The Burglar in the Library

By: Lawrence Block

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Lawrence Block's talent for creating colorful characters, sophisticated dialog, and engaging atmosphere has earned him many awards: the title of Grand Master, three Edgar Awards, four Shamus Awards, and a Nero Wolfe Award. One of his most popular series follows the adventures of the suave bookseller and crook, Bernie Rhodenbarr.

Bernie's sweetheart has dumped him. But although his heart is broken, he hasn't lost his love for fine books - or for an occasional discrete burglary. So Bernie takes off for a snowy winter weekend at a country inn that just happens to have a rare, signed first edition of The Big Sleep in its library. It's not long, however, before Bernie's ex-girlfriend arrives with her new husband, a body is found in the library, and the book disappears. Bernie must sort out a tricky tangle of clues if he has any hope of nabbing the priceless edition for himself. Narrator Richard Ferrone captures Bernie's cool demeanor and his flair for perfect timing.

©1999 Lawrence Block (P)2000 Recorded Books LLC

Bernie does his Agatha Christie Tricks...!!!

Clever classic tale updated for fun as only Mrs. Rhodenbarr's son can spin. The introductory section about Chandler and Hammett and other Noir writers is really great and I now have amore titles and authors in my wish list thanks to Mr. Block's Revelations. Richard ferrone's narration is as always fantastic. Bernie once again presides over a Nero Wolf like denoument to reveal who done it with his usual panache. The epilogue-like tag is a fitting finale to another fun listen. 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Not Bernie's Best

What did you like best about The Burglar in the Library? What did you like least?

I liked the English house setting. I liked all the book talk. I thought the book was a bit tedious.

Would you recommend The Burglar in the Library to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend the early Burglar books.

Would you be willing to try another one of Richard Ferrone’s performances?

I would. He is good as Bernie but weaker with the other characters. His little girl voice was awful.

Do you think The Burglar in the Library needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I will read any book about Bernie Rhodenbarr. I wish there were more.

Any additional comments?

Clever idea but just didn't hold my attention.

Loved it

Good quality writing, humor, plot. cultural, historical, political, and literary quotes, very good narrator. A pleasure to listen to him.

Cozy and fun playing with mystery genres

This was an enjoyable book to read and a very enjoyable listen as well. Richard Ferrone brings the story to life with his facility for voices, it’s almost like listening to radio theater. Lawrence Block’s story and characters are fun, I felt engaged and drawn in even though I’ve read the book before. Love the Burglar series! This one is like an ode to Raymond Chandler wrapped in an ode to Agatha Christie!

captivating

As per usual, Lawrence Block has done an excellent job weaving a story that both captivates and keeps you wondering what will pop up next! Bernie is one of his best characters.

Love letter to Chandler and Christie

Lawrence Block is one of my favorite authors, and this book plays like a love letter to two of my other favorites: Raymond Chandler and Agatha Christie. It would be impossible for me NOT to love it!

Richard Ferrone is my favorite narrator of the Burglar books, because it's so clear he gets it: the playful tone, the gentlemanly sarcasm, the smiling banter between Bernie and the other characters. Throw in an Agatha Christie/English cozy mystery setting, and a plot that involves a rare Raymond Chandler 1st edition of "The Big Sleep," and I'm in heaven. I desperately want to travel to Cuttleford House and spend a snowy weekend reading by the fire and chatting with the Colonel.

This isn't one of the most beloved Burglar books, but since it was practically tailor-made to my interests, I love it beyond all rationality. A+.

She forgot to tell him she was getting married?!

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!
Once again Richard Ferrone gives an excellent tongue in cheek interpretation of the characters and their awful puns and snarks!

Love that burglar

Always terrific stories. bernie is great and Richard Ferrone is an exceptional generator.
Please give us more Bernie

Always Witty

I enjoy a good laugh while trying to figure out who did what to whom! Nobody has to do anything to further the plot along. Good listening.