Louis and Ordell met in prison. Now that Louis is out, he's rooming with Ordell. Ordell has a plan he's been saving for Louis and he to make some quick easy money. He knows of a real estate developer who's been stashing millions offshore. They'll kidnap his wife for a million in ransom, and he'll pay up to avoid the IRS finding out about the offshore accounts.

Not without a few glitches, Louis and Ordell, with the help of the neo-Nazi pal Richard, grab Mickey, wife of real estate developer Frank. The big glitch comes when Frank refuses to pay--he was in the process of divorcing Mickey anyway.

I'm not sure whether this book was the basis for the movie starring Bette Midler and Danny Devito in the Mickey/Frank roles (probably was). In the movie the wife was nasty and belligerent, who over time with the kidnappers mellows out.

Here, Mickey was "nice," but rather insipid and passive. Although a bit of implausibility is to be expected with Leonard, there's usually more than enough humor and wit to offset that. It just didn't work here, maybe because of the weakness of Mickey's character. And after the Mickey is released, the plot meanders on pointlessly. I've read three or four other books by Leonard, and loved them all, but this one didn't work for me, despite the fact that I had been really looking forward to it.

(A lot of Amazon reviewers agreed-one said this is a book that fizzles, not sizzles.) ( )

This is a solid crime novel - suspenseful, not over-written whatsoever. The reader brings the background (in the form of stereotypes and familiarity with the scenes and characters). The dialogue is everything you've heard about Leonard's writing - its direct, straightforward, and always works for the plot.

The overall trope is the satisfying karma-trope and the ending of the novel is comfortable and wry. A little bawdy overall, but worthwhile for the quick week spent with these characters. ( )

Ordell Robbie and Louis Gara found perfect partners in each other when they were in the same prison. Now that they're free, they've got a plan to execute – kidnap the wife of a wealthy Detroit developer and make some easy ransom money

What can I say? It's Elmore Leonard, great plot, great writing, fast read since Leonard doesn't let words get in the way of the story. Recommended to anyone who enjoys a good read. ( )

great book with a great fed up housewife protagonist ( )