Jimmy the Kid

I have read a number of the other Dortmunder novels and liked them. They are the flip side of the Parker novels written under the pen name of Richard Stark, which are the equal of Hammett's most-hard-boiled stories. This book is the most memorable of any of the Dortmunders I have yet read.

The initial John Dortmunder novel The Hot Rock was originally intended to be another Parker novel (hard boiled crime series written by Westlake under the pseudonym Richard Stark). When the story didn't suit the Parker character, John Dortmunder was born. So it is extremely interesting to read a novel about Dortmunder's gang trying to pull of a Parker crime by acting out the fictional Parker plot from a Stark novel, which Andy Kelp read while spending a few days in prison. Jimmy the Kid, first published in 1974, is the third volume in the Dortmunder series. It's also interesting as Westlake isn't afraid to poke holes in the Parker storyline (albeit Child Heist is a novel that was never published in the real world) and the fact that the real world (well one Dortmunder inhabits) would throw up all kinds of obstacles and not run as smoothly as it does for Parker in his novels. Basic plot of both Child Heist and Jimmy the Kid is the kidnapping for ransom of a 13 year old rich kid from his chauffer driven limo. Like any Dortmunder novel though, Murphy's Law, over confidence in the gang's abilities and not thinking everything through means there's no smooth sailing if they are to be successful. Also throw in the fact that Jimmy has more brains than the whole gang combined and what you've got is a great read. I'm not sure if Westlake had revealed to the world that he was in fact Richard Stark, when this was first published which would have made it even funnier and maybe a little controversial. Of course this novel may have been how he revealed the successful pen name and his own were one in the same! Jimmy the Kid is a must for any Dortmunder or Parker fan, even more so if you're a fan of both series.

Usually I don't care for detective/suspense novels where a child is in danger. Although "Jimmy The Kid" deals with the kidnapping of a child, Westlake handles it so well that at no time does the reader feel there is any peril for the child or concern by his parents. Dortmunder, against his better judgment, is persuaded to organize a kidnapping using as a plan the plot of a detective story. Needless to say, real life does not conform to the fiction. Also Dortmunder's gang aren't quite as smart as the fictional villains; for instance, Kelp puts up a detour sign reading "ROAD CLOSED -- DETURE". Somehow the kidnapping does manage to occur, but then as in O'Henry's "Ransom of Red Chief", the victim outsmarts the kidnappers. "Jimmy The Kid" is one of Donald Westlake's shorter books, and the madness does not grow exponentially as in other Dortmunder caper stories. Nevertheless, it is a masterpiece. Read and enjoy!

All of Donald E. Westlake's Dortmunder novels lampoon the usual crime genre by portraying robbers as bunglers with bad luck. In Jimmy the Kid, Mr. Westlake really takes the gloves off to show his contempt for crime novels. The results are hilarious and you'll be glad you read this book.As the book opens, Dortmunder is looking to break into a warehouse in a neighborhood where people live . . . so he needs to be quiet. Suddenly someone is calling out his name and trying to get his attention. Dortmunder can't believe that anyone would do this to him. But it's only Andy Kelp who is trying to help. Dortmunder has slightly miscalculated where the warehouse is.Dortmunder takes a long time to get over being angry with Kelp about this incident. As a result, he's slow to take to Kelp's idea that the gang kidnap a child following the plot of a novel called Child Heist by Richard Stark. Eventually, Mae (Dortmunder's live-in girlfriend), Stan Murch (his favorite driver), Murch's Mom (the New York City cabbie) and Dortmunder agree. Mae and Murch's Mom go along more because they want to be sure that the child isn't harmed. The book alternates sections from Child Heist with what actually occurs. The differences make for grand humor. Dortmunder also has a problem with execution because by relying on the book, everyone becomes over-confident and makes easily avoidable errors. Anyone who has ever tried to reach someone on a cell phone with no success with how with laughter as Murch's Mom calls a car phone to direct how the ransom is to be dropped off.In the midst of this, Jimmy turns out to be a child genius who easily runs circles around the gang. The results are humorous and often unexpected. My only complaint about this fine book is that Mr. Westlake made Jimmy a little too much like Super Boy. I don't think there are many adults who could have pulled off elements of what he does in the story.If you have liked any of the Dortmunder novels, or like humorous books, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. It compares favorably with the best of the Stephanie Plum novels. After you finish enjoying the book, think about where you can add your own original touch to make life better for all.

This book is excellent. It is a well thought out, well written Comedy about the Troubles in the Dortmunder gang, A loveable and hilarious group. Donald E. Westlake is an amazing and talented author. Definitly worth the read.

Westlake's Dortmunder books are his best. This is perhaps the funniest of those comic capers. A young genius cons the cons in this ironic, whimsical and hilarious adventure. Hard as they may try, Dortmunder, Kelp and the gang always lose, and though we empathize, we love seeing them do it.