In the Midst of Death

By: Lawrence Block

Narrated by: Alan Sklar

Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Jerry Broadfield thinks he's a good cop. But now he's been charged with extortion - and his former buddies in the NYPD would like to see him laid out on a morgue slab for squealing to a committee on police corruption. Suddenly, he's got a lot of enemies, and when a dead call girl turns up in his apartment, his troubles get even bigger. Broadfield screams "setup," but nobody believes him - except ex-policeman, now unlicensed PI Matthew Scudder. Because Broadfield turned traitor no cop is going to give Scudder any help with this investigation, so Scudder's on his own. But finding a killer among the stoolie cop's sleazebag connections is going to be as difficult as pouring a cold beer in hell - where some of Broadfield's enemies would like to see Scudder if he gets himself in too deep.

©1976 Lawrence Block. All rights reserved. (P)2011 AudioGo

Another calm cool and collected detective...

Firstly, to be clear, I love Lawrence Block's writing style - he is crisp, to the point, sometimes a bit shocking (more so in later books), and non-moralistic. His characters are flawed men who remain calm, cool and collected under pressure... all without any whining or "woe is me" behind it all. There is some mature language, but the story is not gory or graphic.

This is the third book in a series about Matthew Scudder and was originally published in the mid-70s. Surprisingly, it doesn't have a dated feel, other than the references to pay phones and NY City rents. I have read the series to book 7 but this was the first one that I listened to in audio. The story was as good as I expected, and the narration was well-done. My only note was that the narrator didn't have the voice I expected Matthew to have after reading so many books about him... this isn't a negative thing though, it was just a bit surprising.

If you've read others in this series, you will find that Scudder is his typical self and the story is written in Block's typical style. There is no preaching and the resolution is quick and to the point. If you haven't read the others, but like Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, you will probably like this one too. The books stand alone, but the main character is developed over time, so it might be best to start the Scudder series as close to the beginning as you can.

Prostitution, Police, & Politics

I admit my bias, I love the Scudder series. As a former police officer, he knows how skirt the law to reach his goal. A corrupt cop is accused of killing a call girl. She is connected to police, federal agents, politicians, and writers. Her death sets off more murders and a suicide. As usual, Scudder connects the dots.

Too much unnecessary dialogue taking away from meaningful development

Some of the dialogue advances story but main character’s musings distract and tempted me to stop listening

great detective story

this book has great characters, great dialogue, and good scenes. the main character's inner dialogue is casually profound but matter of fact and honest about his character flaws.

CHOOSE CAREFULLY

It's not Mark Hammer ... not even sure it's Matt Scudder ... I got fooled only because it's Lawrence Block. If they're your favorites it can be tough when they switch on you.

I enjoyed it.

This is my third listen from Mr. Block’s writings with this detective. I’ve enjoyed all three and look forward to the next.

Interesting story

I enjoyed listening to the book. It kept my attention but there was some confusion with characters.

Really good

Always love the Scudder stories. Great character. Block is a wonderful ful storyteller. Can't wait wait to read his other series'.

Another Block hit with Sklar narration

Sklar makes this story an excellent read. His plots and characters are always right on. BUT WHY DOES LAWRANCE BLOCK EVER NARRATE HIS OWN AUDIOBOOKS. I tried to listen to some of them and could not do it. The rhythm of his sentences is the worst that I’ve ever heard. This ruins so many of his stories for me. Ugh! Get Sklar back!!!!!

over the top in sexual explicitly!

Love the author, but this one was hard to listen to, and it was no fault of the talented narrator. Just descriptions got a little too much, and for me it took away from the story.

Double standards cops private eyes

Heavy drinking ex cop has to see through lies to help his client and not become a patsy

Potentially well…… ?

This began with an narrative excellently read, by an obviously good actor, but…..
After a while I really became bothered at the regular use. Of the ‘C’ word, in reference to a female protagonist
Normally I would not, do not bother about the language, but this one word really offends me, and is not necessary, so, in spite of it being potentially entertaining, I am giving up on this, for that reason , my review
Only functioning as warning to those of you, who find this word equally as offensive.my stars awarded only to enable me to leave a review,
Its a pity that anything goes on audible, they don’t seem to be aware, or don’t care ?


not.

In the midst of death

This was the first story of this series that was actually worth listening to! the ending wasn't really that great, but sometimes it's the journey that matters more than how it ends up being.

A Good story

A plot which curves and twists, keeps you guessing Particularly like the narrator's voice and style, brings characters to life

"Men are weird animals."

Matt Scudder, ex cop but not a private detective, takes on the occasional case to investigate. Another cop, accused by a prostitute of blackmail, asks him for help - and Matt finds himself involved in something much deeper.
Block is a fine writer of noir, intriguing plots, well constructed characters and with a feel of authenticity in his conversations.

Narrator, Alan Sklar, slipped perfectly into the roll of Scudder, with emotion , or rather, lack of it, perfectly paced and paid back, with individual voices for other protagonists. A fine performance.

Great writing, good story, excellent narration, and free with Audible +. What's not to like? I
Definite!y recommended

Slow Motion Release

It seems anyone will do practically anything to obtain their own satisfaction in this dark tale. Dismal and desperate, where everyone is underhand and plotting. No one has any hope, and so do nothing redeeming. Intricate plot with no HEA.

The excellent downbeat narration perfectly epitomizes the MC. DEPRESSING