Edgar Award Finalist: Fresh out of prison, John Dortmunder plans a heist that could mean war in this thriller by Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Donald E. Westlake. John Dortmunder leaves jail with ten dollars, a train ticket, and nothing to make money on but his good name. Thankfully, his reputation goes far. No one plans a caper better than Dortmunder. His friend Kelp picks him up in a stolen Cadillac and drives him away from Sing-Sing, telling a story of a $500,000 emerald that they just have to steal. Dortmunder doesn't hesitate to agree. The emerald is the crown jewel of a former British colony, lately granted independence and split into two nations: one for the Talabwo people, one for the Akinzi. The Akinzi have the stone, the Talabwo want it back, and their UN representative offers a fine payday to the men who can get it. It's not a simple heist, but after a few years in stir, Dortmunder could use the challenge.
- ISBN10 0708826857
- ISBN13 9780708826850
- Publish Date 21 March 1985 (first published 11 January 1971)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 18 October 2003
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
- Imprint Futura Publications
- Edition New edition
- Format Paperback
- Pages 200
- Language English