The Burglar in the Library

Lawrence Block

Oct 2009 · Bernie Rhodenbarr Book 8 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

Bookseller and New-Yorker-to-the-bone, Bernie Rhodenbarr rarely ventures out of Manhattan, but he's excited about the romantic getaway he has planned for himself and current lady love Lettice at the Cuttleford House, a remote upstate b&b. Unfortunately, Lettice has a prior engagement—she's getting married . . . and not to Bernie—so he decides to take best buddy Carolyn instead. A restful respite from the big city's bustle would be too good to waste. Besides, there's a very valuable first edition shelved in the Cuttleford's library that Bernie's just itching to get his hands on. Did we neglect to mention that Bernie's a burglar?

But first he's got to get around a very dead body on the library floor. The plot's thickened by an isolating snowstorm, downed phone lines, the surprise arrival of Lettice and her reprehensible new hubby, and a steadily increasing corpse count. And it's Bernie who'll have to figure out whodunit . . . or die.

Ratings and reviews

Bernie Rodenbarr, bed-and-breakfast, puntastic, snarkfest, murder, amateur sleuth I'm reading my way through the series in order this time and finding that I missed some. As always, this has me giggling and snurfling my way through the book. The publisher's blurb gives hints and there is no need for spoilers, but there is so much more to the fun and mayhem. Simple adjustments for inflation and telecommunications make this a timely tale instead of a historical one,so locate a copy and enjoy!

About the author

Lawrence Block is one of the most widely recognized names in the mystery genre. He has been named a Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America and is a four-time winner of the prestigious Edgar and Shamus Awards, as well as a recipient of prizes in France, Germany, and Japan. He received the Diamond Dagger from the British Crime Writers' Association—only the third American to be given this award. He is a prolific author, having written more than fifty books and numerous short stories, and is a devoted New Yorker and an enthusiastic global traveler.