Customer Reviews

Col Mystery Stories L.Block(f)-H

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If there is any doubt that Lawrence Block is the most creative mystery writer of his generation, this book dispells it. A comprehensive work that encompasses nearly every published Block short story (over 70 of 'em!) it is a must have for mystery fans. The book includes seven Matthew Scudder stories, nine Martin Ehrengraf stories, three Bernie Rhodenbarr stories and the complete texts of the three previous Block short story volumes. As a bonus, there are five "new" Block stories, never before previously anthologized.

The stories run the gamut from hard-bitten to whodunnits? to even the occasional horror story. Block shows every bit as much mastery with his short works that he does with his novels. The diversity of his subjects and the bredth of his knowledge is simply breathtaking. The book also includes a short prologue by the author, explaining how the book is laid out and giving a little helpful background.

Overall, "The Collected Stories" is a fine tribute to a great writer.

There's a lot to like here though not all of the stories are terrific. I do like his novels a bit better, especially the Scudder ones, but I wouldn't have "met" Ehrengraf without having read this book--and he's a trip!!! Maybe Block will write an Ehrengraf novel some day. I wish. Most of his novel series' heros are included here: Scudder, Rhodenbarr, Chip Harrison, and even the intriguing Keller. A more recent collection entitled, "Enough Rope" is also available though I believe many of the stories in this book are in that one as well. My favorite quotes from this book are:
"Supposition is blunder's handmaiden" from "The Ehrengraph Riposte," p. 229.
"Youth is one of those things time cures" from "The Night and the Music" p. 742.
"He couldn't say exactly why, but he didn't really feel good about the idea of having a relationship with the sort of woman you couldn't give a bear to" from "Some Days You Get the Bear" p. 535.
I loved the clever Ehrengraph stories and the touching "Some Days You Get the Bear" the most. Enjoy!

From his title "The Grandmaster of Crime" as written on the cover, Lawrence Block has compiled a delightful mix of over 70 of his short stories. He's taken shorts from his series characters Bernie Rhodenbarr, Martin Ehrengraf, Keller, Chip Harrison, and the ever-lovable Matthew Scudder. He's also added in a handful of fairly new stories as well as stories that were turned into full-length features like "Sometimes They Bite", "Like A Lamb to Slaughter" and "Some Days You Get The Bear". This is a must have for true Block fans, who will enjoy reading every last story!

This book contains wonderful short mystery stories with great endings. Occasionally you can figure out the ending but in most cases they are a surprise. I really enjoyed the book.