Discover books similar to "Jimmy The Kid"
Donald E. Westlake
Jimmy The Kid
3.95
Part of "Dortmunder" series
Jimmy the Kid is a fast-paced and humorous crime novel written by Donald E. Westlake, under the pseudonym Richard Stark. First published in 1974, the book is the eighth entry in the series featuring the professional thief Parker, but with a unique twist: this time, Parker must deal with a group of bumbling amateurs who have kidnapped a child according to their misguided understanding of a Hollywood script. The story begins with the gang of thieves, known as the Outfit, reading about a fictional kidnapping in a novel and deciding to replicate it in real life. They choose the son of a wealthy businessman and, despite their lack of experience, manage to successfully abduct him. However, their plan quickly falls apart when they realize that handling a child is far more challenging than they anticipated. Meanwhile, Parker is brought in to oversee the operation and ensure the ransom is delivered smoothly. Westlake masterfully combines humor and suspense throughout the novel, as the inept kidnappers struggle to maintain their cover and keep the child under control. Jimmy, the kidnapped boy, is no ordinary child either; he is clever, resourceful, and quickly becomes a thorn in the side of his captors. As the story unfolds, Parker finds himself in increasingly absurd situations, forced to adapt his usual methods to deal with the unpredictable nature of his young charge. Jimmy the Kid is a delightful departure from the typical hard-boiled crime fiction of the time. Westlake's ability to find humor in even the most tense situations makes this book a standout in the genre. The novel also offers a fascinating exploration of the blurred lines between fiction and reality, as the characters' actions are continually influenced by the stories they read and the movies they watch. In conclusion, Jimmy the Kid is a highly entertaining and engaging crime novel that will appeal to fans of both traditional heist stories and light-hearted humor. Donald E. Westlake's skillful storytelling and unique twist on the Parker series make this book a must-read for fans of the genre...
List of books similar to "Jimmy The Kid":
Donald E. Westlake
The Hot Rock
If you enjoyed 'Jimmy The Kid', you'll likely appreciate 'The Hot Rock', another classic crime caper from Donald E. Westlake. This time, the story follows a group of criminals as they attempt to steal a valuable gemstone, leading to a series of hilarious and unpredictable events.
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George V. Higgins
The Friends of Eddie Coyle
For a change of pace, try 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle', a gritty crime novel about a aging gunrunner navigating the Boston underworld. The novel's sharp dialogue and realistic portrayal of criminal life make it a compelling read for fans of 'Jimmy The Kid'.
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Michael Connelly
The Lincoln Lawyer
In 'The Lincoln Lawyer', a defense attorney takes on a high-profile case involving a wealthy client accused of murder. As the story unfolds, the lawyer uncovers a series of shocking secrets and must navigate the treacherous waters of the Los Angeles criminal justice system. This gripping legal thriller will captivate readers who enjoyed the clever plotting and suspense in 'Jimmy The Kid'.
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Dashiell Hammett
The Thin Man
For a classic crime novel with plenty of wit and humor, try 'The Thin Man'. The story follows a retired detective and his socialite wife as they become embroiled in a complex murder investigation. The novel's snappy dialogue and unforgettable characters make it a delightful read for fans of 'Jimmy The Kid'.
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Dashiell Hammett
The Maltese Falcon
Another classic crime novel from Dashiell Hammett, 'The Maltese Falcon' follows a private detective as he investigates the murder of his partner and the theft of a valuable statue. The novel's sharp prose, memorable characters, and intricate plot will appeal to fans of 'Jimmy The Kid'.
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Raymond Chandler
The Big Sleep
In 'The Big Sleep', a private detective is hired by a wealthy family to investigate a blackmail case, only to become embroiled in a complex web of crime and deceit. The novel's snappy dialogue, atmospheric prose, and unforgettable characters make it a must-read for fans of 'Jimmy The Kid'.
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Dashiell Hammett
Red Harvest
For a grittier crime novel from Dashiell Hammett, try 'Red Harvest'. The story follows a private detective who is hired to clean up a corrupt town, only to become embroiled in a violent power struggle between rival gangs. The novel's brutal violence and sharp social commentary make it a compelling read for fans of 'Jimmy The Kid'.
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