The Burglar in Short Order

December 23, 2019
MWA Grandmaster Block collects 15 tightly crafted and amusing short stories and articles concerning burglar and bookseller Bernie Rhodenbarr, hero of The Burglar Who Liked to Quote Kipling and other novels. In “Mr. Rhodenbarr, Bookseller, Advises a Young Customer on Seeking a Vocation,” Bernie schools a hapless shoplifter who comes with sticky fingers into his bookstore. In “The Burglar Who Smelled Smoke,” a clever roman à clef inspired by the famous mystery book collection of publisher and bookstore owner Otto Penzler, an original solution is presented for a locked room puzzle, with a Penzler avatar providing the corpse. Among other high points is an article detailing how the 1987 movie Burglar inexplicably went from hiring a pre–Die Hard Bruce Willis as Bernie and instead cast Whoopi Goldberg in the title role. A foreword, “A Burglar’s Origins,” and an afterword, “A Burglar’s Future,” are original to this volume. The author’s legion of fans won’t want to miss this one. Agent: Danny Baror, Baror International.

Throughout nine novels, narrator Richard Ferrone's resonant voice and erudite delivery have reflected the character of burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr, a witty, ethical thief. Now, Ferrone is back to do the honors narrating this compilation of stories, almost all of which have appeared in print or audio. (Some entries are chapters pulled from Rhodenbarr novels.) The collection focuses on Bernie's origins--for example, how he acquired his name, his cat, and his bookstore. Included is an essay by Lawrence Block explaining how Bernie developed and offering insights into the cozy vs. noir debate (According to Block, any mystery with a cat is a cozy). Rhodenbarr fans will enjoy all the backstory, but those unfamiliar with the character would be better served to start with one of the Rhodenbarr novels. R.W.S. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine