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Mystery · 1970 · PG

The hot rock

by Donald E. Westlake

A hapless gang of thieves steals the same emerald four times — because they keep losing it.

For10+GenreMysteryLength249 pagesRead time~6.5 hours

This analysis was generated by AI from publicly available reader reviews, literary criticism, and book discussions. It has not been verified by a BookLens community reviewer and may contain errors. Be the first to verify →

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What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.

Violence

Barely any

Comic caper violence; heists with minor peril

Language

Barely any

Mild language

Sexual Content

None

No sexual content

Substance Use

Barely any

Drinking

Emotional Intensity

None

Themes of professional incompetence, loyalty among thieves, and comic misfortune

What this book is about

The first Dortmunder novel (1970) introduces John Dortmunder, the world's most unlucky professional thief, and his gang as they attempt to steal the Balabomo Emerald for an African nation — and then steal it again. And again. Comedy crime at its best. For older teens and adults.

Notes for sensitive readers

Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.

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