Can you recommend the best Dortmunder novel for a beginner?

Another great Dortmunder novel is 'Bank Shot'. Dortmunder and his crew come up with an elaborate plan to rob a bank. The plot is full of twists and turns, and Westlake's writing style makes it a real page - turner. The characters are vividly drawn, and Dortmunder's attempts to outwit the law and various obstacles are both hilarious and suspenseful.

Another beginner - friendly Drukhari novel could be 'First Steps into Commorragh'. This novel is designed to ease the reader into the dark and often confusing world of the Drukhari. It has simple language and a straightforward plot that focuses on the basic aspects of the Drukhari society, such as their hierarchy, their main activities, and their relationship with the wider Warhammer 40,000 universe.

For a beginner, 'Ubik' could be a good choice too. It has an exciting and mysterious plot that draws you in right from the start. The way it plays with the idea of reality is really interesting and it's not overly complex in terms of language or structure.

I would recommend 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter'. It has a relatively straightforward plot that is easy to follow. The language used is not overly complex, so it's a great introduction to lighthouse - themed novels. It also gives a good sense of the life around a lighthouse.

I would recommend 'The Day of the Jackal' by Frederick Forsyth. It's a classic that is not too difficult to understand. It tells a straightforward story of an assassination plot in a very engaging way. You can easily get caught up in the suspense and the details of the assassin's planning.

For a beginner, 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman is a great choice. It has a wonderful mix of adventure, romance, and humor. The characters are engaging, and the story is told in a very entertaining way. It's easy to get into and will have you laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and comical situations.

One of the well - known best Dortmunder novels is 'The Hot Rock' by Donald E. Westlake. It's a humorous and engaging caper story with Dortmunder as the main character trying to pull off a heist in a rather comical way.

I would recommend 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. It's a great starting point as it has a very accessible writing style. The story is about the friendship between two boys, Aristotle and Dante, which gradually evolves into something more. It deals with themes like identity, family, and first love in a very relatable way.

I think 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn can also be a good start. While it may not be a typical 'conspiracy' in the traditional sense, there is a huge web of lies and manipulation that the two main characters create. It's a page - turner with lots of twists and turns that will introduce you to the world of thriller novels.

'The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter' by Carson McCullers is also a great option. It has elements of southern gothic like the exploration of the human condition in a southern setting. The characters are diverse and their relationships are full of nuances. The book is easy to read and can give a good feel for the genre.