Get Real

By: Donald E. Westlake

Narrated by: William Dufris

Eluding the law has always been high on Dortmunder's list. But getting caught red-handed is inevitable in his next caper, when a TV producer convinces this thief and his merry gang to star in a reality show that captures their next score. The producer even guarantees to keep the show from being used as evidence against them. They're dubious at first, but the pay's good, so they sign on.

A mock-up of the OJ bar is built in a downtown New York City warehouse. As the gang plans their next move with the cameras rolling, Dortmunder and Kelp sneak onto the roof of their new studio to organize a private enterprise. It will take an ingenious plan to outwit viewers glued to their television sets, but Dortmunder is nothing if not persistent, and he's determined to end this shoot with money in his pockets.

©2009 Donald E. Westlake (P)2009 BBC Audiobooks America

Critic reviews

"The game plan changes nearly hourly, and the outcome is anything but certain. The assorted idiosyncrasies of the group's members and the interactions among them will rouse chuckles from even jaded readers." ( Publishers Weekly)

Dortmunder is immortal!

Dortmunder and his gang ought to be pushing 80, now, given that they were pushing 40 back in 1970, when Donald Westlake began chronicling their burglarious exploits. In fact, they still seem to be pushing forty in "Get Real;" so one can only assume that they are all immortal. That makes me happy, since I never tire of their capers. The Dormunder gang provides just about the funniest, most entertaining listening one could wish for. In "Get Real," they encounter a new twist: A reality T.V. show producer wants to film them doing what they do best. Presenting them with a lucrative deal which they can't refuse, the producer talks them into the plan; but the producer has no idea what he has gotten himself into with these lovable criminals. Look forward to the gang's usual shenanigans: traipsing across roof-tops; climbing through windows; plotting burglaries in the back room of the O. J. Bar & Grill, where "the regulars," as always, are engaging in absurd, hilarious, low-brow conversations. William Dufris, the narrator of "Get Real," does a spectacular job of voicing all the characters. In particular, he turns in an inimitable performance of a foreigner in the O. J. speaking jibberish that sounds like a cross between German and Chinese. That scene, alone, makes it worth listening to "Get Real." I recommend this audiobook to anyone who isn't too serious. Sadly, I just learned that Donald Westlake died in 2008; so with "Get Real" we will be listening to the last of Dortmunder, and Company. On the other hand, since they are immortal, maybe some other author will take up the job of documenting their exploits ....

Breezy farce

Where does Get Real rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It took a little while to get into the story and 'suspend disbelief', but proved an enjoyable listen in the end.

A fun romp

Any additional comments?

What a delightful find. I saw the advertisement on the Audible front page and although I wasn't familiar with Mr. Westgate's Dortmunder series, I was intrigued by the premise and reassured by the good ratings.

A reality show producer looking for his next big hit after "The Stand" (a reality TV show he produces chronicling the life and drama of running a roadside farm stand) hits upon an idea to recruit a team of actual thieves (the Dortmunder gang) and film them planning and then executing a real burglary.

The money is good, the risk to the gang manageable, and Dortmunder has ideas of his own to sweeten the take for the gang. John Dortmunder is one of the cleverest (and unlucky) criminals you are likely to meet, so the reality TV show promises to be very interesting indeed.

This was such a fun listen and I was sad when it ended. Even more so since Mr. Westlake passed away in 2008 and the Dortmunder gang is most likely in retirement. However, there still are 13 other Dortmunder books for me to enjoy.

Reality Show!

One of Dortmunder’s associates, Kelp introduced him to a unique job prospect. A reality TV show wanted to film Dortmunder’s crew executing a job, then produce it for TV. $20K per man plus $600 per diem sounded very interesting, but what of the consequences? Dortmunder and Stan met with the TV producer, Doug Fairkeep to get the particulars. Dortmunder got the crew together to discuss the idea. Dortmunder had his ideas, film one do two. The story detours to focus on other characters, their backgrounds, their interest in the show, and some practice show takes. Eventually, the tale comes back to Dortmunder’s devious plan. I’m liking the Dortmunder series.

Fun, But Not Great

Complete fluff. Abrupt ending, but overall a fun listen.