The Dame

Donald E. Westlake, writing under the pseudonym Richard Stark, is renowned for his hard-boiled crime novels centered around the character Parker, a clever career criminal. In "The Dame," Westlake introduces Alan Grofield, a hot-blooded associate with a knack for adventure, as he finds himself protecting a wealthy woman in a remote Puerto Rican jungle and taking on a detective role. The story features vivid characters, plenty of action, and a suspenseful climax, offering a unique Westlake perspective on the whodunit genre.