A Drop of the Hard Stuff

By: Lawrence Block

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins

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

fun series

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nostalgic Scudder novel

If you’ve followed the whole series of Scudder, this one will take you back to the old times, revisit some places and people already gone and feel the Nee York of the 80s.

The narration was great, I think Tom does a great job conveying Scudder character (I also love his narration of James Lee Burke’s novels).

The story is not so special, but the feeling of the novel is good, and the ending interesting…

Also you can enjoy the story as narrated to Mike Ballou, so he will accompany you to the ending line too.

A great qualification.

For anybody who is had a 1st year In AA The story reads so very true.

Typically good Block

Love this narrator. Block writes so simply, but you learn to relate to his characters and their not so simple way of life . I appreciate the in depth experience of AA.

Matter-of-fact

Droll dry wit in the form of a murder mystery. Excellent turns of phrases. Comments I can use on my grandson. You know what? I never know what to say. Now, I have a few. Keep reading.

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.