The Risk Profession

by Donald E. Westlake

WAS DONALD E. WESTLAKE A SCIENCE FICTION WRITER? Everyone knows him as the mystery writer who published books like The Hook (2000), Bad News 2001, and Put a Lid on It (2002) under his own name, Donald E. Westlake, and of course that he was also Richard Stark and a number of other favorite authors. But a science fiction writer? -- Really? -- You bet he was, early on in his career. (He even wrote one SF novel -- Anarchaos , in 1966, as "Curt Clark.") He also wrote quite a bit of short SF, like this weird little SF mystery that first graced the pages of Amazing in 1963.

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories

59 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

About the author

Donald E. Westlake (1933-2008) was one of the most prolific and talented authors of American crime fiction. He began his career in the late 1950's, churning out novels for pulp houses—often writing as many as four novels a year under various pseudonyms such as Richard Stark—but soon began publishing under his own name. His most well-known characters were John Dortmunder, an unlucky thief, and Parker, a ruthless criminal. His writing earned him three Edgar Awards: the 1968 Best Novel award for God Save the Mark; the 1990 Best Short Story award for "Too Many Crooks"; and the 1991 Best Motion Picture Screenplay award for The Grifters. In addition, Westlake also earned a Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America in 1993.

Westlake's cinematic prose and brisk dialogue made his novels attractive to Hollywood, and several motion pictures were made from his books, with stars such as Lee Marvin and Mel Gibson. Westlake wrote several screenplays himself, receiving an Academy Award nomination for his adaptation of The Grifters, Jim Thompson's noir classic.

Some of the pseudonyms he used include
•   Richard Stark
•   Timothy J. Culver
•   Tucker Coe
•   Curt Clark
•   J. Morgan Cunningham
•   Judson Jack Carmichael
•   D.E. Westlake
•   Donald I. Vestlejk
•   Don Westlake

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sci-fi mystery

An unusual story which combines sci-fi with mystery and crime story. I found it too predictable to be really good. But I could see similarities with Westlake's future crime writing. It's sci-fi because the main setting is in the asteroid belt. Mystery because it features am insurance investigator solving a crime.

Published in the March 1961 issue of Amazing Stories. Currently free on Amazon.

[Eric_W · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short early Westlake In fact, I was surprised to see it listed as a separate title. SciFi mystery featuring an insurance company investigator charged with determining the validity of an asteroid miner's claim. Has a nice, if not totally unforeseeable, twist at the end. Perfect for making the time pass waiting for the dentist.

[Steven Demonnin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good very early Westlake

A science fiction story about murder and insurance fraud. Westlake as always weaves a tale grounded on human nature and cupidity. A fun read as always

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting a mystery in outer space. It was OK. I should have seen the clue that gave away the resolution, but I didn't.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Futuristic, twists I didn't see coming. Recommend for a short but good read. Non-offensive. TTS-enabled eBook, free audiobook @ librivox.org ©1963 (Writes under Richard Stark & other names.)

[Tony Ciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scifi short story by a master, well done!!

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just an honest man tryin' to make a livin'! I like however down to Earth Geb is, reminds me of Alien with how to crew was just working class people. He has a job and he wants to get it done and clock out for the day. Not only does he do the job, but he wants it done right, figuring out the truth behind what happened. Also he got his happy ending in which he doesn't have to work anymore by claiming the strike! What a win! The story also reminded me of something from the Twilight Zone, it had a similar tone, which is a plus! I know it was just a short story, but I would love to see more with the character!

[Joseph Ziehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science Fiction with great detail

Donald E. Westlake here presented a murder mystery every bit as inviting and well researched as his Parker novels. Reminding me much of the pacing of The Outer Worlds. The ending twists and you know how it works seamlessly.

[Phil Giunta · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a prospector dies under suspicious circumstances in the asteroid belt, an insurance and retirement plan company sends an investigator out to question the prospector's partner. An engaging detective story with a clever twist.

[Ollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dortmunder. This is he on a t r i p. Outstanding Westlake. Literary greatness? Nope. Well written SF short story with a twist? YUP. Give me more. Where's Kelp?

[DOUGLAS J BERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sci fi -murder mystery.

The mystery was so good I didnt solve it in advance the way I usually do. The clues were there but the setting threw me off.

[Bonhomous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written. Funny and interesting. Just a fascinating way of seeing the world. I want to read more. I might have bumped it up a star, but it was too short.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing quite like an insurance agent trying to keep the company from paying out a claim --but in space.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

odd story

But I enjoyed it. Westlake is always good. First sci fi by him I’ve read. It is worth the read.

[Forked Radish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insurance claim investigators always make the best detectives.

[Robert Fontenot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute little science fiction mystery story. While heavily influenced by Western literature of the time, the translation to a sci-fi setting transforms it enough to be fun again.

[Denise M.]

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. Westlake

[Benjamin]

Insurance fraud and murder--in spaaaace!

An enjoyable mash-up of standard mystery plot in an sf setting: the murder(?) happened on an asteroid mine. Not much else to say about this one.

[Tessa in Mid-Michigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Too easy to figure out. Barely scifi, more mystery.