Jimmy the Kid

A Dortmunder Novel

By: Donald Westlake

Narrated by: Brian Holsopple

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

Another great Dortmunder

Dortmunder reluctantly gets involved with Andy Kelp in a kidnapping this time. As usual, there are many amusing missteps and mishaps , but it is a fun ride and thoroughly enjoyable. You don't want to miss it!

The Kid Steals the Show

Any additional comments?

Another great entry in the Dortmunder series. I was laughing out loud at a scene where Dortmunder's gang is trying to pull off a kidnapping while in rubber masks.

What a hoot!

I love the Dortmunder series for what it is! Give me more and more of the gang that could shouldn't shoot straight. I am happy to laugh my way through their escapades time after time. Here is a book that you can read with a light heart and a big laugh. Here is a book that isn't pretending or even trying to be great literature. It has no depth. It has no message. It doesn't even call out for a review.

Dortmunder Does It Again

Outstanding entertainment. Good and evil? There is no evil. Just entrepreneurship. Clever plot with twists. Brian's voice brings the characters to life.

What's up with the narrator

This is a great story, but the choices made by the narrator are inexplicable. Kelp's voice is so high he sounds like a bad cartoon character. Both of the women have 30-year, four pack a day voices. They are indistinguishable from one another. Loved the book...not so much the narration.