Bad News

De: Donald E. Westlake

Narrado por: Michael Kramer

“I’m a robber,” John Dortmunder says, “not a grave robber.” Yet he soon finds himself in a Long Island cemetery with dirt up to his knees. His old friend Andy Kelp is to blame—Andy and the Internet. For it was while ambling on the Net that Kelp met up with master manipulator Fitzroy Guilderpost and his nefarious companions, the flunked teacher Irwin Gabel and the Las Vegas showgirl Little Feather Redcorn. What these three have in mind is the takeover of an upstate casino, and what they also envision is that Dortmunder and Kelp will not share in the ill-gotten gains. Shovel in hand, Dortmunder wonders whose grave this is. If he isn’t careful, it could be his.

“Westlake has a genius for comic strategy, and Bad News has a lunatic brilliance worthy of Abbott and Costello.”—New York Times

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.

Good humor criminals

Another great Westlake story. The production was below par though as whole sentences were repeated eight or so times. Better than missing.

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.

Terrific Caper and Best Narrator

I’ve listened to this audiobook four or five times now. Michael Kramer does an excellent job with the gang and all the other characters. He is now one of my favorite narrators. This is a great story with lots of funny moments and quite a few Laugh Out Loud moments. This may be my favorite DORTMUNDER book.

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,

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!!

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.

Very entertaining

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

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!

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.