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Burglars Can't Be Choosers
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Manufacturer: HarperTorch
Author: Lawrence Block
Publisher: HarperTorch
Average Customer Rating:
Our Price: $6.99
You Save: $ ( % )
Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: HarperTorch
Author: Lawrence Block
Publisher: HarperTorch
Average Customer Rating:
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Burglars Can't Be Choosers Description
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780060582555
ISBN: 0060582553
Label: HarperTorch
Manufacturer: HarperTorch
Number Of Items: 1
Book Pages: 320
Publication Date: 2004-02
Publisher: HarperTorch
Product Release Date: 2004-02-24
Studio: HarperTorch
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780060582555
ISBN: 0060582553
Label: HarperTorch
Manufacturer: HarperTorch
Number Of Items: 1
Book Pages: 320
Publication Date: 2004-02
Publisher: HarperTorch
Product Release Date: 2004-02-24
Studio: HarperTorch
Editorial Review of Burglars Can't Be Choosers
Bernie Rhodenbarr is a personable chap, a good neighbor, a passable poker player. His chosen profession, however, might not sit well with some. Bernie is a burglar, a good one, effortlessly lifting valuables from the not-so-well-protected abodes of well-to-do New Yorkers like a modern-day Robin Hood. (The poor, as Bernie would be the first to tell you, alas, have nothing worth stealing.)
He's not perfect, however; he occasionally makes mistakes. Like accepting a paid assignment from a total stranger to retrieve a particular item from a rich man's apartment. Like still being there when the cops arrive. Like having a freshly slain corpse lying in the next room, and no proof that Bernie isn't the killer.
Now he's really got his hands full, having to locate the true perpetrator while somehow eluding the police -- a dirty job indeed, but if Bernie doesn't do it, who will?
Customer Reviews of Burglars Can't Be Choosers
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: The good guys are the bad guys and the good guys always win.
Review: Bernie Rhodenbarr's a thief. Actually he's a burglar, not a thief. Thieves steal purses, pickpockets, shoplift, frequently use weapons, and occasionally hurt people. Bernie wouldn't do that. Slipping into a condo while the residence are at the theater is more his style. Burglary is a solitary endeavor. Add people to the equation and things are bound to go wrong.
That eidetic proved to be true in Burglars Can't Be Choosers. Bernie accepted a commission, something he normally didn't do. But the money was good and all he had to do was go in and retrieve a box. The apartment would be empty and the blue leather-bound box was in the roll-top desk.
If only it were so easy. First, the box wasn't there, second, the police caught him in the act, and third, there was a dead body in the apartment. Bernie panicked, as would any basically honest burglar, and took off. The cops thought he was guilty of murder.
At this point Bernie had a choice, he could hid at his friend's apartment until he returned to the city and then find another place to hide or he could figure out who murdered J. Francis Flaxford.
Burglars Can't Be Choosers is an entertaining mystery and as with most mysteries, the good guy wins. Okay, so in the alternate reality created by Laurence Block, the good guys are really the bad guys and the bad guys are really the good guys. I can accept that. I'd rather deal with an "honest" burglar than money-loving cops any day of the week.
Burglars Can't be Choosers is the first in a series of seven mystery's featuring the light fingered Bernie Rhodenbarr. While they're all great in their own right, it's best to read them in order. Enjoy it, I did.
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Mr. Block does it again!
Review: This is the third Lawrence Block book I have read. He hasn't disappointed me yet. This is a nice page turner. Block's dialog is second to none. His character's are always intriguing, and his plots fascinating. Lawrence Block is a rare breed. I found this book a great introduction to the lead character "Bernie Rhodenbarr". If you are looking for a good mystery, this a a great choice. Happy reading!
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Bernie Steals 5 Stars From This Reviewer
Review: What can I say. I am a sucker for dry wit and a nifty mystery. This book feature a great amount of both. This book was an enjoyable brisk read that left me wanting to read all of the books in the series. I have yet to try any of Block's other books or series, but if they are as good as this book, I am sure they are enjoyable as well. I really like books that teach you something, this book was no exception. Although lock picking is not something I have an interest in taking up, it was fun to read about the intricate steps involved.
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Somewhat promising start to a series
Review: 3.5 stars out of 5.0
The first book in Lawrence Block's Burglar series is actually the second one I read. I picked up the Burglar in the Closet, the next book, thinking it was the first, and was a little ways in before I realized my mistake. But that book was good enough that I wanted to come back and read the original book that introduces Bernie Rhodenbarr.
This book has the same lighthearted attitude. It definitely doesn't take itself too seriously which is probably a good thing since the hero is a "bad guy" in most people's eyes. The mystery isn't your typical detective style. Rather, it is a mystery that must be solved to get Bernie out of the hot water that he shouldn't be in. Well, mostly shouldn't be in. He is still a thief.
Block does nice job of introducing and developing characters. Nothing seems too cliché, which is refreshing. And for the most part, the story is plausible. Where it lost me a bit is at the end when explanations are given. The coincidences are too, um, coincidental. As Block rounded out the novel, I felt as though some things were too much of a stretch and this lessened the surprise. He redeemed himself a bit as the explanation expanded but it was still a bit of a letdown compared with how the book had been going.
Overall, a very good, easy read. Eventually, I'll pick up the third book to read and see if I want to keep going.
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: 3.5 stars - Good+
Review: As long as one doesn't have a problem with the protagonist being a burglar, this is a cleaver, light series with a real sense of New York City, fully developed characters, and crisp dialogue. I would recommend reading the series in order. If you're looking for a quick, light read, these fill the bill.
Review Summary: The good guys are the bad guys and the good guys always win.
Review: Bernie Rhodenbarr's a thief. Actually he's a burglar, not a thief. Thieves steal purses, pickpockets, shoplift, frequently use weapons, and occasionally hurt people. Bernie wouldn't do that. Slipping into a condo while the residence are at the theater is more his style. Burglary is a solitary endeavor. Add people to the equation and things are bound to go wrong.
That eidetic proved to be true in Burglars Can't Be Choosers. Bernie accepted a commission, something he normally didn't do. But the money was good and all he had to do was go in and retrieve a box. The apartment would be empty and the blue leather-bound box was in the roll-top desk.
If only it were so easy. First, the box wasn't there, second, the police caught him in the act, and third, there was a dead body in the apartment. Bernie panicked, as would any basically honest burglar, and took off. The cops thought he was guilty of murder.
At this point Bernie had a choice, he could hid at his friend's apartment until he returned to the city and then find another place to hide or he could figure out who murdered J. Francis Flaxford.
Burglars Can't Be Choosers is an entertaining mystery and as with most mysteries, the good guy wins. Okay, so in the alternate reality created by Laurence Block, the good guys are really the bad guys and the bad guys are really the good guys. I can accept that. I'd rather deal with an "honest" burglar than money-loving cops any day of the week.
Burglars Can't be Choosers is the first in a series of seven mystery's featuring the light fingered Bernie Rhodenbarr. While they're all great in their own right, it's best to read them in order. Enjoy it, I did.
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Mr. Block does it again!
Review: This is the third Lawrence Block book I have read. He hasn't disappointed me yet. This is a nice page turner. Block's dialog is second to none. His character's are always intriguing, and his plots fascinating. Lawrence Block is a rare breed. I found this book a great introduction to the lead character "Bernie Rhodenbarr". If you are looking for a good mystery, this a a great choice. Happy reading!
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Bernie Steals 5 Stars From This Reviewer
Review: What can I say. I am a sucker for dry wit and a nifty mystery. This book feature a great amount of both. This book was an enjoyable brisk read that left me wanting to read all of the books in the series. I have yet to try any of Block's other books or series, but if they are as good as this book, I am sure they are enjoyable as well. I really like books that teach you something, this book was no exception. Although lock picking is not something I have an interest in taking up, it was fun to read about the intricate steps involved.
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Somewhat promising start to a series
Review: 3.5 stars out of 5.0
The first book in Lawrence Block's Burglar series is actually the second one I read. I picked up the Burglar in the Closet, the next book, thinking it was the first, and was a little ways in before I realized my mistake. But that book was good enough that I wanted to come back and read the original book that introduces Bernie Rhodenbarr.
This book has the same lighthearted attitude. It definitely doesn't take itself too seriously which is probably a good thing since the hero is a "bad guy" in most people's eyes. The mystery isn't your typical detective style. Rather, it is a mystery that must be solved to get Bernie out of the hot water that he shouldn't be in. Well, mostly shouldn't be in. He is still a thief.
Block does nice job of introducing and developing characters. Nothing seems too cliché, which is refreshing. And for the most part, the story is plausible. Where it lost me a bit is at the end when explanations are given. The coincidences are too, um, coincidental. As Block rounded out the novel, I felt as though some things were too much of a stretch and this lessened the surprise. He redeemed himself a bit as the explanation expanded but it was still a bit of a letdown compared with how the book had been going.
Overall, a very good, easy read. Eventually, I'll pick up the third book to read and see if I want to keep going.
Customer Rating:
Review Summary: 3.5 stars - Good+
Review: As long as one doesn't have a problem with the protagonist being a burglar, this is a cleaver, light series with a real sense of New York City, fully developed characters, and crisp dialogue. I would recommend reading the series in order. If you're looking for a quick, light read, these fill the bill.