All the Flowers Are Dying (Matthew Scudder Mysteries) (Hardcover)

~ Lawrence Block (Author) "When I got there, Joe Durkin was already holding down a corner table and working on a drink-vodka on the rocks, from the looks of..." (more)
Key Phrases: David Thompson, New York, Danny Boy (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Matt Scudder, bestseller Block's extraordinary private detective, has been around for almost 30 years, and if his aging has been neither gentle nor graceful, it's certainly been eventful. In his stellar 16th outing (after 2001's Hope to Die), the 60-something Scudder proves to be as tough and resilient as ever when faced with the slickest, sickest killer to ever test his mettle. Fans won't be surprised that the killer is linked to the unresolved murders of Hope to Die or that Elaine and Scudder may become the fiend's target. The narrative smoothly shifts between Scudder's point-of-view and the thoughts and actions of the killer, whose ingenuity, daring and pure viciousness sear the pages. Aware of the danger but without a clue to the person behind the threat, Scudder and Elaine are forced into a protective siege while Scudder uses all his skills to probe the mystery. Series fans will welcome the familiar characters and places that have become such an important part of Scudder's universe: TJ, Mick Ballou, Grogan's Bar, the AA meeting spots. Add them together with some brilliant twists and one gets a thrilling, satisfying concoction brewed by a master storyteller in top form.
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From Bookmarks Magazine

Block, like so many successful mystery writers, is a proven commodity. With a shelf full of awards (including four Edgars, four Shamus Awards, two Maltese Falcon Awards, the Nero Wolfe Award, and Grandmaster status from the Mystery Writers of America), he’s established his mastery of riveting plots, compelling characters, and whip-smart dialogue. So what surprises does the 16th Matt Scudder mystery hold? Reviewers note the progression (or regression) towards the darker side of noir fiction, especially in the gruesome actions of the serial killer. And while the gore might be reason enough to keep faint-hearted readers away, a few critics find the serial killer too flat to be believable. More of a good thing might not bring effusive praise, but it’s sure to satisfy Block fans.

Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow; 1ST edition (February 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060198311
• ISBN-13: 978-0060198312
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #728,815 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This is item 19 in The Matthew Scudder Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars SCUDDER'S MISSING A STEP, March 30, 2005

By	eb (Sherman Oaks, Ca. USA) - See all my reviews

Lawrence Block is probably the premiere mystery writer working today. He knows how to create full and rich characters, well paced plots, make his words sing with a rhythym all their own. Block also takes chances, ages his players in real time and provides the reader with plenty of color.

However "All The Flowers" just didn't click for me the way most of the other Scudder books did. There was far too much of the killer's thoughts, his stream of consciousness slowing the read down. It detracted from the sense that this was Matthew Scudder's world. Also, the changing back and forth from the first to third person also seemed to interfere with my enjoyment of the book.

The writing was consciously imbued with an analysis of and comments on mortality, obviously something Block was aiming at...everyone's a bit older and reacts to situations with the reality that people and things change with the passage of time. While this did not bother me, it did stand out more when contrasted against the elements I found lacking and hence slowed things down.

I'm glad Block has continued to let Scudder evolve. But the bottom line is that "Flowers" was like going to a favorite restaurant. The joint was still packed, the menu and staff pretty much the same. But the service was a bit slower, the trappings somewhat faded and the meal just wasn't as satisfying as it used to be.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Weakest Scudder Novel in Quite a While, June 4, 2006

By	Richard A. Jenkins "Richard A. Jenkins" (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: All the Flowers Are Dying (Matthew Scudder Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

I liked "All the Flowers are Dying" well enough to finish it, but I can't say I would highly recommend the book. The Scudder series has suffered from fatigue, although the last book was a big improvement over its immediate predecessors. This one will appeal to people like me who are hooked on the series, but I doubt that it would make a good introduction to Scudder for someone new. New York has changed, Scudder and the major characters have all aged, and Scudder's alcoholism has faded into the background. There's a loss of tension and angst in his life and in his relationships with others. Scudder's favorite cop has retired and there appears to be a replacement in a "college boy" who provides rather predictable turns to the plot. Serial killing seems out of place in the semi-ordered world of Matt Scudder and really belongs in the world of John Sanford's Lucas Davenport, who does this much better. The killer and his full story arc became obvious to me much too early in the book and there's a teaser subplot that's not resolved very satisfactorily. The serial killer is a bit of a cartoon and the victims (or presumed victim, in one case) don't come fully to life. Elaine, who has always been an interesting part of this series, is stuck with a thankless, underwritten part as a rather inert victim. In general, Block's stock company of characters seem tired, rather than "evolved" and it wouldn't hurt Block to move on to something else. Sadly, the last book in the "Burglar" series also was a disappointment. My advice to anyone who hasn't read Block is to start at the beginning--the books up until the mid-90s (when Block was cranking them out too quickly) are all worthwhile. For fans, this one is a way to get caught up with Scudder, but don't be surprised if it leaves you feeling like it's time for him to retire.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Black, Block, January 9, 2006

By	Beverley Strong (Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: All the Flowers Are Dying (Matthew Scudder Mysteries) (Hardcover)

As opposed to film noir, this is definitely a book noir. A psychopathic killer with whom former police man, Matt Scudder, had previously tangled, is back on the scene and more dangerous than ever. An innocent man is executed for the sadistic torture, rape and murder of three young boys, unable to convince anyone of his innocence. The murderer who is a master of disguise, visited the man in his prison cell, just a few days before the execution, merely to gloat over how clever he had been in setting up this totally innocent man, just for the thrill of being able to do so. When the murderer decides to kill Matt and his wife, they are put in a siege position, in constant alarm and forever on super alert. The scenes in which the murderer describes what he IS doing, or plans to do, are horrific in the extreme...graphic beyond need and left me feeling quite sick. If this is the path that Mr.Block intends to follow, I won't be subjecting myself to any more of his books.