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A suspense story in which an ill-assorted group of hoodlums join forces to plan and execute the theft of a $500,000 emerald.

John Dortmunder and company are hired by the UN Ambassador to the African country of Talabwo to heist the famed Balabomo Emerald, a jewel of great historical and cultural importance, currently in the custody of rival country Akinzi.

Edgar Award Finalist: A comical crime caper "filled with action and imagination" (The New York Times Book Review). John Dortmunder leaves jail with ten dollars, a train ticket, and nothing to make money on but his good name. Thankfully, his reputation goes far... Read Full Overview

Edgar Award Finalist: A comical crime caper "filled with action and imagination" (The New York Times Book Review). John Dortmunder leaves jail with ten dollars, a train ticket, and nothing to make money on but his good name. Thankfully, his reputation goes far... Read Full Overview