Lawrence Block is one of my favorite authors. That is why I have such a ridiculous number of his books in the Chicken and Sponge Shop (click on the shop at the right to enter and explore). It amazes me that a writer can be so prolific and yet write such high-caliber works. I have a couple pages of his books offered in my shop and these aren't even all of his works. I may edit some out and rotate the books in and out in the future, but for now, here is an overview.
Lawrence Block has several series, but the books in these series do not need to be read in order. My favorite series are his Mathew Scudder novels. Mathew Scudder is a former New York police detective, now a private eye. He messed up his life with booze and accepting kick-backs. He divorced, quit drinking, moved into a run-down hotel and started working as a P.I.
The Mathew Scudder books are gritty. These are page turners with finely drawn, fully developed characters, but Block is concise in his use of language. He uses it precisely and sparingly so that the reader isn't burdened with pages of flowery description and narrative. Though Matt Scudder regularly attends AA meetings, he is not in the least preachy. The crimes are brutal, but Block doesn't over-sensationalize them. Once again, he is concise and sparing, but very on-the-mark in his use of descriptive language.
Among my favorites are: Dance at the Slaughter House, Ticket to the Boneyard, Eight Million Ways to Die, and When the Sacred Gin Mill Closes.
Lawrence Block has also written the Evan Tanner novels, about an international spy who never sleeps (literally, he can't--he's awake 24/7), the Hitman novels ( the main character is indeed a professional assassin and a very intelligent and interesting character) and his Burglar books ( the main character Bernie Rhodenbarr owns a used book store, but always finds himself in situations where he has to call on his skills as a professional cat burglar, never allowing him to retire. The Burglar books are light, as opposed to gritty, and very funny).
He's one of my favorites. If you're unfamiliar with the works of Lawrence Block, do yourself a favor and pick up one of his books. It's a great way to spend the weekend.
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