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Jimmy the Kid

A Dortmunder Novel

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About this listen

Kelp has a plan, and John Dortmunder knows that means trouble. His friend Kelp is a jinx, and his schemes, no matter how well intentioned, tend to spiral quickly out of control. But this one, Kelp swears, is airtight. He read it in a book.

In county lock-up for a traffic charge, Kelp came across a library of trashy novels by an author named Richard Stark. The hero is a thief named Parker whose plans, unlike Kelp and Dortmunder's, always work out. In one, Parker orchestrates a kidnapping so brilliant that, Kelp thinks, it would have to work in real life. Though offended that his usual role as planner has been usurped, Dortmunder agrees to try using the novel as a blueprint. Unfortunately, what's simple on the page turns complex in real life, and there is no book to guide him through the madness he's signed on for.

©1974 Donald E. Westlake. Recorded by arrangement with Mysterious Press.com, LLC (P)2013 HighBridge Company Crime Fiction Fiction Literature & Fiction Mystery Traditional Detectives Crime Detective Comedy Suspense
All stars
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Written in the 70s, it has great references to NY at that time. Gentle humour and great voices in the performances. Worth a listen.

An unexpected gem

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There is no need to wonder why Donald E. Westlake is held in such great esteem by fans of the crime genre. Jimmy the Kid has all the qualities of a brisk thriller presented as a truly funny comedy. Westlake's hapless anti-hero Dortmunder is accompanied by a memorable cast of down-at-heel rogues (including the mother-son team of Gladys and Stan Murch who talk endlessly about the best roads to take on any given occasion). The plot involves the crew's attempt to kidnap a wealthy businessman's son, an idea derived from a novel by Richard Stark (Westlake's hard-boiled alter ego). Hilarity ensues. Brian Holsopple provides spirited narration. Highly recommended.

Clever, compelling and genuinely funny

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