Burglars Can't Be Choosers

By: Lawrence Block

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

In this first in a series of wickedly funny mysteries, best-selling author Lawrence Block introduces Bernie Rhodenbarr, sometimes burglar, sometimes sleuth. Pulling only an occasional, very discreet job, Bernie manages to maintain his comfortable New York City apartment and keep his unorthodox vocation a closely-guarded secret. Every burglar knows never to trust anonymous phone calls. But when the caller offers easy money for an hour's work, Bernie can't ignore the job. All he has to do is find a blue box in an empty apartment. But the valuable box is nowhere to be found. The occupant is, however - and he's dead. Suddenly Bernie finds himself the object of a massive man hunt, wanted for both theft and murder. Winner of multiple Edgar and Shamus Awards, Lawrence Block crafts clever plots with characters you wish you could have over for drinks. But stop to count the silver afterwards. You'll find yourself laughing out loud as gravelly-voiced narrator Richard Ferrone brings sticky-fingered Bernie to life.

©1977 Lawrence Block (P)1998 Recorded Books, LLC

Nice story

It was getting used to the pace of the story and the narrator but he did a great job. At the end it was just like it always had to be his voice. The story was nice and steady and i will certainly listen to the next one .

Solid

Honestly I'm not sure what all the negative reviewers have against this story. It's a solid murder mystery with a fun perspective from another criminal that we don't really see a lot in other stories. The focus on locks, keys, and lock picking was a great over arching theme to the story. The only real complaint I had was the main character was stuck in the apartment a bit too long and I felt bored. Other than that the noire setting was executed really well, the narrator did a fine job creating the smokey filled room like nostalgia of a classic detective story (although Bernie and Ray sounded a bit too alike at times), and the characters themselves kept things interesting with their ever evolving and revealing back stories.

I'd recommend this to anyone who is a fan of the genre and audio books.

Subtle

Good book with a subtle humor imbedded. Well read. One of my favorites by Lawrence Block.

Fun performance of a fun story!

Loved this whole series in print, and was happy to find it on Audible - great job by the narrator, he brings life to all the characters with slightly different voices for each. All together, it’s a really fun version of a really fun book! Can’t wait to listen to more Bernie Rhodenbarr

Clever!

Like all the books in this series it starts out seeming to be a simple murder mystery. And like all his works, Block adds some complex twists. That plus the characterizations and good descriptions makes this series a fun read (or listen!)

The main character narration

I like the easy pace of the story, but a little too many plot lines. I needed to remember what we were solving for.

love the author love the series

What made the experience of listening to Burglars Can't Be Choosers the most enjoyable?

tongue in cheek humor, well written, well narrated. loved it as always. more please!

Case of the Red Herring!

We are introduced to Bernie Rhodenbarr, a laid back, somewhat successful burglar. He does quite well plying his trade in New York City. Accepting what appears to be an easy in and out job from a stranger, he neglects to smell something fishy in Denmark. Proceeding to the target of opportunity, he is in the apartment no longer than several minutes when the police enter uninvitedly. About to close a cash deal with one of the well-known officers, the other wandering policeman discovers a body in the bedroom. Bernie wisely makes a hasty retreat. It is now up to Bernie, and his plant-watering girlfriend, to figure out who did the deed in the bedroom, who is the stranger that set him up, and why was he the chosen pigeon? Burglars Can’t Be Choosers is a decent mystery, filled with humor and wit. I liked Ruth err…Ellie who provided additional personality and a little romance to the tale. I enjoyed the story and would follow up with more of the series.

Always one of my favorites.

Burgling Sleuth with 99 problems and a lock isn't one of them. Well written and very enjoyable.

Definitely a fun listen...

Firstly anything narrated by Richard Ferrone has my vote. He knows how to really shape a script into a living entity. Couple that with an author who can create a believable, intriguing, twisting plot and narrative on multiple levels that keeps you listening to see what is going to happen next and you come up with a winning recipe. Add in a really cool ending and you've definitely got my attention. I'm in for the whole series. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟