Cops and Robbers

Tom Polhaus works as a New York City police officer alongside his childhood friend Al Gruber. When Al proposes an insurance company heist that could net them millions, Tom wrestles with the choice between his duty as a cop and the allure of a life-changing score. The plan involves an elaborate scheme targeting a Manhattan insurance company's main office. Tom must navigate his dual roles as both a police officer gathering inside information and a potential thief, all while maintaining appearances with his fellow officers and dealing with mounting pressure from Al. Throughout the novel, corruption and moral compromise permeate every level of law enforcement and criminal enterprise in 1970s New York City. The story examines the thin line between those who enforce the law and those who break it, questioning whether the differences between cops and criminals are as clear as society assumes.

Readers describe this as a solid but not standout entry in Westlake's bibliography. The story of a police scam operation maintains interest but lacks the humor and innovative plotting found in his other works. Readers appreciated: - Fast pacing and tight writing - Realistic portrayal of police department dynamics - Complex heist logistics - Strong opening chapters Common criticisms: - Forgettable characters compared to other Westlake novels - Predictable ending - Less wit and humor than expected - Middle section drags Average ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (128 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (22 reviews) Multiple readers noted the book works better as a straightforward crime novel than a Westlake comedy. One Goodreads reviewer said "It reads more like early Ed McBain than typical Westlake." Several Amazon reviews mentioned disappointment at the lack of signature Westlake humor, with one stating "I kept waiting for the funny parts that never came."

The Anderson Tapes by Lawrence Sanders A heist novel about ex-cons planning an apartment building robbery while under surveillance captures the same mix of crime and dark humor.

Bank Shot by Donald E. Westlake The second book in the Dortmunder series follows another group of criminals attempting an outrageous theft by stealing an entire bank building.

The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake The first Dortmunder novel features a gang of thieves who must steal the same emerald multiple times due to continuous complications.

Ocean's Beat by Gerald Petievich A tale of Los Angeles police detectives working to stop a crew of professional thieves matches the procedural elements and criminal perspectives.

Six Days of the Condor by James Grady A CIA researcher uncovers a criminal conspiracy within his own organization, delivering similar themes of institutional crime and cover-ups.

🎯 Donald E. Westlake wrote this book under his real name, though he was famous for using multiple pseudonyms including Richard Stark and Tucker Coe throughout his career. 🏆 The novel reflects Westlake's expertise in writing about both sides of the law - he was known for writing from both police and criminal perspectives in his various series. 👮 Released in 1972, the book captures a unique period in New York City police history, when corruption scandals were making headlines and public trust in law enforcement was at a low point. 💰 The plot, involving police officers planning a Wall Street heist, was partially inspired by real cases of police corruption from the Knapp Commission investigations of the early 1970s. 📚 While many of Westlake's crime novels are known for their humor, Cops and Robbers takes a more serious tone, showing his versatility as a writer across different styles of crime fiction.