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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
For a long time my world of American crime literature consisted of Pelecanos, Lehane and Don Winslow and with UK bookshops not stocking a great deal of US stock apart from the most popular novelists it's taken me a long time to find other authors to join the aforementioned. There was also my aversion to long running detective series as I prejudicially and pretentiously thought they were all alike and of little consequence. How very wrong could I be!
I initially came across Lawrence Block through his short stories and was given an omnibus copy of the first three Scudder novels by my Dad. It's taken a good while, but Block is now reaching the status of a favourite and cherished author.
In this, the ninth in the series, Block is quite masterful with his storytelling especially in the early going and is constantly doing interesting things with his lead character rather than resting on his laurels. The first four novels were good, but since Eight Million Ways to Die this series has really hit its stride and as mentioned in my review of the previous novel introduced recurring characters to build Scudder's world.
It's a case right now of trying not to whizz through these novels rather than reaching for each one after the next. I want to be able to savour them especially since I'm now at the halfway mark in the series.
I initially came across Lawrence Block through his short stories and was given an omnibus copy of the first three Scudder novels by my Dad. It's taken a good while, but Block is now reaching the status of a favourite and cherished author.
In this, the ninth in the series, Block is quite masterful with his storytelling especially in the early going and is constantly doing interesting things with his lead character rather than resting on his laurels. The first four novels were good, but since Eight Million Ways to Die this series has really hit its stride and as mentioned in my review of the previous novel introduced recurring characters to build Scudder's world.
It's a case right now of trying not to whizz through these novels rather than reaching for each one after the next. I want to be able to savour them especially since I'm now at the halfway mark in the series.
Continuing to spiral down the grimdark rabbit hole that is the Scudder series. This one hinges on a major coincidence - a man hires Scudder to investigate his brother-in-law, who he believes is responsible for his sister's murder. But Scudder is soon distracted by an investigation nobody is paying him for - a snuff film that a member of his AA group brings to his attention. Eventually the two cases converge.
We've got the Kinky = Evil trope here and there's a snuff film - so it's fairly graphic. Underage gay hustlers and women don't exactly fare well in the story (they have this habit of winding up murdered). Block also spent a little too much word count on Mick/Scudder tangents for my liking but I kept listening which just goes to show my tolerance for grim seems to have no bottom.
We've got the Kinky = Evil trope here and there's a snuff film - so it's fairly graphic. Underage gay hustlers and women don't exactly fare well in the story (they have this habit of winding up murdered). Block also spent a little too much word count on Mick/Scudder tangents for my liking but I kept listening which just goes to show my tolerance for grim seems to have no bottom.
The more I read the more I like Scudder. This is a real lurid one with Scudder tracking down a couple that are into, well, I don't even want to get into it but its dark and very upsetting. The case comes together as Scudder is hired to figure out if a husband murdered his wife. Block weaves these stories together into one breathtaking novel that also has some nice humorous conversations sprinkled in. I'd give this 5 stars but I just feel like a little more of the story needed to be fleshed out. I really wanted an account on exactly who killed Richard Thurman. I also wanted better follow up with Lyman Warriner. He seemed like a neat character that wasn't used enough. Still a great read, so much so, I think I'll read all the Scudder books.
Murderous Scudder
Review of the LB Productions eBook (October 4, 2020) of the original William Morrow & Co. hardcover (1991).
I'm just past the midpoint in my re-survey of Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder series and now I remember that this one was the noirest of them all. A disturbing descent into the world of underground snuff films where Scudder become judge, jury and executioner. The quality of the writing is as compelling as ever, but the content comes with a warning.
Of greater interest was the building of the increased cast of Scudder associates with the addition of street smart kid TJ to the mix who plays only a minor role, but will continue to return. Meanwhile albino informant Danny Boy Bell, criminal bar owner Mick Ballou and girlfriend Elaine make their regular appearances. Scudder continues to maintain his sobriety with regular AA meetings. Mick Ballou with his father's butcher's apron and his regular attendance at the morning butcher's mass leaves an indelible impression.
Front cover of the original 1991 William Morrow & Co. hardcover edition. Image sourced from Goodreads.
Footnote
* Can't be sure if it is the 1962 paperback that Scudder has in hand, but if so the full title would be "The Newgate Calendar or Malefactors' Bloody Register containing: Genuine and Circumstantial Narrative of the lives and transactions, various exploits and Dying Speeches of the Most Notorious Criminals of both sexes who suffered Death Punishment in Gt. Britain and Ireland for High Treason, Petty Treason, Murder, Piracy, Felony, Thieving, Highway Robberies, Forgery, Rapes, Bigamy, Burglaries, Riots, and various other horrid crimes and misdemeanours on a plan entirely new, wherein will be fully displayed the regular progress from virtue to vice interspersed with striking reflexions on the conduct of those unhappy wretches who have fallen a sacrifice to the laws of their country." Various anthology editions of The Newgate Calendar (c. 1750-onwards) exist which collect the original monthly bulletins.
Trivia and Links
I read a considerable number of Lawrence Block books in my pre-GR and pre-reviewing days. Probably 40 or so out of the 100+ that are available. That included all of the Matt Scudder books, several of the Bernie Rhodenbarrs, several of the Evan Tanners, several of the John Kellers, a dozen or so standalones and some of the memoirs. There were even a few of the earlier pulp novels which were originally published under pseudonyms. This re-read is a look back at some of those.
Lawrence Block (June 24, 1938 - ) considers himself retired these days, but still maintains an occasional newsletter with the latest issued in August 2024. He self-publishes some of his earlier works that have otherwise gone out of print, using his own LB Productions imprint such as this current eBook edition for A Dance at the Slaughterhouse.
Review of the LB Productions eBook (October 4, 2020) of the original William Morrow & Co. hardcover (1991).
Someone had passed along a paperback volume called [b:The Newgate Calendar 1|8436217|The Newgate Calendar 1|George Theodore Wilkinson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1276258057l/8436217._SY75_.jpg|1786725]*, a case-by-case report on British crimes of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. I’d had it around for a month or so, and at night I would read a few pages before I went to sleep. It was mostly interesting, although some cases were more interesting than others. What got to me some nights, though, was the way nothing changed. People back then killed each other for every reason and for no reason, and they did it with every means at their disposal and all the ingenuity they could bring to bear.
I'm just past the midpoint in my re-survey of Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder series and now I remember that this one was the noirest of them all. A disturbing descent into the world of underground snuff films where Scudder become judge, jury and executioner. The quality of the writing is as compelling as ever, but the content comes with a warning.
Of greater interest was the building of the increased cast of Scudder associates with the addition of street smart kid TJ to the mix who plays only a minor role, but will continue to return. Meanwhile albino informant Danny Boy Bell, criminal bar owner Mick Ballou and girlfriend Elaine make their regular appearances. Scudder continues to maintain his sobriety with regular AA meetings. Mick Ballou with his father's butcher's apron and his regular attendance at the morning butcher's mass leaves an indelible impression.
Front cover of the original 1991 William Morrow & Co. hardcover edition. Image sourced from Goodreads.
Footnote
* Can't be sure if it is the 1962 paperback that Scudder has in hand, but if so the full title would be "The Newgate Calendar or Malefactors' Bloody Register containing: Genuine and Circumstantial Narrative of the lives and transactions, various exploits and Dying Speeches of the Most Notorious Criminals of both sexes who suffered Death Punishment in Gt. Britain and Ireland for High Treason, Petty Treason, Murder, Piracy, Felony, Thieving, Highway Robberies, Forgery, Rapes, Bigamy, Burglaries, Riots, and various other horrid crimes and misdemeanours on a plan entirely new, wherein will be fully displayed the regular progress from virtue to vice interspersed with striking reflexions on the conduct of those unhappy wretches who have fallen a sacrifice to the laws of their country." Various anthology editions of The Newgate Calendar (c. 1750-onwards) exist which collect the original monthly bulletins.
Trivia and Links
I read a considerable number of Lawrence Block books in my pre-GR and pre-reviewing days. Probably 40 or so out of the 100+ that are available. That included all of the Matt Scudder books, several of the Bernie Rhodenbarrs, several of the Evan Tanners, several of the John Kellers, a dozen or so standalones and some of the memoirs. There were even a few of the earlier pulp novels which were originally published under pseudonyms. This re-read is a look back at some of those.
Lawrence Block (June 24, 1938 - ) considers himself retired these days, but still maintains an occasional newsletter with the latest issued in August 2024. He self-publishes some of his earlier works that have otherwise gone out of print, using his own LB Productions imprint such as this current eBook edition for A Dance at the Slaughterhouse.
dark
tense
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual violence, Torture
There's little I can say about Block that hasn't already been said, but A Dance at the Slaughterhouse is a great example of why he's worthy of such praise.
Imagine pulling a chair up to a tableful of world-hardened, loquacious guys with bruised reputations. They're not going to be beholden to your timeframe, they'll raise their eyebrows (or their fists) if you suggest maybe they're wandering far off topic, but sooner or later, if you'll just keep your mouth shut, you'll hear such stories of excitement and life wisdom you'll never want to push back your chair and leave. Dance felt a lot like that.
Block creates this kind of atmosphere while still maintaining his usual brisk read. There are stories and discussions, that while interesting, seem to not fit the story, and while most of them end up tying in in some way, it's quite a feat to not only make the reader not mind a side excursion, but enjoy it. I felt wiser hanging out with Scudder and his acquaintances, shady pasts or not. For fans of the entire series, Dance features some pivotal moments for Scudder that continue the evolution of a fictional landmark.
Dance, like several Scudder books before it, gives a real sense of spending time with its protagonist, living his life with him, not just checking for the high points of a story. It's an audit course on perseverance, sorrow, and the PI life. If you're not changed a little reading a book like Dance, you'll at least get those endorphins of deep thought.
Here is another example of how it's easy to take a writer like Block for granted because his bibliography is so vast. But novels like Dance are a small treasure and should be enjoyed that way.
Recommended for all mystery/PI readers, Block fans, and those who just can't get enough fiction that makes them not only dig deep into a story but into themselves. Block does all this without the weight of extra words. For a book this brisk to be this deep is a wonder.
Imagine pulling a chair up to a tableful of world-hardened, loquacious guys with bruised reputations. They're not going to be beholden to your timeframe, they'll raise their eyebrows (or their fists) if you suggest maybe they're wandering far off topic, but sooner or later, if you'll just keep your mouth shut, you'll hear such stories of excitement and life wisdom you'll never want to push back your chair and leave. Dance felt a lot like that.
Block creates this kind of atmosphere while still maintaining his usual brisk read. There are stories and discussions, that while interesting, seem to not fit the story, and while most of them end up tying in in some way, it's quite a feat to not only make the reader not mind a side excursion, but enjoy it. I felt wiser hanging out with Scudder and his acquaintances, shady pasts or not. For fans of the entire series, Dance features some pivotal moments for Scudder that continue the evolution of a fictional landmark.
Dance, like several Scudder books before it, gives a real sense of spending time with its protagonist, living his life with him, not just checking for the high points of a story. It's an audit course on perseverance, sorrow, and the PI life. If you're not changed a little reading a book like Dance, you'll at least get those endorphins of deep thought.
Here is another example of how it's easy to take a writer like Block for granted because his bibliography is so vast. But novels like Dance are a small treasure and should be enjoyed that way.
Recommended for all mystery/PI readers, Block fans, and those who just can't get enough fiction that makes them not only dig deep into a story but into themselves. Block does all this without the weight of extra words. For a book this brisk to be this deep is a wonder.