For 200 years, the Crispinite Order of the Novum Mundum–a group of monks–have lived in a monastery on Park Avenue. But now, real estate interests want to demolish the monastery and replace it with a new, modern 37-storey office building. Brother Benedict discovered that the monastery was in danger and tried to stop the project. But the Dwarfmann Investment Management Partners (DIMP) have already bought up the adjoining properties surrounding the monastery and are poised to level all existing structures.
Donald E. Westlake takes this business scheme and turns it into comedic gold. Brother Benedict and his fellow monks attempt to come to grips with the threat that faces them. But a life of contemplation doesn’t quite prepare them for the Dirty Tricks real estate moguls will resort to in order to make money and seize property.
Brother Benedict, isolated from the Real World since joining the Order 10 years ago, encounters temptation in the form of beautiful Eileen Flattery. Eileen, the daughter of the builder of the new office building, falls in love with Brother Benedict…and he falls in love with her. But, can this star-crossed young couple topple a real estate empire and save the monastery? Westlake’s wonderful story will keep you guessing and laughing right up until the very end. GRADE: B+
He was one of the real greats.
Patti, I’ve read most of Donald Westlake’s caper novels (and his “Richard Stark” novels) and enjoyed all of them. Westlake was prolific, but the quality of his work remained high.
Ditto on Westlake here. I also liked his five Tucker Coe books. I even have several of his early semi-porn books, some written with Lawrence Block. I think I read this one (in the 70s? 80s?) but can’t remember details, so maybe not. Anyway, if I can’t remember it, I can read it again! I like his comic capers. A favorite is DANCING AZTECS, which came out the year after this one.
Jeff, HARD CASE CRIME is doing a great job reprinting Westlake books that have been out of print for decades!
Interesting this one didn’t spark much comment.
Her’s a post which might amuse you, along with the comments:
https://socialistjazz.blogspot.com/2019/02/some-sf-and-political-magazines-august.html
Todd, sadly Donald E. Westlake has slowly become a Forgotten Writer. I love Westlake’s caper novels. He might be better known now as “Richard Stark.”