The Road to Ruin - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0709077483 ISBN 13: 9780709077480

Publisher: Robert Hale Ltd

Westlake's infamous gang of wayward thieves, led by the unlucky and unflagging John Dortmunder, have hatched another perfect plan. They're going to work for one of the most crooked men in the world - for the sole purpose of robbing him blind. The truth is, Monroe Hall can't find anyone to staff his sprawling, antique-laden Pennsylvania estate. For Dortmunder's crew, going to work for Monroe is like being kids let loose in a sweet shop until they make a sobering discovery: Munroe Hall has some deadly enemies out there. Now the pariah has vanished and the police are at the door. And everyone knows, whenever there's mischief in a mansion...the butler did it!

About the Author:

Donald E. Westlake has written numerous novels over the past thirty-five years under his own name and pseudonyms, including Richard Stark. Many of his books have been made into movies, including The Hunter, which became the brilliant film noir Point Blank and the 1999 smash hit Payback. He penned the Hollywood scripts for The Stepfather and The Grifters, which was nominated for an Academy Award for best screenplay. The winner of three Edgar awards and a Mystery Writers of America Grand Master, Donald E. Westlake lives with his wife, Abby Adams, in rural New York State.

From AudioFile:

John Dortmunder's target, in this latest in Westlake's popular series, is the collection of antique automobiles owned by one Monroe Hall, a disgraced but unjailed ex-CEO holed up on his heavily guarded estate in rural Pennsylvania. In addition to Dortmunder and friends, intent on burglary, two venture capitalists want to kidnap Hall, and three union workers want restitution of the retirement fund that Hall looted. Nothing works out as planned, but much amusement results from the conflicting capers. William Dufris has a high old time with the large and disparate cast of characters, including Dortmunder's merry band and an alcoholic traveling salesman. He even gives voice to one of the venture capitalists before and after a broken jaw. R.E.K. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine