Comedy is Finished

Donald E. Westlake is widely regarded as one of the great crime writers of the 20th Century. He won three Edgar Awards and was named a Grandmaster by the Mystery Writers of America. Many of his books have been made into movies; Westlake also wrote the screenplay for "The Grifters," for which he received an Academy Award nomination.

"The characters are well drawn, the dialog flows, and the chapters speed by, making for a breezy, solid read. This late discovery is a welcomed treat for Westlake’s many fans. A natural for all mystery collections." - Library Journal“One of the best Westlake novels I’ve read.” - Washington Post  “A terrifying sprint for redemption and rescue with the reader kept in agonizing suspense until the literal last page. Not to be missed.” - Mystery Scene             “A tense, compelling story...painfully insightful...[readers will] be hard-pressed to put the book down.” - Booklist  “Halfway into January and we already have the first great book of 2012…some of the finest work of the author’s career. And that is truly saying something.” - Vince Keenan  “We’re all in the presence of the master one last time.” - Open Letters Review  “Sharply written and insightful…a worthy addition to Westlake’s lengthy catalogue.” - Publishers Weekly  “Unexpectedly moving.” - Detectives Beyond Borders  “…a master at the top of his game.” - Slacker Heroes  “Surprisingly emotionally potent…God bless Charles Ardai and Hard Case Crime.” - Barnes & Noble Ransom Notes  “A real page turner…Westlake's book is hot with fear, remorse, lust and violence…” - Ed Gorman  “Westlake is a master of ratcheting up the tension…the book is highly recommended.” - Bill Crider  “A masterful little gem.” - In Reference to Murder