Drowned Hopes

Donald E. Westlake

Jun 2024 · Dortmunder Novels Book 7 · Highbridge Audio · Narrated by Justin Price

About this audiobook

This rollicking tale of an aging robber who wants to blow up a reservoir "will keep readers laughing" (Publishers Weekly). In his day, Tom was a hard man. He came up with Dillinger in the 1930s, and pulled a lot of high-profile jobs before the state put him away. They meant it to be for good, but after twenty-three years the prisons are too crowded for seventy-year-old bank robbers, and so they let the old man go. Finally free, he heads straight for John Dortmunder's house. Long ago, Tom buried $700,000, and now he needs help digging it up. While he was inside, the government dammed a nearby river, creating a reservoir and putting fifty feet of water on top of his money. He wants to blow the dam, drown the villagers, and move to Acapulco. If Dortmunder wants a clean conscience to go along with his share, he needs to find a nice way to get the money before Tom's nasty instincts get the best of both of them.

About the author

Donald E. Westlake (1933-2008) was one of the most prolific and talented authors of American crime fiction. His most well-known characters were John Dortmunder, an unlucky thief, and a ruthless criminal named Parker. His writing earned him three Edgar Awards and a Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

Justin Price is a noir-themed storyteller with a penchant for comedy and dark thoughts. His devotion to creeping inside the minds of characters shows in his colorful narration. He lives in sunny Florida with his loving family, but longs for a haunted mansion somewhere dreary and destitute.