Ratings9
Average rating3.8
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?
Reviews with the most likes.
I've only read a few Bernie Rhodenbarr books in the past, but always enjoyed them. Now, I'm older. Wiser. Decided to start from the beginning. With Burglars Can't Be Choosers, I'm now hooked. A rabid fan even. I can't tell you how hard it is to find fun, light-hearted true whodunnits these days without them involving cats or bakers. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I'm a guy. Who wants a manly whodunnit every once in a while. And Bernie is manly. A refined man, of course. An honest man...for a burglar. A lady's man too. But he sure can solve a frolicking fun case in witty burglar fashion. I've already loaded up book two and will start tomorrow.
That was fun. The plot twist was unexpected, which is always nice. The dialogue was witty, the writing fine, which coming from the pen of Lawrence Block is to be expected.
I really enjoyed this “fun” mystery. Bernie was likeable and I found the suspense kept me enthralled to the end. I look forward to reading more of Bernie's adventures.
Featured Series
11 primary books13 released booksBernie Rhodenbarr is a 13-book series with 11 primary works first released in 1977 with contributions by Lawrence Block.