Burglars Can't Be Choosers

Reader Mike Jarmus sounds as spoiled and resourceful as Block's famous burglar in this addition to the Bernie Rhodenbarr series. Jarmus does the other voices well, too, catching the cold greed of a landlord who has just upped the rent tenfold; the street-wise accent of Bernie's cop friend, always ready to line his pockets as long as no one gets hurt; and the self-mocking tone of his lesbian friend, Carolyn. Block's sober Matthew Scudder books are wonderfully offset by the humorous Rhodenbarr romps, and Jarmus captures their flavor, cadence, ambiance--and New York itself. D.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Bernie Rhodenbarr is a crook who limits his criminal enterprise to burglary--carried out to high ethical standards. In BURGLARS CAN'T BE CHOOSERS, Bernie is offered five large ones for a one-hour job that's a sure thing. All goes well until the victim turns up dead and Bernie is wanted for murder. Narrator Richard Ferrone adjusts his gravelly voice to match Bernie's "nice crook" persona. The story quickly engages listeners but bogs down as the plot thickens, finally closing with Bernie connecting all of the dots and fingering the real killer. Ferrone's delivery has a spark that complements Bernie's clever powers of deduction. Ferrone carries the day with his smooth and steady delivery, laced with just the right touches of humor and vocal variety. T.J.M. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine