Bad News

John Dortmunder returns in this comic crime caper set in a fictionalized version of upstate New York. When Dortmunder receives a mysterious assignment to infiltrate a private club located in a former monastery, he assembles his usual crew of misfit criminals for what seems like a straightforward job. The target location, Thurston House, operates as an exclusive hideaway for newspaper publishers and media moguls who gather there for secret meetings. As Dortmunder and his team work to execute their plan, they become entangled in the complex politics and power dynamics of the media elite who frequent the club. The novel combines elements of traditional heist stories with sharp satire of the newspaper industry and American media culture of the 1980s. Through its blend of crime fiction and social commentary, Bad News explores themes of information control, institutional power, and the sometimes absurd nature of criminal enterprise.

Readers call this one of the weaker entries in Westlake's Dortmunder series. While maintaining the humor of previous books, many note the plot moves slower and has less tension. Liked: - Dry humor and witty dialogue - Character interactions, especially between Dortmunder and Kelp - New York City setting details - Satirical take on newspaper industry Disliked: - Plot takes too long to get going - Less crime/heist focus than other Dortmunder books - Too much time spent on newspaper business details - Some found the ending underwhelming Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (493 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (31 ratings) Reader quote: "The newspaper industry stuff is interesting but gets in the way of what should be a crime caper." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "Not enough of the usual gang interaction that makes these books special." - Amazon reviewer

The Fourth Wall by Barbara Paul A Broadway actress becomes entangled in a murder investigation while working at a newspaper, blending theater and journalism in a comedic crime caper.

Stop Press by Michael Innes A newspaper magnate's death leads to chaos in the newsroom as reporters race to solve the crime while meeting deadlines.

Hot Copy by Peter Bartram A crime reporter in 1960s Brighton navigates newsroom politics and criminal investigations while pursuing leads on a murder at a rival newspaper.

Deadline by John Dunning A reporter investigating a cold case murder discovers connections between old newspaper articles and present-day killings.

The Wrong Stuff by Ted Wood A journalist's investigation into corruption at a small-town newspaper puts him in the crosshairs of dangerous people who want to keep their secrets buried.

🔍 "Bad News" is part of Westlake's famous Dortmunder series, following the misadventures of hapless criminal John Dortmunder as he attempts to steal bones from an Indian burial ground. 🏆 Donald E. Westlake wrote under multiple pseudonyms throughout his career, including Richard Stark and Tucker Coe, winning three Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America. ⚰️ The novel's plot was partly inspired by real controversies surrounding the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which became law in 1990. 📚 This book was published in 2001 and is the 10th novel in the Dortmunder series, which spans 14 books in total, beginning with "The Hot Rock" in 1970. 🎬 While this particular book hasn't been adapted, other Dortmunder novels have become films, including "The Hot Rock" starring Robert Redford and "Bank Shot" with George C. Scott.