Customer Reviews

Burglars Can't Be Choosers

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an intriguing concept that I've only just stumbled across: A protagonist of a mystery book who's a professional burglar. Bernie Rhodenbarr is hard at work one night knocking over a house in which, he's assured, he'll find a leather-bound box. Problem 1, the box isn't there. Problem 2, the police catch him in the act. Problem 3, there's a dead body in the house, which is found by the police. Was he set up or was his luck just really bad on this job? In order to prove his innocence Bernie has to find out who committed the murder while staying ahead of the law.

This is a great idea for a different slant on mystery protagonists. It's not every story that you find yourself on the side of the burglar, so I found this book very refreshing indeed. Bernie commits crimes as a living does essentially a reprehensible job, but you can't help but like the guy. And as an investigator he's not too bad either. This is a very good mystery that has certainly prompted me to read other books in the series.

Lawrence Block is one of our most talented mystery authors. In the Bernie Rhodenbarr series he explores out an ordinary, but intelligent, "honest" person might go about pursuing a life of crime as a fastidious and talented burglar who isn't proud of what he does, doesn't like to hang out with criminals, and really gets a big thrill out of breaking and entering . . . and removing valuables. As you can see, there's a sitcom set-up to provide lots of humor. But the humor works well in part because Mr. Block is able to put the reader in the Bernie's shoes while he breaks, enters and steals . . . and arranges to evade the long arm of the law. To balance the "honest" burglar is an array of "dishonest" and equally easy-money-loving cops. As a result, you're in a funny moral never-never land while your stomach tightens and your arm muscles twitch as tension builds. To make matters even more topsy-turvy, Bernie at some point in every story turns into an investigator who must figure out "who-dun-it" for some crime that he personally didn't do. It's almost like one of those "mystery at home" games where the victim comes back as the police investigator, playing two roles. Very nice!

So much for explaining the concept of the series. Burglars Can't Be Choosers is the first book in the series. I strongly suggest that you begin the series by reading this one. Each story in the series adds information and characters in a way that will reduce your pleasure of the others if read out of order. Although, I originally read them out of order and liked them well enough. I'm rereading them now in order, and like it much better this way.

As Stephen King likes to point out, a great way to start a book is to put a character in an unusual situation and then let things happen from there. Burglars Can't Be Choosers certainly follows that route in a successful manner with what reads and feels like a very realistic burglary experience.

The characterizations, plot development, and dialogue are wonderful in the book. The only flaw from my perspective relates to the solution to the mystery. I thought it wasn't nearly interesting enough while it was being finally unraveled. As a result, the book is at its best in the beginning and middle, and weakens towards the end. Otherwise, I would have awarded five stars.

It would be a mistake to leave even a mystery "page turner" without thinking through the moral implications of the book. How many times do "honest" people self-justify what they do because it's easy money and they can pull it off? Certainly, the current rash of corporate fraud seems to suggest that it's pretty common. Maybe part of the appeal of this book and the series is that Mr. Block is exposing our own foibles to ourselves a little as we walk in Bernie's shoes.

Do what's right, not what's irresistible.

Donald Mitchell
Co-author of The 2,000 Percent Solution, The Irresistible Growth Enterprise and The Ultimate Competitive Advantage

Maybe it is an exaggeration, but I believe that Lawrence Block and his debut series Burglars Can't Be Choosers is power packed with lots of wit, lots of plot and dialogue, and interlaced with the kind of interesting material you want to curl up in bed and read by your bedlight. This is such a good book that people seeking to improve their standard of English should look here! The pace is fast and furious, and by reading it, you really feel like you're instantly transported to living, breathing New York City!

Buy the rest too. All nine Bernie Rhodenbarr series (including the newly-released Burglar in Library novel). Lawrence Block is at his greatest and most humorous here. You'll not regret it. Makes for a perfect companion gift too!

This was Lawrence Block's first Bernie Rhodenbarr mystery. Originally published in 1977 it features Block's humor, but it's missing his nifty plotting and three-dimensional women characters. It features yet another example of Block's obsession with lesbians (someone could write a dissertation thesis on this), but this time it seems gratuitious and exploitive. Read this one for background, but there are much better books in the series.

3.5 stars out of 5.0

The first book in Lawrence Block's Burglar series is actually the second one I read. I picked up the Burglar in the Closet, the next book, thinking it was the first, and was a little ways in before I realized my mistake. But that book was good enough that I wanted to come back and read the original book that introduces Bernie Rhodenbarr.

This book has the same lighthearted attitude. It definitely doesn't take itself too seriously which is probably a good thing since the hero is a "bad guy" in most people's eyes. The mystery isn't your typical detective style. Rather, it is a mystery that must be solved to get Bernie out of the hot water that he shouldn't be in. Well, mostly shouldn't be in. He is still a thief.

Block does nice job of introducing and developing characters. Nothing seems too cliché, which is refreshing. And for the most part, the story is plausible. Where it lost me a bit is at the end when explanations are given. The coincidences are too, um, coincidental. As Block rounded out the novel, I felt as though some things were too much of a stretch and this lessened the surprise. He redeemed himself a bit as the explanation expanded but it was still a bit of a letdown compared with how the book had been going.

Overall, a very good, easy read. Eventually, I'll pick up the third book to read and see if I want to keep going.

This one is a page turner. Block has some of the best dialogue in the business. Very funny with unforgettable characters. If you are wondering if you should buy this book. Buy It!!!

Burglars Can't Be Choosers (1977) introduces Bernie Rhodenbarr, a burglar in New York City. While on the job in a fancy apartment, Bernie is surprised by two policemen responding to a call. Recognizing one, Bernie offers a bribe, which is accepted, and all is well until the other cop finds a dead body in the bedroom. Bernie makes a quick escape and hides out in the apartment of an actor acquaintance who is on tour. With the assistance of the girl who appears to water his friend's plants, Bernie is soon on the hunt for the real murderer. Bernie is a charming protagonist, quick-witted and proud of his burglary skills. This lighthearted caper is a fast-moving puzzle with enough surprises to keep you guessing until the end.

[...]

This is the third Lawrence Block book I have read. He hasn't disappointed me yet. This is a nice page turner. Block's dialog is second to none. His character's are always intriguing, and his plots fascinating. Lawrence Block is a rare breed. I found this book a great introduction to the lead character "Bernie Rhodenbarr". If you are looking for a good mystery, this a a great choice. Happy reading!

What can I say. I am a sucker for dry wit and a nifty mystery. This book feature a great amount of both. This book was an enjoyable brisk read that left me wanting to read all of the books in the series. I have yet to try any of Block's other books or series, but if they are as good as this book, I am sure they are enjoyable as well. I really like books that teach you something, this book was no exception. Although lock picking is not something I have an interest in taking up, it was fun to read about the intricate steps involved.

This is the first of the Bernie Rhodenbarr books (and where on earth did Block get the name Rhodenbarr from?). Bernie is a professional burglar who seems to get into more trouble than a cat at a dog show, if this series is to be believed. But if this book is any indication, the series is well worth your time.

Yes, the characters (except for Bernie) are pretty much from the list of typical "B-movie" roles, some of the clues are so obvious you could just cry, and the solution to the murder is really straight out of left field - but surprisingly, it doesn't really matter. Despite all these flaws I actually had a good time with this book, and I will get the next book in the series for my shelves the next time I go on a book-buying binge.