Rubbed Out

Robin Light #8

by Barbara Block

Robin Light takes on a seemingly simple case of tracking down the runaway wife of Walter Wilcox, a wealthy lawyer with ties to the Russian mob, but things aren't what they seem when Walter is murdered, his wife is nowhere to be found, and the Russian mob comes after her.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2002

About the author

Aka Isis Crawford

Barbara Block is the author of the Robin Light Mystery Series, Twister, In Plain Sight, Scent of Murder, and Vanishing Act. Her upcoming release, Endangered Species, will be available in September of 1999. She was recently named one of Booklist's Top Five Lesser Known Female Sleuths so, hopefully, a wider audience will discover her through the thrills of Endangered Species. A longtime freelance writer, Barbara has produced numerous feature articles and reviews in addition to her novels. When she's not writing, Barbara somehow finds the time to run a catering business specializing in desserts.

Barbara holds a BA in Spanish from New York University and an MA in Spanish from Columbia University. She has also studied at Hunter College and the School of Visual Arts. An avid traveler, Barbara has toured extensively through both Europe and Latin America.

As a youth, animals were among Barbara's many interests. Her childhood was crowded with pets of every kind that included a type of alligator known as a caiman. The caiman took up residence in the family bathtub, much to the guests' dismay. Her love for creatures has not dissipated over the years. Indeed, her deep interest in animals has led her to be a "mother" to dogs, cats, ferrets, Burmese pythons, and monitor lizards. Included in the zoo were three male Homo sapiens of her own.

Originally from New York City, Barbara Block has made Syracuse her home for twenty-five years.

Reviews

[Cathie Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good, however, the ending destroyed anything exciting in the book. I have a hard time with men who think its okay to get women pregnant and then leave them for another woman. Though the plot and storyline was great, it had a tendency to drag. Characters were good, but the main character's constant winning was troublesome. Some good humor. Neutral on recommendation.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this was another nail-biter! Good writing, great characters and non-stop suspense.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly good mystery. I had tried to read it about a year ago and never got past the intro as it didn't hold my interest. I enjoyed the main character who seemed very much like tough type of private eye. She has a lot of the same characteristics as a Sam Spade in my opinion.

I must try to find some of the books leading up to this one as I would like to see what her relationships were like with Paul and George. (I couldn't help thinking she was just missing a John and Ringo to go along with these two!)

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

mother of Lawrence Block. Story of Noah’s Ark pet store owner / pt PI Robin Light searching for a missing wife. Wife left neglectful, cheating husband, took $250K Russian mob money she discovered hidden in the in basement. Convoluted, mediocre mystery involving missing dogs, mismatched families and nothing of interest.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Barbara Block ws a good read. Enjoyed the characters, especially the main character, Robin Light.


J. Robert Ewbank atuhor "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.