Why Me?

A Dortmunder Novel

By: Donald E. Westlake

Narrated by: Brian Holsopple

The Byzantine Fire is much more than a flawless ninety-carat ruby. As a stone, it's worth over a million dollars, a value vastly increased by its pure gold band - but its history is what makes it priceless. A ring that has been fought for with sword and pen and passed from nation to nation by all manner of theft and trickery, has finally made its way to the United States. The US agrees to return it to Turkey, but it's about to be stolen twice more.

A gang of Greeks armed with Sten guns burst into the security room at JFK Airport and escape with the priceless stone, which they deposit in the safe at a small jeweler's shop in Queens. A few hours later, unlucky thief John Dortmunder, expecting a routine robbery, steals it again. Having unsuspectingly lifted the hottest gem in town, John Dortmunder becomes the prey of the FBI, the New York City police, terrorist groups from three nations, and all of New York's petty and not-so-petty crooks.

Much blood has been shed for this little ruby, and Dortmunder's could very well be next.

©1983 Donald E. Westlake (P)2013 HighBridge Company

Entertaining; caveat for dated slurs.

I love Dortmunder stories. Westlake is an all-time favorite. I did find the racial/gay slurs a bit jarring, but I’m old enough to be able to take in in the context of the time and simply overlook, understanding we have come a long way.

Performance was really good. Did find Andy’s voice a bit too high-pitched and Mae’s sounded like she was a man due for an iron lung. When I read these books decades ago, I did not have these impressions. Still, John came through like the character we know him to be.

Now that I prefer audio to reading, I look forward to listening to my favorite books. Not all Dortmunders are done in audio, but enough to keep me amused for a while.

Another delightful mis-adventure.

John Dortmunder scores his biggest prize accidentally. If it were anyone else they would be set for at least a nice vacation, but not Dortmunder.

The curse strikes again and John not only cannot get rid of the item but he has become a huge target for both the police and the underworld. He biggest goal is to somehow survive his "good luck" and live to see another day. What a hoot!

Donald Westlake has created a wonderful character with John Dortmunder and I have found every one of the first 5 novels well worth the time and money. I have not been disappointed with the characters, the stories or the wonderful finishes Mr Westlake has come up with. After a little rest (and some more serious books), it will be on to #6.

Great story

Narrator was good. The story was fun and interesting. Dortmunder is a great character.

Dortmunder Contra Mundi

Usually, Dortmunder is contending with law enforcement, the quirks and foibles of his own friends, and of course the infamous Dortmunder luck. But here he's up against the NYPD, the New York underworld, the FBI, the CIA, assorted nationalist movements, terror groups, religious factions...oh yes, and the infamous Dortmunder luck. The result is the best Dortmunder yarn I've listened to yet. And Brian Holsopple makes it even more enjoyable.

Cool

Good listen. Easily passed the time on a 7 hr flight. Ready for more Westlake. Westlake. Westlake Westlake. Westlake. Westlake.

I love the Dortmunder books

I love this series of books. The way that Donald Westlake wrote is wonderful. I was introduced to these stories when the movie “The Hot Rock “ came out in 1971.

Very entertaining but not for the thin skinned

The story is now dated, and the ethnic slurs run hot and heavy. But if you are old enough to understand the jokes I found it very entertaining. Not the usual Dortmunder story where he steals the same thing over and over again.

Rubies are hot

This is not my favorite Dortmunder, because the action is somewhat missing. But still fun! Enjoy!

The words?

The words! Not sure what else there is to a terrific story. Well maybe? No.

My greatest triumph!

John Dortmunder, an experienced thief, finds more than he bargained for. The 90-carat Byzantine Fire Ruby was one of the most valuable rubies in the world. Worth a quarter of a million dollars, the setting of pure gold, surrounded by blue and white sapphires doubled the price. The history of the ruby made it priceless. The jeweled ring was being transferred when it was stolen and moved to a local jewelry store. By coincidence, Dortmunder robbed this store, not knowing what he had. The story continues with the city-wide clamp-down to find the jewel and all the repercussions behind it. Westlake has used several narrators. I’ve listened to later episodes of Dortmunder, liking the narrator, William Dufris much better. Other than that, the story was very good.