Order of Dortmunder Book Series

The "Dortmunder" series, penned by the prolific author Donald Westlake, features a charmingly inept thief named John Dortmunder, whose elaborate heists invariably encounter a comical array of obstacles. Set against the backdrop of urban America, the series captures Dortmunder's misadventures as he navigates the underbelly of crime with a motley crew of sidekicks, including the oft-bumbling Kelp and the insightful Murch.

Combining sharp wit, clever plotting, and a keen sense of irony, Westlake's writing brings a unique flavor to the heist genre. Each installment showcases Dortmunder's resilience and resourcefulness, often leading to situations that highlight the absurdity of crime and the eccentricities of human nature. From planning elaborate robberies to dealing with unexpected twists and rival criminals, Dortmunder’s unyielding spirit and humor make him a compelling protagonist.

With a blend of satire and suspense, the "Dortmunder" series has earned its place as a beloved staple in crime fiction, appealing to readers who appreciate a good laugh along with their thrills. Whether you are a longtime fan of caper stories or new to Westlake's work, this series promises engaging escapades and memorable characters that will keep you entertained from the first page to the last.

The "Dortmunder" series, created by Donald Westlake, follows the misadventures of John Dortmunder, a clever but often unlucky thief. Known for his dry sense of humor and cunning plans that frequently go awry, Dortmunder's escapades are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Here’s a brief description of each book in the series:

1. The Hot Rock (1970) - The first book introduces John Dortmunder and his crew as they attempt to steal a valuable emerald known as "The Hot Rock." Their heist does not go as planned, leading to a series of comedic missteps and misfortunes.

2. Bank Shot (1972) - In this sequel, Dortmunder plans a heist on a bank in a mobile unit, which turns into an elaborate caper involving a stolen bank, friends, and some unexpected twists.

3. Jimmy the Kid (1974) - This installment sees Dortmunder and his gang entangled with a rather naive kid who they try to use as a tool in their schemes, leading to further complications.

4. Nobody's Perfect (1977) - Dortmunder is pulled into a plot involving an older criminal organization looking to take advantage of him and his crew, highlighting the interplay of various criminal minds.

5. Why Me? (1979) - Dortmunder takes on a job that quickly spirals out of control, as he finds himself embroiled in a series of events that lead to unforeseen challenges.

6. Good Behavior (1985) - This book features Dortmunder being released from prison and quickly being dragged back into a life of crime for a heist that seems straightforward but becomes anything but.

7. Dortmunder's Biggest Heist (1993) - In this entry, Dortmunder is hired to execute what is supposedly an easy job, but things spiral out of control again, demonstrating the series' themes of how plans often go awry.

8. The Dortmunder Follies (1995) - A later installment that sees Dortmunder tackle a series of bizarre and chaotic situations linked to an ambitious caper.

9. What’s So Funny? (1993) - In this narrative, Dortmunder confronts the challenge of orchestrating a heist involving the theft of a priceless precious artifact, dealing again with all sorts of distractions and humorous outcomes.

10. Get Real (2000) - This book sees Dortmunder facing modern challenges, such as reality television and the complexities of crime in a media-saturated world.

The Dortmunder series expertly blends humor with crime fiction, showcasing Westlake's signature writing style and character development. The mix of humor, clever plotting, and social commentary makes the series a classic in crime literature. Each book builds on the established character while introducing new and engaging scenarios that keep readers entertained from start to finish.

The "Dortmunder" series, created by Donald Westlake, features a recurring protagonist named John Dortmunder, who is a clever and resourceful thief. The series is known for its blend of humor and crime, and Dortmunder is often portrayed as a flawed but relatable anti-hero. Here’s a brief overview of the main characters:

John Dortmunder

The main character of the series, Dortmunder is an experienced yet perpetually unlucky thief. He is intelligent and resourceful, often coming up with elaborate plans for heists. However, his plans frequently go awry due to unforeseen complications or the incompetence of his associates. Dortmunder is characterized by his dry wit, practicality, and moral code, even in a life of crime.

Andy Kelp

Kelp is Dortmunder's best friend and partner in crime, often characterized by his optimism and enthusiasm, which contrasts with Dortmunder's more cynical outlook. Kelp is resourceful and creative, often coming up with ideas that spark the team's heists. Despite his occasional impulsiveness, he proves to be a loyal friend and ally.

Tiny Bulcher

A large, imposing figure, Tiny is a former wrestler who serves as the muscle in Dortmunder’s crew. Despite his intimidating appearance, Tiny has a good heart and is more interested in camaraderie than in actual violence. He provides both physical strength and loyalty to the group.

Murch

Murch is a character who appears in several Dortmunder novels. He is a skilled locksmith and a bit of a pacifist, often serving as the voice of reason among the group. His expertise in breaking into places often proves invaluable to the crew's heists, though he sometimes finds himself overwhelmed by the chaos that ensues.

May (Dortmunder's mother)

Though she is not a part of the heist crew, Dortmunder's mother plays a significant role in his life. Her pragmatic approach and concerns about Dortmunder’s criminal lifestyle add depth to his character and highlight his struggle between familial obligations and his life of crime.

These characters, along with a variety of supporting roles, create a dynamic and engaging world full of humor and intrigue as they navigate the ups and downs of their criminal endeavors. The series combines clever plotting with a character-driven narrative, making it a beloved staple in the crime fiction genre.

The "Dortmunder" series, created by author Donald Westlake, features the character John Dortmunder, a professional thief known for his clever heists and often humorous misadventures. Here are some interesting facts about this beloved series:

1. First Appearance: The character John Dortmunder first appeared in the novel "The Hot Rock," published in 1970. This book introduces readers to Dortmunder's charm and penchant for getting into, and out of, trouble.

2. Humor and Heists: The series is known for its unique blend of crime and humor. Westlake crafts intricate heists that often go awry due to Dortmunder's unfortunate luck and the antics of his quirky crew.

3. Recurring Characters: Alongside Dortmunder, the series features a cast of recurring characters, including his friend and partner in crime, Andy Kelp, and other associates like the grumpy Stan Murch and the incompetent Abu.

4. Social Commentary: While the series is primarily a crime comedy, Westlake often infuses social commentary into the stories, exploring themes such as the nature of crime, the absurdity of bureaucracy, and the quirks of everyday life.

5. Pseudonym Use: Donald Westlake was a prolific writer and sometimes published under several pseudonyms, including Richard Stark, under which he wrote the more serious "Parker" series. This allowed him to explore different styles and genres, showcasing his versatility as a writer.

6. Film Adaptations: Several books in the Dortmunder series have been adapted into films, including "The Hot Rock" (1972) and "Dortmunder" (2005). The adaptations often take liberties with the source material but attempt to capture the spirit of Dortmunder's heists.

7. Influence on Crime Fiction: The Dortmunder series has been praised for its wit and intelligence, influencing many modern crime fiction writers and contributing to the genre of comic crime.

8. Posthumous Appreciation: Although Westlake passed away in 2008, the Dortmunder series continues to gain new readers, with the character remaining a beloved figure in crime fiction.

9. Themes of Friendship and Loyalty: Central to the series is the theme of camaraderie among thieves. Despite their criminal activities, Dortmunder and his friends display a strong sense of loyalty and friendship.

10. Westlake's Love for New York City: Many Dortmunder stories highlight the vibrant and diverse settings of New York City, showcasing the city as a character in itself. Westlake's intricate descriptions capture both the beauty and chaos of urban life.

The Dortmunder series remains a celebrated example of crime fiction that offers readers both laughter and thrills, showcasing Donald Westlake's unique storytelling ability.