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A Drop of the Hard Stuff  By  cover art

A Drop of the Hard Stuff

By: Lawrence Block
Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte
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Publisher's summary

Edgar Award-winning author Lawrence Block has been named a Mystery Writers of America Grand Master. A Drop of the Hard Stuff continues Block’s popular series starring New York private detective and recovering alcoholic Matthew Scudder. Scudder is already struggling with his sobriety when his friend and fellow AA member Jack Ellery is found murdered. Now the only thing keeping Scudder from the bottle is his obsession with finding the culprit.

©2011 Lawrence Block (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about A Drop of the Hard Stuff

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more great Lawrence Block

Have read most all of Lawrence Block's books. In "Seven Million Ways to Die" he wrote the best description I have ever read of an alcoholic event (I am an alcoholic so I know from whence I speak). What a wonderful writer and look forward to his next novel. Louella E Rehfield.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Too Much...Not Enough.

Scudder's struggles with alcohol have always been an interesting sub-plot in Block's book, but takes center stage here. Center stage with a spotlight and otherwise empty stage -- there's barely a crime to be dealt with! It ultimately renders this tale moribund. I could barely finish it.

That said, Block is one of my very favorite authors...I'll be right in line for his next one. Just a misfire here.

I always enjoy and prefer Block's reading of his own material, but Stechschulte does a fine job here.

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6 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Narrator the Worst

This might have been an interesting book, if I read it myself. This narrator was so monotone that all of the vivid colors of these NYC characters was lost in a sea of sameness.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Booze Booze Everywhere . . . .

If you could sum up A Drop of the Hard Stuff in three words, what would they be?

A Hellova Life

What did you like best about this story?

It's honesty. It's truthfulness. It's grittiness.

Which character – as performed by Tom Stechschulte – was your favorite?

Our Hero was the best. His struggle for sobriety made the story meaningful. His search for the truth made it worth listening to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene where he comes home to find the bottle on the table. His description of the smell, the taste, the want & the need. I felt it deep in my gut.

Any additional comments?

I know some people find the constant referral to the 12 Steps, AA & Meetings annoying but this whole story is about getting off the booze & working the Steps. None of it would've happened if the murdered man wasn't working the Steps.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Pretty Good

Would you try another book from Lawrence Block and/or Tom Stechschulte?

Thought this was a new book in series, but it goes back to his original sober period getting to 1 year of not drinking.

Would you be willing to try another book from Lawrence Block? Why or why not?

Would have to consider

What three words best describe Tom Stechschulte’s voice?

Monotone

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

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For AA Members Only

This novel centers more on the AA 12 Step Program than on the murder mystery. It seems like almost 90% of the narration includes the word ???step??? or ???meeting??? or both. I find the constant repetition becomes tedious and, eventually, annoying..

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Dull with no action.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No.

Would you ever listen to anything by Lawrence Block again?

Maybe

What does Tom Stechschulte bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Absolutely

Do you think A Drop of the Hard Stuff needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No.

Any additional comments?

The narration and writing was good but I wish there was some action in at least a few spots.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

I love Lawrence Block...

...and have done for years. This book is delightfully read and it was a lot of fun to 'read' another Scudder book after so long a lull. It was great to go back in time and fill in some gaps, although I did miss a couple of the 'regulars' who Matt hadn't met yet at the setting of this story. I'm afraid I guessed the outcome too early for it to have been as much fun as I would have liked though. It's still a great listen and I'd recommend any Lawrence Block book to anyone.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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fun series

I really enjoy the Matthew Scudder series. always a good twist and this narration is good. suspenseful

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Terrific narrator

I’ve listened to most of the Matt Scudder novels, This narrator stands out. Loved all the voices he could pull off convincingly!

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