It could only happen to master-thief John Dortmunder. He robs a pawn shop and scores the world's most valuable ruby. But it's a hot commodity by anyone's definition: this is the second time it's been stolen today. From bomb-toting terrorists to crooked cops, New York City's underworld can agree on one thing: Whoever swiped the gem should have his neck wrung. Why you, Dortmunder? But as Donald Westlake has proved time and again, his creation rises to every occasion. If ever there was a thief who could find a way to unsteal the heist of a lifetime, it's got to be John Dortmunder.