The Dame

An Alan Grofield Novel, Book 2

By: Richard Stark

Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Donald E. Westlake is one of the greats of crime fiction. Under the pseudonym Richard Stark, he wrote 24 fast-paced, hard-boiled novels featuring Parker, a shrewd career criminal with a talent for heists. Using the same nom de plume, Westlake also completed a separate series in the Parker universe, starring Alan Grofield, an occasional colleague of Parker. While he shares events and characters with several Parker novels, Grofield is less calculating and more hot-blooded than Parker; think fewer guns, more dames.

Not that there isn’t violence and adventure aplenty... The Dame finds Grofield in Puerto Rico protecting a rich, demanding woman in her isolated jungle villa, and reluctantly assuming the role of detective. A rare Westlake take on a whodunit, The Dame features a cast of colorful characters and a suspenseful - and memorable - climax.

©2012 Richard Stark (P)2013 AudioGO

Critic reviews

"Marvelous.... Nearly half a century into his writing career, Westlake remains superb." ( Entertainment Weekly)

"Stark’s momentum is such that the more matter he throws into the hopper the faster the gears turn. The books are machines that all but read themselves. You can read the entire series and not once have to invest in a bookmark." ( London Standard)

"Crime fiction stripped down - as it was meant to be.... Oh, how the pages keep turning." ( Philadelphia Inquirer)

Stark does Christie

This novel breaks the mold and moves the Christie formula to Puerto Rico. Nicely done

Better than Parker

Alan Grofield has personality, which I haven't seen much of in Parker. I'd like it better if I didn't know Grofield had a "sweet" wife somewhere, to whom he was indifferent, negligent, and unfaithful. Otherwise, The book is good. Westlake's Dortmunder books are much better.

Interesting fun

love the characters, fun continuation , fascinating intrigue and read by RC Bray. can't be beat!

In the Land of the Blind, the Cyclops is King.

And in a world of criminals Grofield is the nice guy, not so much pursuing crime as being pursued by criminals—usually ones with guns, tailored suits and no moral threshold. It’s easy to root for him and, though the comedy here doesn't touch the level of the first installment of this series, you’ll still laugh at his one-liners and marvel at his endless invention. For an actor (and thief) who prefers working with a solid script, he’s really at his best in improv.

It may take a while to get used to R. C. Bray’s somewhat jerky pacing, but by the time you’re past that you’re hooked.

excellent

I love the Richard stark writing style and paired with RC Bray as the narrator to bring to life Alan grofield and the whole cast of characters is just an unbelievable treat to listen to.