A Candle for the Bag Lady

A Matthew Scudder Story, Book 2

By: Lawrence Block

Narrated by: Lawrence Block

Matthew Scudder investigates the brutal murder of a woman known as the “bag lady.” A seemingly homeless woman, she turns out to have distributed her substantial wealth in a complex will naming random strangers. Where did the money come from? Why was she living in such reduced circumstances? And why in the world did she choose these beneficiaries—the owner of a local newspaper stand, a neighbor she rarely spoke to, the detective himself—when her real friends and acquaintances got nothing at all? And how is all this linked to her murder?

©2011 Lawrence Block (P)2012 AudioGO

A Candle For The Bag Lady

An interesting, but dry story. The narration was kind of monotone, yet that style fit this story.

Never Get Tired of Lawrence Block

I have always loved his writing style and characters. I have never been to New York, but I have been there many times with Matthew Scudder. Block is a great writer who shoud be included among all of the great mystery writers.

Block is one of the all time greats

As always, Block delivers. This is not a true whodunit, and it leaves some of the most vexing parts of the mystery unsolved in the end. Still, it is highly satisfying, primarily because the writing is just so damn good. I had listened to about ten chapters of a recent action mystery novel before switching to A Candle for the Bag Lady. The former was like trying to get comfortable on a stone bench. Block was like stretching out on your favorite couch. He's never predictable, but everything is just right.

Light and easy going

The story was light and easy going. The narrator had a clear and soothing voice. All characters blended nicely. Story had a gentle satisfying ending.

Short and rushed

What did you like best about A Candle for the Bag Lady? What did you like least?

Love the characters but always feel like the endings are rushed.

What didn’t you like about Lawrence Block’s performance?

His voice is very monotone and he speaks to quickly. Needs to slow down and punctuate certain sentences. Also needs to change the pitch of different characters.

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

No too short