Author
Donald E. Westlake
1933-2008
Donald E. Westlake (1933-2008) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Donald E. Westlake
Call Him Nemesis
"Call Him Nemesis" by Donald E. Westlake is a crime fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book centers around a unique blend of crime and mystery, exploring the chaotic aftermath of a series of criminal activities and the peculiar figure known as the Scorpion, who intervenes in unexpected ways. The narrative reflects a time that captures the quirks of that era's societal views on crime and justice. The story unfolds through a bank robbery gone awry, resulting in police involvement and the emergence of the Scorpion, a young boy with extraordinary powers that allow him to affect the temperature of objects at will. As the narrative progresses, we see the Scorpion responding to various criminal events, including a man rampaging with a firearm and a street fight between gangs, each time leaving his mark – literally and figuratively. The police, led by Detective-Sergeant Stevenson, are baffled by the events, as they uncover a pattern indicating the boy's eccentric methods in combating crime. The eventual focus on Eddie Clayhorn, the boy behind the Scorpion persona, adds an intriguing childlike innocence to the otherwise serious crime genre, culminating in a blend of humor and suspense.
Meteor strike!
"Meteor Strike!" by Donald E. Westlake is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The story primarily revolves around themes of space travel and human resilience, set against the backdrop of a future where commercial exploitation of the Moon has become a reality. The narrative follows the character Harvey Ricks as he embarks on a journey to the Moon, facing unexpected challenges that test his courage and skills in a life-or-death situation. The plot unfolds as a cargo bound for the Quartermaster Base (QB) is struck by a meteor, jeopardizing not only the cargo but also the lives of those aboard the Space Station. Harvey Ricks, a newly appointed engineer, finds himself thrust into a high-pressure crisis when he volunteers to assist Cargomaster Glenn Blair in the dangerous task of removing the meteor and salvaging the important cargo meant to maintain morale among Moon station personnel. As the situation escalates, Ricks confronts his bravado and insecurities, ultimately revealing his true character in a moment of crisis. The story explores themes of responsibility, teamwork, and the psychological toll of isolation in space, while delivering an action-packed narrative with unexpected twists and moments of self-reflection.
The Spy in the Elevator
"The Spy in the Elevator" by Donald E. Westlake is a satirical science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. Set in a dystopian future where society lives in vertical Projects due to a devastated outside world, the story follows a young man, Edmund Rice, who is faced with the absurdity of life when an unexpected event disrupts his plans to propose to his girlfriend, Linda. The book explores themes of love, anxiety, and societal paranoia against the backdrop of a space-age setting filled with spies and military oversight. The narrative details Rice's frantic day as he struggles against a series of misfortunes, primarily centered around a malfunctioning elevator that traps a spy within it. As he battles his frustration and tries to reach Linda, the plot unfolds with dark humor and absurd twists. When Rice finally encounters the spy, a frenzied maniac who believes he can convince the world that life outside the Projects is safe, tensions rise amid philosophical debates about freedom, survival, and the human condition. Ultimately, Rice’s ordeal culminates in his heroism, resulting in unexpected romance prospects, even as he grapples with his dashed dreams of love. The novella's blend of humor, social commentary, and unexpected action makes it an engaging read for those interested in speculative fiction.
The Risk Profession
"The Risk Profession" by Donald E. Westlake is a science fiction novel written during the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around the world of space exploration and insurance, focusing on a claims investigator's journey through the complexities of a unique retirement plan for asteroid prospectors. The story highlights themes of risk and morality in a futuristic setting filled with dangerous work environments. The plot follows Ged Stanton, a claims investigator for a company that provides retirement plans to "uninsurables," like asteroid prospectors. When Ged is assigned to investigate the suspicious death of Jafe McCann, who died shortly after potentially striking it rich, he encounters his partner, Ab Karpin. As Ged digs deeper, he uncovers inconsistencies in Karpin's story regarding McCann's death and a cash-return form submitted posthumously. Throughout his investigation, Ged navigates the treacherous social conditions of the asteroid belt, leading to revelations about greed, identity theft, and ultimately, murder. The story culminates in a twist that unveils the true nature of McCann and Karpin's partnership, ultimately resulting in Ged turning the tables on those involved, showcasing both his wit and resolve.
They Also Serve
"They Also Serve" by Donald E. Westlake is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around an alien perspective on humanity, exploring themes of conflict and the potential for self-destruction among humans, depicted through the lens of extraterrestrial observers. The story delves into the challenges faced by a space base situated on a moon, highlighting the anxiety of its inhabitants as they monitor Earth's primitive yet chaotic civilization. The plot follows Captain Ebor, who arrives at a lunar base operated by Commander Darquelnoy, only to discover that the inhabitants of Earth have developed the capability to build a spaceship. The two characters engage in dialogue about the implications of human advancements, particularly concerning the dangerous tendencies of humanity to unite against external threats while simultaneously being prone to internal conflict. As they wait for potential disaster to unfold on Earth, the narrative encapsulates a sense of unease regarding what may happen if humans were to realize they are being watched, ultimately reflecting on the themes of war, survival, and the complex nature of intelligence in the universe.