Get Real

Get Real follows John Dortmunder and his crew of career criminals as they encounter an unusual proposition: starring in a reality TV show about their heists. The producer wants to film them planning and executing actual robberies while maintaining plausible deniability about the crimes. The gang must navigate the challenges of television production while staying true to their criminal expertise. Their target is a Manhattan office building, but the presence of cameras and crew members adds complications to their standard operating procedures. The novel blends the mechanics of heist planning with behind-the-scenes television production details. Multiple plot threads interweave as Dortmunder attempts to reconcile his need for secrecy with the demands of reality TV producers. This entry in Westlake's Dortmunder series examines the intersection of entertainment and criminality, raising questions about authenticity in an era where reality television manipulates truth for ratings.

Readers call this final Dortmunder novel a fitting end to the series, maintaining Westlake's signature humor while delivering a satisfying heist plot. Readers appreciated: - The reality TV show premise felt timely and relevant - Strong dialogue and character interactions - Several laugh-out-loud moments - Closure for longtime series fans Common criticisms: - Plot moves slower than earlier Dortmunder books - Less complex heist scheme compared to previous novels - Some felt the reality TV angle was too obvious a target Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (473 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (54 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Not his best, but still better than most comic crime fiction" - Goodreads reviewer "The TV producer characters seem one-dimensional" - Amazon review "A gentler, more reflective tone than the early books" - LibraryThing user "Perfect way to say goodbye to these characters" - Mystery reader forum post

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🔎 "Get Real" was Donald E. Westlake's final John Dorfman novel, published in 2009 after his death 📺 The book cleverly satirizes reality television, following Dorfman and his crew as they're recruited to star in their own heist-themed show ✍️ Westlake wrote over 100 books during his career, using multiple pseudonyms including Richard Stark and Tucker Coe 🏆 The author won three Edgar Awards and was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America 🎬 Though this particular book wasn't adapted, many of Westlake's works became successful films, including "Point Blank," "The Hot Rock," and "Payback"