There are certain authors that are just dependable. Robert B. Parker and Michael Connelly come to mind. Their books are all pretty good. Maybe some are great, but if you pick up a Spenser mystery, you know what you're in for because Parker had his craft down to a science. Donald E. Westlake probably belongs in that club. At least that's the impression I get from his books. His writing isn't spectacular and his books are mostly plot, but they're entertaining and they're quick reads.

The Scared Stiff is a play on Double Indemnity, with one character quick to point out the differences (in Double Indemnity they actually murder the guy, rather than fake his death). It's not as good as its influence, but it complements it well.

The novel takes a little while to get started, but the plot gets sufficiently convoluted and the protagonist finds himself in plenty of trouble. It wraps up quickly and it's very enjoyable. Is it great? Nah. But it's entertaining and made me want to read more Donald E. Westlake.2 s PatrickAuthor 3 books61

One of those books that might be problematic in the current environment since it's written by a white guy in New York and most of the characters are South Americans who are crude, stupid, and/or violent. But for me this is very much one of Westlake's Dortmunder books in that it starts with a scheme and then things keep getting in the way of that scheme so the main character has to keep finding ways out of all these messes to try to get away with at least most of the money. So in that sense it's a fun yarn.2 s james adams36

How does he do it?

Westlake has churned out another fun little yarn in "The Scared Stiff." As always, the plot revolves around an everyday guy caught up in improbable situation. There are plot twists galore as our hero struggles to keep his head above water while encountering a collection of odd little characters determined to bring him down.
We have read just about everything Westlake has written, and with very few exceptions they have not failed to amuse.
If there needs to be a single complaint ... and the need is not there ... It would have to be the abrupt ending in this, and most of Westlake's offerings. He builds his stories up to an exciting anticipated climax and simply ties everything up in a neat little bow in the final few paragraphs. That often leaves readers thinking, "Yeah? And what happened next?" But maybe that's exactly what Westlake intended ... to leave readers wanting more. If it was his intention, he succeeded admirably.
Hat's off to Westlake ... and now into another of his works.1 Mark Luebker28

Not Westlake at his best. Originally published in 2002 under one of his pseudonyms, a tale of a hapless grifter and his wife whose latest plan starts to unwind. Westlake usually did this better than anyone. This time around, it's more one misadventure after another, truncated by a convenient, out-of-the-blue ending. It's usually fun reading Westlake--he carries you along, no matter how improbable things get--and generally, you can rely on a satisfying conclusion. Not this time. Amy363 2

I am a huge fan of Donald Westlake and now that he is gone, I've been reading some of his books under his other pseudonyms. This is a humorous story about one couple's attempts to raise money through insurance fraud by faking the husband's death. action An EyeYii3,634 62

A scam turns dangerous, to frighten supposed corpse. Can he save himself before cousins and others finish his demise?
action Paul114

In the 1960s, Westlake was non-stop mad-cap. God Bless the Mark. Dancing Aztecs. The Spy in the Ointment. 70s-80s he did more experimental work.

This one, late in life, has lost the spark. It is excellent writing but the plot-twists come on a time and are all a certain size. Rather more filler than is usual for Westlake. I'm not surprised that first publication was under a pen-name. Good read nevertheless-- Don's toss-offs are better than many writers' magnum opuses. Quentin Feduchin388 7

I have to admit that I have a weakness for Donald E Westlake books. In particular I found his 'Dortmunder' books about some really inefficient minor criminals, really amusing; particularly 'Bank Shot'. Westlake writes with a similar style to Elmore Leonard, and having written well over a hundred books, is quite ly to have something on screen.

Anyhow, going back to find another of is books is easy for me, I know it's going to be interesting and fun. And this one, 'The Scared Stiff' doesn't disappoint. No, the title isn't an error; it is, as the French might say, a double entendre.

The story is about an insurance rip-off, and although the protagonists are from America, all the action is actually in a South American country. It's actually quite serious, but it is still amusingly written; Westlake simply can't help himself.

The action is more or less continuous, seeming to rock back and forth, and offers a slightly surprising, but satisfying conclusion.

Again, as a Donald E Westlake book, it is written in a quirky style, though more serious than his normal writing. It's fun and well worth reading, as are most of his books.fun-comic-interesting Algernon (Darth Anyan)1,599 1,020

this is my first Westlake, and it was OK but a little too smart for its own good: fast paced and funny from time to time with a likable crook who manufactured his own death and now is trying to outsmart the people who would think he is not dead enough. Plot twists come almost with every short chapter, giving the plot a rather contrived aspect, a hollywood script that needs to keep the audience on the edge of the seat. And the same hollywood script, the main characters are more actors playing their designated roles, rather than flesh and bone people. And the humor is ok, but the smug American superiority deriding their backward South American neighbor gets old pretty quick.

I would say it is a good choice for killing time on commute or on holiday, but finally quite forgetable. I understand Westlake can do better, so I might try some of his older novels.2011 Tony GleesonAuthor 19 books7

If this had been by an unknown author I might have given it four stars; as a Westlake, it rates a high three. One of his later efforts (published 2003), it's a typically convoluted caper. A young American man and his beautiful South American wife, who have experienced way too much financial failure, journey to her (fictional) home country to elaborately fake his death as an insurance scam. Anybody familiar with Westlake will anticipate that things will NOT go smoothly, and that a substantial cast of nasty and venal characters will intervene. This one, while somewhat tongue in cheek, does not have quite the wit and humor of many of his other similar frolics, but Westlake's usual gleeful and cynicism about human nature is still very entertaining. Sonja Rutherford227 6

I bought this book a few years ago at Half-Priced Books, on the $1 shelf. I didn't miss out on much by waiting to read it. A couple chapters in, I had the basic plot figured out. It was a quick read at least and definitely not the worst book I've ever read, but certainly far from the best. Interestingly enough, it didn't actually end the way I anticipated - more of a fizzle than a twist. I'd spend your time on something more interesting. This one is to be skipped. :) Denise M.489 4 Want to read

AKA: Alan Marshall, Alan Marsh, James Blue, Ben Christopher, Edwin West, John B. Allan, Curt Clark, Tucker Coe, P.N. Castor, Timothy J. Culver, J. Morgan Cunningham, Samuel Holt, Judson Jack Carmichael, Richard Stark, Donald E. Westlakewestlake-donald-e Judith4

Through the entire story I was amazed at the way the mind of Barry Lee worked and how he was able to enlist the aid of family and friends to service his deceitful endeavors. An interesting read but certainly not one that influences my way of thinking. Chip Hart31 1 follower

His weakest, but still ok. RJ24

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