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Bad News  By  cover art

Bad News

By: Donald E. Westlake
Narrated by: Michael Kramer
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Publisher's summary

John Dortmunder doesn't like manual labor. So when he gets the offer of money to dig up a grave, he balks . . . then he wonders why Fitzroy Guilderpost, criminal mastermind, wants to pull a switcheroo of two 70-years-dead Indians.

©2001 Donald E. Westlake (P)2012 Random House Audio

What listeners say about Bad News

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

When I need a "pick me up" this is my go to series

The writing is impeccable.
The reader is one of the very best.
And I laugh out loud at the antics of the characters.
Highly recommended to anyone who just wants to enjoy a good laugh without compromising on quality writing.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Twisted plot about twisted characters.

I enjoy the Dortmunder series of comic mysteries. This is one of the more intricate plots and more complicated than most. Not that it is believable, but at least, within its own world, it kind of makes sense, which isn't to say it isn't full of surprise twists. It ends in a satisfying way, in which nearly every crook gets what he/she deserves. Needless to say, John Dortmunder is never going to make a huge financial killing, but he'll never be without his group of friends and admirers. The narrator, Michael Cramer, does an exceptional job giving individual voices to the characters and adds enormously to the pleasure of the story.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Back on Track

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, good story. Great humor as well as witty sarcasm Longer listen but worked out really great. I didn't want it to end. Really enjoyable..

Who was your favorite character and why?

In this one Tiny. His character is developing nicely. He stood out much more in this one. I hope it continues.

Which scene was your favorite?

When they were waiting wrapped up in blankets during the snow storm before they were going to rob the museum/mansion,

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • JB
  • 07-12-21

Totally worth listening to!!

The narrator was excellent!! This story continued to build, twist & expand with every chapter. I'm sure I'll be listening to this one again. So GOOD!!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A great story

Rediscovering Donald E Westlake after months of trying new authors - and abandoning most books before the final chapter - was like waking up out of a coma. Phew. I was beginning to think the problem was me.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very entertaining

Great set of characters populate this imaginative and humorous plot or set of plots about overlapping con jobs. Outstanding narration work.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great news

This is one of my favorite Westlake yarns. Hilarious and full of roller coaster turns. No idea how he thought of this stuff but I'm glad he did!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Best performer period

What about Michael Kramer’s performance did you like?

Michael Kramer breathed life and energy into each and every character. Each person had a distinct and separate personality. Michael's performance is a perfect match to this book and series. My only wish is that he read all the books in this series.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Narrator made too many repeats.

Would you listen to Bad News again? Why?

Once or twice, reading same line again is bearable, but many times - not okay. I will listen to it again, though, because it IS a Dortmunder novel.

What did you like best about this story?

Great story.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • KM
  • 07-01-17

Great book, great narrator

Any additional comments?

I have listened to this book more than once. It is embarrassingly laugh provoking, especially when you're driving down the road alone or in the grocery store. i highly recommend the author and the narrator. Both brilliant.

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2 people found this helpful