? Partly yes, and partly no. “Yes” because they would have been enjoyed earlier, but “no” because discovering them now is a fresh delight. While I might have read them pre-Goodreads and missed the opportunity to share my enthusiasm, now I can wholeheartedly recommend The Hot Rock to anyone looking for a smart, funny, and thoroughly entertaining crime novel. Four (4) Stars (easily 4.5 in my book) and an enthusiastic recommendation – go grab The Hot Rock and prepare to be hooked.
