Lawrence Block is a top-flight professional who has written numerous novels featuring extremely diverse characters and situations. His characterization ranges from the grim depths glimpsed in some of his non-series books and in his series about alcoholic ex-policeman Matthew Scudder, to the lightweight but amusing private eye/writer Chip Harrison, burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr, and spy Evan Tanner. Whether Block is chronicling a deadly search or a playful romp, he is a consummate master of suspense and manages to keep his reader fearing for the safety of — and solidly rooting for — his protagonist until the last page is turned.
The Bernie Rhodenbarr series by Lawrence Block now consists of 11 books. The series started in 1977, although the first book, Burglars Can't Be Choosers, was not intended to be the start of a series. The most recent book was published in 2013. I read some of these books many years ago; they would have been from the first five books which were published between 1977 and 1983.This post on Burglars Can't Be Choosers is my submission for Past Offences' monthly Crimes of the Century feature, for the year chosen for April, 1977.
Bernie Rhodenbarr is a burglar. He is proud and confident of his ability at his craft. However he is a loner, and his acquaintances and neighbors have no idea how he supports himself. He usually scouts out his own heists, but this time he accepts an assignment from a stranger to break into an apartment and steal a blue leather box. The problem is he can't find the blue box, and while he is searching for it two policemen come into the apartment. But, worst of all, there is a dead man in the bedroom. Bernie successfully eludes the policemen but he then has the problem of not being able to return to his apartment. Not wanting to leave New York, he begins to try to clear his name.
This is another series that I find most appealing for the characters. Bernie tells his story in first person, and he is a very likable character. I don't condone burglary, but he makes you forget that his chosen profession is illegal and harmful. And, of course, he only robs the rich. He has been described as the Robin Hood type, but since his goal is to support himself, I don't see that as a fitting description.
Not only is Bernie charming, but he runs into many interesting people as he endeavors to prove that he is not a murderer. The setting is New York, and I enjoyed this picture of New York in the 1970's. The story is full of coincidences but none of them detracted from my enjoyment of the resolution of this mystery.
Of course, I have several more books in this series, and I look forward to finding out how Bernie's life as an unrepentant burglar progresses (as I remember very little about the books I read earlier).
The paperback reprint edition that I read includes a short essay about how Lawrence Block came to write this first book in the Burglar series. Lawrence Block has another popular series set in New York about Matt Scudder, an ex-cop who becomes an unlicensed private investigator. That one also started in the 1970s and continued for many years, the last book having been published in 2011. The author has also edited two anthologies of short stories set in New York, Manhattan Noir and Manhattan Noir 2: The Classics.
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Publisher: Onyx, 1995. Orig. pub. 1977.
Length: 283 pages
Format: Paperback
Series: Bernie Rhodenbarr, #1
Setting: New York City
Genre: Mystery
Source: I purchased my copy.
24 comments:
I like Bernie the Burglar, too, Tracy. He's really a good character, I think. And he's both smart and interesting. I'm glad you enjoyed this outing.
I did enjoy it, Margot, and I hope to get to more of them soon.
It's been ages since I read any of these, though I remember liking them (though not as much as the Scudder books, admittedly).
Lots of reviewers say the same, that they prefer Scudder. I would have to read a few more of both before I could say, Sergio. It has been a while since I have read the first Scudder book and I need to get going on them.
I am currently reading my first Lawrence Block novel (a Bernie story) and am really liking it.
Haven't read any of Block's fiction in decades, Tracy, and you're inspired me to revisit him. More recently I greatly enjoyed his collection of reminiscences of his contemporaries, many of whom are or were friends, and some fascinating anecdotes about his internship at the (sleazy}Scott Meredith Agency: Crime of our Lives
I enjoy Lawrence Block but haven't read this series yet. 1977 should have a lot of great books. Looking forward to the round-up to see what everyone has read. -Keishon
That is great, Mary, I am looking forward to reading more of them myself. I will watch for your review.
I am currently reading Crime of our Lives, Mathew, just a few pages here and there when I have time. Some of the authors he covers I haven't read at all or don't know much about.
I agree, Keishon, 1977 is a great year. I had trouble deciding what I was going to read, there were so many I had on my TBR. Other participants were not so happy because they prefer the Golden Age books.
Hi Tracy -- Very nice review! Like other posters on here, I read a few Lawrence Block mysteries years ago, and should pick up another one when I have the time. I believe I read (or maybe listened to on audiobook) a couple of Bernie Rhodenbarr stories, but don't think I tried this first novel. I recall one Rhodenbarr book that was Block's take on a snowbound manor house mystery, and I think there was a lesbian sidekick in tow. I remember finding them light but entertaining reading. Best wishes -- Jason
Thanks, Jason. I do think Bernie has more friends in later books and I did read about a lesbian dog groomer being a close friend. It will be fun reading about the changes in Bernie over time.
I can't remember whether this was the one Bernie book I read or not, it kind of seems familiar. I will read more from the series, but I got waylaid when I was working my way through the Scudder series, so I will try and get back to that one first.
Sigh, I want to read more of the Scudder books, Col, but where do I fit them in? And I have never even tried a Keller book.
For the record, the Bernie book that I'm thinking of is The Burglar in the Library and the dog-groomer in question is named Carolyn.
Cheers -- Jason
That one is eighth in the series, Jason, so it will be a while before I get there, probably, but I do like the title.
I have dipped into Block's work (he writes so much!) and thought I wouldn't have read this one, but actually your description was very familiar, I think I did read it, 30 years ago: unless that setup is a common one in his books! I always enjoy his books, and particularly liked one I read last year - Out on the Cutting Edge, so really should read more.
Block has written a lot of books and several series, Moira. I read some of his books many years ago but now it is like starting over, I don't remember what I read before. I have read one Evan Tanner, one Matthew Scudder, and this book in the Burglar series. And have several more in each of those series. Right now I am in the middle of his non-fiction book, The Crime of Our Lives.
I love Bernie Rhodenbarr, the bookstore-owning burglar. The humor is just hilarious. I've read all of the series' books.
And a favorite line which I have adapted to refer to housework is, "Whenever I get the urge to job, I just lie down and let it pass." (This can apply to sweeping, mopping floors, vacuuming, dusting, washing dishes, fixing broken appliances, etc.) My mother loved this adage when i adapated it to housework, which she called the "lowest form of life on earth."
Should be "jog" in para 2, line 2.
The bookstore connection is another reason I want to continue that series, Kathy. And I like that approach to housework. I wish I could enjoy it because it has to be done eventually.
Well, do only a bit at a time and put on some good music and blast it. Also, drink some coffee beforehand and you'll get a burst of energy (or chocolate). Then have a treat afterwards and sit down with a good book.
Or else alternate reading and doing tasks.
I only do one task at a time.
Very good advice, Kathy. I should try that suggestion of alternating reading and tasks, to get a reward afterwards.
Loving the story so far but what year is it supposed to be set it?
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