|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
Have you met Bernie Rhodenbarr? He is a full-fledged, capital "C" type character. I knew that he and I would click immediately; he is a bookseller. Oh, did I mention that he has another line of work; he is also a burglar. There are eight previous Bernie Rhodenbarr books but it isn't necessary to read them in order. The Burglar in the Rye features Bernie AKA Peter Jeffries or Jeffrey Peters. He has been hired by a pretty lady to steal the letters of a famous author but the letters are missing and the person that had them is dead. The cast of characters was overwhelming at first. As the story progresses, each character takes his/her individual identity and role. Some of the key players besides Bernie are: 1)Ray Kirschmann -- police extraordinaire who sees Bernie often in a professional sense, 2) Carolyn -- Bern's very good friend; they would probably be romantically inclined except Carolyn is gay, 3) Gulliver Fairborn -- the reclusive author (sure does seem to have the marks of J.D. Sallinger), who became my favorite character in the book (I liked his creativity), 4) Alice Cottrell -- the pretty lady who is one of the many who desire the letters in question. Even though the story begins at the Paddington Hotel (yes, there are stuffed Paddington bears that are on loan or purchase to the clientel), some of the most enjoyable sections of the book take place in Bernie's bookshop. I do feel like I'm there whether it involves conversation or buying/reading some antique book. Block writes with irreverent humor and crisp dialogue. The "whodunit" became secondary to me as I primarily enjoyed the mastery of Block's writing. This book is also available in audio and read by the author. It gives the reader a unique flavor and an auditory pleasure to "hear" Bernie come alive with Mr Block's voice. Note: This is a reprint edition
Reviewed by Rita Ratacheck, August 2000
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
