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Bernie Rhodenbarr #7
The Burglar Who Thought He Was Bogart
Bookseller Bernie Rhodenbarr's in love—with an exotic Eastern European beauty who shares his obsession with Humphrey Bogart movies. He's in heaven, munching popcorn with his new amour every night at a Bogart Film Festival—until their Casablanca -esque idyll is cut short by his other secret passion: burglary . When he's hired to pilfer a portfolio of valuable documents from a Park Avenue apartment, Bernie can hardly refuse. But the occupant's early return forces Bernie to flee empty-handed—and he soon finds himself implicated in a murder. Before you can say "who stole the strawberries?" he's hunting for a killer, up to his neck in the outrageous intrigues of a tiny Balkan nation . . . and menaced by more sinister fat men and unsavory toadies than the great Bogie himself butted heads with in pursuit of that darn bird!
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
72 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence Block
757 books3,024 followersLawrence Block has been writing crime, mystery, and suspense fiction for more than half a century. He has published in excess (oh, wretched excess!) of 100 books, and no end of short stories.
Born in Buffalo, N.Y., LB attended Antioch College, but left before completing his studies; school authorities advised him that they felt he’d be happier elsewhere, and he thought this was remarkably perceptive of them.
His earliest work, published pseudonymously in the late 1950s, was mostly in the field of midcentury erotica, an apprenticeship he shared with Donald E. Westlake and Robert Silverberg. The first time Lawrence Block’s name appeared in print was when his short story “You Can’t Lose” was published in the February 1958 issue of Manhunt. The first book published under his own name was Mona (1961); it was reissued several times over the years, once as Sweet Slow Death. In 2005 it became the first offering from Hard Case Crime, and bore for the first time LB’s original title, Grifter’s Game.
LB is best known for his series characters, including cop-turned-private investigator Matthew Scudder, gentleman burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr, globe-trotting insomniac Evan Tanner, and introspective assassin Keller.
Because one name is never enough, LB has also published under pseudonyms including Jill Emerson, John Warren Wells, Lesley Evans, and Anne Campbell Clarke.
LB’s magazine appearances include American Heritage, Redbook, Playboy, Linn’s Stamp News, Cosmopolitan, GQ, and The New York Times. His monthly instructional column ran in Writer’s Digest for 14 years, and led to a string of books for writers, including the classics Telling Lies for Fun & Profit and The Liar’s Bible. He has also written episodic television (Tilt!) and the Wong Kar-wai film, My Blueberry Nights.
Several of LB’s books have been filmed. The latest, A Walk Among the Tombstones, stars Liam Neeson as Matthew Scudder and is scheduled for release in September, 2014.
LB is a Grand Master of Mystery Writers of America, and a past president of MWA and the Private Eye Writers of America. He has won the Edgar and Shamus awards four times each, and the Japanese Maltese Falcon award twice, as well as the Nero Wolfe and Philip Marlowe awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, and the Diamond Dagger for Life Achievement from the Crime Writers Association (UK). He’s also been honored with the Gumshoe Lifetime Achievement Award from Mystery Ink magazine and the Edward D. Hoch Memorial Golden Derringer for Lifetime Achievement in the short story. In France, he has been proclaimed a Grand Maitre du Roman Noir and has twice been awarded the Societe 813 trophy. He has been a guest of honor at Bouchercon and at book fairs and mystery festivals in France, Germany, Australia, Italy, New Zealand, Spain and Taiwan. As if that were not enough, he was also presented with the key to the city of Muncie, Indiana. (But as soon as he left, they changed the locks.)
LB and his wife Lynne are enthusiastic New Yorkers and relentless world travelers; the two are members of the Travelers Century Club, and have visited around 160 countries.
He is a modest and humble fellow, although you would never guess as much from this biographical note.
Born in Buffalo, N.Y., LB attended Antioch College, but left before completing his studies; school authorities advised him that they felt he’d be happier elsewhere, and he thought this was remarkably perceptive of them.
His earliest work, published pseudonymously in the late 1950s, was mostly in the field of midcentury erotica, an apprenticeship he shared with Donald E. Westlake and Robert Silverberg. The first time Lawrence Block’s name appeared in print was when his short story “You Can’t Lose” was published in the February 1958 issue of Manhunt. The first book published under his own name was Mona (1961); it was reissued several times over the years, once as Sweet Slow Death. In 2005 it became the first offering from Hard Case Crime, and bore for the first time LB’s original title, Grifter’s Game.
LB is best known for his series characters, including cop-turned-private investigator Matthew Scudder, gentleman burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr, globe-trotting insomniac Evan Tanner, and introspective assassin Keller.
Because one name is never enough, LB has also published under pseudonyms including Jill Emerson, John Warren Wells, Lesley Evans, and Anne Campbell Clarke.
LB’s magazine appearances include American Heritage, Redbook, Playboy, Linn’s Stamp News, Cosmopolitan, GQ, and The New York Times. His monthly instructional column ran in Writer’s Digest for 14 years, and led to a string of books for writers, including the classics Telling Lies for Fun & Profit and The Liar’s Bible. He has also written episodic television (Tilt!) and the Wong Kar-wai film, My Blueberry Nights.
Several of LB’s books have been filmed. The latest, A Walk Among the Tombstones, stars Liam Neeson as Matthew Scudder and is scheduled for release in September, 2014.
LB is a Grand Master of Mystery Writers of America, and a past president of MWA and the Private Eye Writers of America. He has won the Edgar and Shamus awards four times each, and the Japanese Maltese Falcon award twice, as well as the Nero Wolfe and Philip Marlowe awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, and the Diamond Dagger for Life Achievement from the Crime Writers Association (UK). He’s also been honored with the Gumshoe Lifetime Achievement Award from Mystery Ink magazine and the Edward D. Hoch Memorial Golden Derringer for Lifetime Achievement in the short story. In France, he has been proclaimed a Grand Maitre du Roman Noir and has twice been awarded the Societe 813 trophy. He has been a guest of honor at Bouchercon and at book fairs and mystery festivals in France, Germany, Australia, Italy, New Zealand, Spain and Taiwan. As if that were not enough, he was also presented with the key to the city of Muncie, Indiana. (But as soon as he left, they changed the locks.)
LB and his wife Lynne are enthusiastic New Yorkers and relentless world travelers; the two are members of the Travelers Century Club, and have visited around 160 countries.
He is a modest and humble fellow, although you would never guess as much from this biographical note.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
May 31, 2021
This is another light, entertaining book in Lawrence Block's Bernie Rhodenbarr series. Bernie, for those who haven't met him, is a gentleman burglar who also runs a New York City bookstore. He often finds himself in sticky situations that he has to resolve himself before the police decide to pin whatever mischief is involved on him.
In this case, Bernie is strongly attracted to a beautiful eastern European woman who wanders into his bookstore one afternoon. It turns out that they share a love of the movies of Humphrey Bogart. Conveniently, there's a major Bogart film festival underway and so Bernie and Ilona begin meeting every night to share a tub of popcorn while watching a Bogie double feature.
Inevitably the plot will thicken as it does when Bernie is hired to burgle some valuable documents. So after the movies one night, Bernie puts Ilona into a cab and lets himself into the apartment where the aforementioned documents are to be found. Complications arise, as they always must, and soon bodies are dropping and Bernie is up to his neck in murder and in the affairs of a miniscule would-be eastern European country that only a philatelist like Lawrence Block could love.
Certainly nothing very dark or gruesome here, just a fun read with a lot of references to classic Bogart movies. Perfect for a lazy November afternoon when you just want to sit outside in the yard, read a good book and let the Thanksgiving dinner continue to digest.
In this case, Bernie is strongly attracted to a beautiful eastern European woman who wanders into his bookstore one afternoon. It turns out that they share a love of the movies of Humphrey Bogart. Conveniently, there's a major Bogart film festival underway and so Bernie and Ilona begin meeting every night to share a tub of popcorn while watching a Bogie double feature.
Inevitably the plot will thicken as it does when Bernie is hired to burgle some valuable documents. So after the movies one night, Bernie puts Ilona into a cab and lets himself into the apartment where the aforementioned documents are to be found. Complications arise, as they always must, and soon bodies are dropping and Bernie is up to his neck in murder and in the affairs of a miniscule would-be eastern European country that only a philatelist like Lawrence Block could love.
Certainly nothing very dark or gruesome here, just a fun read with a lot of references to classic Bogart movies. Perfect for a lazy November afternoon when you just want to sit outside in the yard, read a good book and let the Thanksgiving dinner continue to digest.
April 28, 2022
Book 7 in the Bernie Rhodenbarr series published 1995
A 4 star humerous whodunit.
An other sojourn into the murky places of New York with our intrepid book selling burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr, the worlds most considerate burglar.
By Bernie’s own admission “he only steals from the rich. No point in stealing from the poor, they’ve got nothing worth stealing”
On this occasion Bernie is asked to purloin a document case from a, should be empty, apartment. Needless to say that the owner comes home before Bernie is finished with his nefarious activity.
Jumping into a handy wardrobe Bernie has to endure, for some time, the obvious sounds of love making. When at last the couple have sated their passion and leave; Bernie is not far behind them but without the document case.
On the up side, a few days later Bernie is approached, whilst in his bookshop, by a beautiful young woman with an Eastern European accent. They strike up a conversation and she tells Bernie that she learned to speak English by watching Humphrey Bogart movies. Bernie tells the young lady that there just happens to be retrospective screening of Bogart’s best works on at the local cinema and would she like to go with him? Of course she would.
Not long after this threats are made on Bernie’s person by people who sound very like Eastern Europeans and on top of that bodies start turning up. Bodies that appear to be from foreign land, such as Eastern Europe.
On top of all that, after a fortnight of what seemed to be relationship that was going places Bernie’s new lady friend disappears. There one day and gone the next.
What follows is a decent whodunit with more than a few good one liners.
An easy, lighthearted, but obviously not for the deceased, 4 star read.
A 4 star humerous whodunit.
An other sojourn into the murky places of New York with our intrepid book selling burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr, the worlds most considerate burglar.
By Bernie’s own admission “he only steals from the rich. No point in stealing from the poor, they’ve got nothing worth stealing”
On this occasion Bernie is asked to purloin a document case from a, should be empty, apartment. Needless to say that the owner comes home before Bernie is finished with his nefarious activity.
Jumping into a handy wardrobe Bernie has to endure, for some time, the obvious sounds of love making. When at last the couple have sated their passion and leave; Bernie is not far behind them but without the document case.
On the up side, a few days later Bernie is approached, whilst in his bookshop, by a beautiful young woman with an Eastern European accent. They strike up a conversation and she tells Bernie that she learned to speak English by watching Humphrey Bogart movies. Bernie tells the young lady that there just happens to be retrospective screening of Bogart’s best works on at the local cinema and would she like to go with him? Of course she would.
Not long after this threats are made on Bernie’s person by people who sound very like Eastern Europeans and on top of that bodies start turning up. Bodies that appear to be from foreign land, such as Eastern Europe.
On top of all that, after a fortnight of what seemed to be relationship that was going places Bernie’s new lady friend disappears. There one day and gone the next.
What follows is a decent whodunit with more than a few good one liners.
An easy, lighthearted, but obviously not for the deceased, 4 star read.
February 21, 2017
An excellent story if you're not into much excitement and a so-called burglar remindful of a kicked puppy. 4 of 10 stars
September 23, 2017
A gift of comic delight, this is my first Bernie Rhodenbarr book. The next time I am feeling blue I will grab another of these based on the comic relief I found in this one.
"Of all the bookstores in all the towns in all the world, she walked into mine." Bernie responds to this striking new customer who asks if she is disturbing him, "I was reading....nothing important." She asked, "What are you reading?"
"The history of civilization."
They become fast friends, agreeing to meet every night at the theater featuring a Humphrey Bogart film festival. But it's complicated. The intrusive reality is fanciful including a vague Balkan state, stolen documents, deaths, stamps and love.
A return to reason enters with Bernie's steady friend's pronouncement: "Bogart's great on the screen, but all that Noble loser stuff is no way to go through life. I'm glad you're getting ready to steal something."
"Of all the bookstores in all the towns in all the world, she walked into mine." Bernie responds to this striking new customer who asks if she is disturbing him, "I was reading....nothing important." She asked, "What are you reading?"
"The history of civilization."
They become fast friends, agreeing to meet every night at the theater featuring a Humphrey Bogart film festival. But it's complicated. The intrusive reality is fanciful including a vague Balkan state, stolen documents, deaths, stamps and love.
A return to reason enters with Bernie's steady friend's pronouncement: "Bogart's great on the screen, but all that Noble loser stuff is no way to go through life. I'm glad you're getting ready to steal something."
March 4, 2017
Though some persons may like it but it is not for me.Barely able to finish it.
April 20, 2014
Just what I'll do once I've finished all the books in this series I'm not sure; each and every one so far has been a treasure to which I treat myself after finishing up a particularly difficult novel (or a spectacularly lousy one). I know I can count on these to lift my spirits, provide a chuckle or two and entertain me with a good, old-fashioned murder mystery.
The main character, Bernie Rhodenbarr, is the owner of a small Greenwich Village bookstore - but that's not his primary source of income. No, when his cash starts to run low, he turns to pilfering; with his own set of professional lock-picking tools and a skill set any self-respecting thief would kill for, he sets out to case a joint or two, grab a couple of easy-to-fence items and put himself back in the black for another few months at least.
In fact, that's how this story begins; a man he's never met before asks him to snatch a portfolio from an empty apartment in exchange for the promise of a much-needed cash infusion. At the same time, a beautiful woman who hails from a country that no longer exists waltzes into Bernie's store, striking up a conversation about her love of Humphrey Bogart movies. Since Bogie is a favorite of Bernie's as well, they end up sharing popcorn at a local Bogart film festival - night after night.
But wait - you really didn't think it would be that easy, did you? First, the portfolio isn't where it's supposed to be, and soon after, the man who wanted it stolen turns up dead - followed closely by the death of one of his partners. As usual, Bernie becomes a suspect at the outset and, also as usual, he sets out to unravel the mystery and find the real killer.
This plot, with its focus on governments and foreign intrigue of long ago, is a bit harder to relate to than some of the other books - the primary reason for my giving it 4 stars rather than 5, I suppose - but it's excellent nonetheless. If nothing else, readers will learn more than they ever wanted to know about Bogart films!
The main character, Bernie Rhodenbarr, is the owner of a small Greenwich Village bookstore - but that's not his primary source of income. No, when his cash starts to run low, he turns to pilfering; with his own set of professional lock-picking tools and a skill set any self-respecting thief would kill for, he sets out to case a joint or two, grab a couple of easy-to-fence items and put himself back in the black for another few months at least.
In fact, that's how this story begins; a man he's never met before asks him to snatch a portfolio from an empty apartment in exchange for the promise of a much-needed cash infusion. At the same time, a beautiful woman who hails from a country that no longer exists waltzes into Bernie's store, striking up a conversation about her love of Humphrey Bogart movies. Since Bogie is a favorite of Bernie's as well, they end up sharing popcorn at a local Bogart film festival - night after night.
But wait - you really didn't think it would be that easy, did you? First, the portfolio isn't where it's supposed to be, and soon after, the man who wanted it stolen turns up dead - followed closely by the death of one of his partners. As usual, Bernie becomes a suspect at the outset and, also as usual, he sets out to unravel the mystery and find the real killer.
This plot, with its focus on governments and foreign intrigue of long ago, is a bit harder to relate to than some of the other books - the primary reason for my giving it 4 stars rather than 5, I suppose - but it's excellent nonetheless. If nothing else, readers will learn more than they ever wanted to know about Bogart films!
May 25, 2020
Bernie, Bernie, Bernie. The title held such promise, given that the legacy of Humphrey Bogart was to play a featured part of the telling of this story. And indeed, the "Bogartisms" sprinkled throughout the book were delightful to a reader who appreciates Bogart's films (especially Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon).
But this outing was not your best effort and, although you managed to (slightly) depart from the formula of your other novels, and the attitude of dry New York City wit is always appreciated, the plot was close to DOA, the suspense was nonexistence and overall this one just did not live up to standards set in the earlier books. (Not that the standard is one of high literature, but certain expectations are present when one picks up a Burglar book.). Let's try to do better next time, OK?
But this outing was not your best effort and, although you managed to (slightly) depart from the formula of your other novels, and the attitude of dry New York City wit is always appreciated, the plot was close to DOA, the suspense was nonexistence and overall this one just did not live up to standards set in the earlier books. (Not that the standard is one of high literature, but certain expectations are present when one picks up a Burglar book.). Let's try to do better next time, OK?
November 9, 2011
Bernie is up to his usual high jinx though this time he gets ensnared by a beautiful woman who, like Bernie, loves Bogart films. The story has some eccentric characters that all seem interested in the doings of the (fictional) kingdom of Anatruria (think Eastern European place). The story is fun with plenty of the usual humor. Not Bernie's strongest outing but not his weakest.
February 13, 2018
I had thought Bernie's tales were getting a bit formulaic but this one differs a little, with Bernie never in danger of jail, but dedicating himself to solving a murder mystery. The Eastern European plot line is very reminiscent of some of Block's Evan Tanner storylines penned 30 years prior.
April 21, 2012
This may be the first Lawrence Block novel that I have read. I took it along as a back-up book on a business trip and, since said trip expanded from one to two weeks, began it the evening before I wrapped up. My selection criteria were very simple: small, lightweight, and something that I might enjoy (solely based on the cover/title). I am happy to report that it excelled in all areas.
On a typical trip I only get a few minutes or reading in late in a very long day and this one was no exception. I slowly worked my way through a different book before picking up this one. I am usually so tired that I sometimes have to stop and re-read a passage if I find myself losing cohesion. That was not the case with this novel.
As I wrote above, I knew nothing about the book, the protagonist, or series (this is one of the later books) when I began reading it. What I found was a pleasant, "breezy" mystery with some colorful, perhaps overly so, characters, and a plot line that was solid but definitely quirky.
I suppose one might consider this book "light summer reading" given how quickly one can romp through its pages, because that's what I found myself doing: reading many more pages or chapters at a sitting no matter how tired I was. I rated it a full "4.0" not because of the excellence of the plot, or other critical elements, but because of the enjoyment I had with it. And that is despite walking in on an established series with several books and a bunch of "history" that was often but fairly naturally worked in to the book to assist first-time readers like myself acclimate.
There is definitely a tie-in with Bogart, although the final bit/gesture seemed a bit strained to me. The author also works in a decent plot with which the central character and his friends & associates must deal. From a single sample, it appears that the second half of the title always refers to a colorful and unusual situation that the protagonist has to work his way through. (I might be wrong about this: earlier books in the series could well have been more mundane and the unlikely may have crept in after several novels.)
I had enough fun with this book that once I was on the way back I kept reading (rather than slumping into plane-napping) and even picked it up the first day back when housework was the indicated activity. I don't know if I will be as enthusiastic about other series from this author, but I am definitely looking forward to reading more exploits of this burglar.
I have avoided giving any details about the recurring characters or plot because I think that this is what makes this book worth picking up. Since it has been 3 weeks since I read it, I have no pithy examples to reproduce here, but the writing is good, the pacing is good, and the author keeps you interested by being clever and the occasional off-balance plot twist. If you like mysteries and don't mind a text that will not stretch the little grey cells too far, then I suggest you read this and other books in this series.
On a typical trip I only get a few minutes or reading in late in a very long day and this one was no exception. I slowly worked my way through a different book before picking up this one. I am usually so tired that I sometimes have to stop and re-read a passage if I find myself losing cohesion. That was not the case with this novel.
As I wrote above, I knew nothing about the book, the protagonist, or series (this is one of the later books) when I began reading it. What I found was a pleasant, "breezy" mystery with some colorful, perhaps overly so, characters, and a plot line that was solid but definitely quirky.
I suppose one might consider this book "light summer reading" given how quickly one can romp through its pages, because that's what I found myself doing: reading many more pages or chapters at a sitting no matter how tired I was. I rated it a full "4.0" not because of the excellence of the plot, or other critical elements, but because of the enjoyment I had with it. And that is despite walking in on an established series with several books and a bunch of "history" that was often but fairly naturally worked in to the book to assist first-time readers like myself acclimate.
There is definitely a tie-in with Bogart, although the final bit/gesture seemed a bit strained to me. The author also works in a decent plot with which the central character and his friends & associates must deal. From a single sample, it appears that the second half of the title always refers to a colorful and unusual situation that the protagonist has to work his way through. (I might be wrong about this: earlier books in the series could well have been more mundane and the unlikely may have crept in after several novels.)
I had enough fun with this book that once I was on the way back I kept reading (rather than slumping into plane-napping) and even picked it up the first day back when housework was the indicated activity. I don't know if I will be as enthusiastic about other series from this author, but I am definitely looking forward to reading more exploits of this burglar.
I have avoided giving any details about the recurring characters or plot because I think that this is what makes this book worth picking up. Since it has been 3 weeks since I read it, I have no pithy examples to reproduce here, but the writing is good, the pacing is good, and the author keeps you interested by being clever and the occasional off-balance plot twist. If you like mysteries and don't mind a text that will not stretch the little grey cells too far, then I suggest you read this and other books in this series.
July 21, 2017
I don't, as a rule, like comedic mysteries and I can't stand the ones where all the suspects are gathered in the parlor as the great detective unveils who did it. But, I really enjoy Block's Burglar series, having read more than half a dozen in this series in the past month. Block has a great sense of humor and the world of Bernie Rhodenbarr is filled with the strangest coincidences.
Here's the foreign beauty who gets Bernie to take her to a Bogart movie every night for two weeks straight and she has a European accent straight out of central casting. Here's the mystery man who engages Bernie to burgle some papers. Here's the coat closet Bernie gets stuck in while his intended burglary victim gets amorous with a date. Here's the dead body that somehow Bernie is now connected to. The cab driver from Tajikistan who keeps showing up. Of course, there's jolly ole Ray the grifting policeman who knows that all crimes somehow tie in to Bernie.
The story moves at a rapid pace, although some may find it too much chatter and clutter and too little gritty reality. It is a fun, light, clever read.
It's a tribute to the old Hollywood films and, of course, to Bogart and all of Bogie's great lines about a hill of beans and so forth. It's also a tribute to Sue Grafton and her alphabet series. And, there's a certain amount of Block's Evan Tanner character in this book and all the noble lost causes of forgotten republics in forgotten parts of the world.
Here's the foreign beauty who gets Bernie to take her to a Bogart movie every night for two weeks straight and she has a European accent straight out of central casting. Here's the mystery man who engages Bernie to burgle some papers. Here's the coat closet Bernie gets stuck in while his intended burglary victim gets amorous with a date. Here's the dead body that somehow Bernie is now connected to. The cab driver from Tajikistan who keeps showing up. Of course, there's jolly ole Ray the grifting policeman who knows that all crimes somehow tie in to Bernie.
The story moves at a rapid pace, although some may find it too much chatter and clutter and too little gritty reality. It is a fun, light, clever read.
It's a tribute to the old Hollywood films and, of course, to Bogart and all of Bogie's great lines about a hill of beans and so forth. It's also a tribute to Sue Grafton and her alphabet series. And, there's a certain amount of Block's Evan Tanner character in this book and all the noble lost causes of forgotten republics in forgotten parts of the world.
May 8, 2017
Read this one on a long plane flight, and it kept we awake and laughing the whole way. Like all the burglar books, it has a very intricate plot, with clues scattered in fairly open sight. It plays affectionately with other books in the genre: one character is a Sue Grafton fan and imagines possible books, such as one where a jazz band leader is murdered "A is for Train". There is the classic gathering of suspects a la Agatha Christie, with the detective explaining everything and identifying the killer--but all the things that Poirot would have pointed out are dismissed in favor of other more oblique reasoning. Ray Kirschmann (the best cop money can buy) is in fine form, very smart, very crude, and very greedy; and he helps along the denouement by accepting a large bribe. Bernie falls in love with a mysterious eastern European woman who accompanies him to a Bogart revival--a double feature every night for a week--until she suddenly disappears. Bernie summarizes all of the Bogart films he watches, with critical commentary, and even gets to quote (a couple of times) the famous hill of beans speech from Casablanca at appropriate moments. All in all a gem of a mystery novel that never takes itself too seriously. In tone, the exact opposite of the Matthew Scudder books.
August 14, 2018
"Oh Bernard" said she, and "we will always have 25th street", says he, and the tape ends, and one smiles. This was a book tape, and I always enjoy Lawrence Blocks books on tape re "Bernard", they are light and funny, and make me smile.
Story, Bernie is working in his book shop, and along comes a job offer, Bernard has a side line where he acquires acquisitions. In short, Bernie is a burglar, Bernie also like Bogart movies and a new women comes into his life, just as there is a Bogart film festival, they share movies, popcorn, and a little slap and tickle, but is Bernard being set up? Who is this European lovely and what does she really, really want?
So, what do we have in this story? Throw in a couple of dead bodies, and one finds that things ain't what they use to be, there has been the overthrow of a country, that no longer exists, a king in waiting, and a future leader, who may need a little push by the women who plans to be queen, and stamps, lets not forget those stamps. It makes an interesting and funny story sweetheart!
Story, Bernie is working in his book shop, and along comes a job offer, Bernard has a side line where he acquires acquisitions. In short, Bernie is a burglar, Bernie also like Bogart movies and a new women comes into his life, just as there is a Bogart film festival, they share movies, popcorn, and a little slap and tickle, but is Bernard being set up? Who is this European lovely and what does she really, really want?
So, what do we have in this story? Throw in a couple of dead bodies, and one finds that things ain't what they use to be, there has been the overthrow of a country, that no longer exists, a king in waiting, and a future leader, who may need a little push by the women who plans to be queen, and stamps, lets not forget those stamps. It makes an interesting and funny story sweetheart!
May 28, 2020
It's a Bernie Rhodenbarr mystery, so you know what's up, with gentleman thieving and some light murder. Bernie has a new girlfriend, an Eastern European beauty named Ilona who's into Humphrey Bogart films. Bernie is hired to steal a portfolio of documents from an apartment, and when he partner winds up dead, well, maybe he's been watching too many movies, but you have to avenge your partner.
The plot involves a Balkan micronation, old CIA operations, rare stamps, and lost royal heirs. Bernie stumbles through an unlikely series of coincidences to arrive at his version of justice. It's kinda contrived, kinda dumb, and some fun light reading.
The plot involves a Balkan micronation, old CIA operations, rare stamps, and lost royal heirs. Bernie stumbles through an unlikely series of coincidences to arrive at his version of justice. It's kinda contrived, kinda dumb, and some fun light reading.
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January 16, 2019This was a great book, but the only problem i had was i didn't know of the area Illona came from ever existed and too many names that I assumed were Eastern European I could not keep straight as I could not pronounce them and never saw them before.
I enjoyed the story despite the too long chapter when Bernie describes the answer to the mystery.
But i did enjoy the book overall and will try to read more of this series by Lawrence Block.
I enjoyed the story despite the too long chapter when Bernie describes the answer to the mystery.
But i did enjoy the book overall and will try to read more of this series by Lawrence Block.
October 24, 2017
I began reading this series with The Burglar Who Counted Spoons and loved it. So, it was with great anticipation that I read The Burglar Who Thought He Was Bogart, #7 in Lawrence Block's Bernie Rhodenbarr series. It was somewhat disappointing in comparison, but still a breezy and cleverly plotted work. Nevertheless, I thought it was too forced, with too much time spent on a rather convoluted plot-line involving a quasi-international intrigue and scenes that simply did nothing to move the plot forward. Block is a such a talented writer that I thought this one was an anomaly. Yet, even when he's off his game somewhat, Block still turns out a pretty good yarn. If you like Bogart film festivals, this is the book for you; if you like the "I bet you're all wondering why I called you here" wrap-up, again, this is your book. It's all in fun and jest and a diversion from more serious murder mysteries that await me. But not up to the standards Block has set, in my opinion.
December 22, 2025
Bernie Rhodenbarr never fails. It's been a while since I've read one of these, but Block's genial bookstore owner/cat burglar is a reliable delight. The dialogue is crisp and funny, and the twists keep coming at ya. What starts as a simple burglary job lands Bernie, as usual, way over his head - this time with a cast of conniving characters right out of The Maltese Falcon. Block keeps the plates spinning so nimbly that you almost don't notice how absurd the plot is. Here's looking at you, kid.
January 13, 2020
Okay, Block managed to dodge the formula this time, at least in part. Enjoyable enough to get me on to the next one, especially as it involves a library.
August 10, 2017
I tend to prefer Scudder, but the Bernie Rhodenbarr series is enjoyable as well. This was a re-read. It's quick, funny, smartly paced.
March 29, 2024
I liked the story and the Bogart overtones. Light and dry humour. Unfortunately I don’t really understand the concept of most mystery books. In the end they are all so complicated that it’s hard to understand how the protagonist can figure them out… or is that the art of the genre itself? The more impossible and complex the solution, the better the work is. I guess I figure watching a mystery movie or reading a book, I expect it to be a puzzle that hopefully the reader/watcher can figure on their own and go “Ha! I knew it!!”. Not at all possible in mystery books I’ve read.
But… entertaining none the less.
But… entertaining none the less.
July 24, 2023
After having recently discovered the Bernie Rhodenbarr series courtesy of the most recent publication (THE BURGLAR WHO MET FREDRIC BROWN) I decided to tackle another one that "co-features" one of my heroes (Bogey instead of Brown) and I wasn't disappointed. Hand on heart, I "read" this book by listening to it on Audible and this was one of those occasions where the audio version improved on the written text with the help of a narrator who mimicked the speech patterns of the actors from the Bogart movies that had inspired the book's characters (e.g. Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet). Quite excited to continue with the series.
November 17, 2008
THE BURGLAR WHO THOUGHT HE WAS BOGART - VG
Block, Lawrence - 7th Bernie Rhodenbarr
Bernie Rhodenbarr - a romantic? Hey, even burglars fall in love and in this case it's Bernie doing the falling, with the lovely and alluring Ilona. Night after night, sharing popcorn in the flickering shadow of a Bogie movie, Bernie finds himself tongue-tied - sometimes literally. It would appear Ilona's now doing all the stealing. Well, not really. Bernie's been approached by the oddly named Hugo Candlemas to pilfer a posh East Side apartment, make off with the portfolio and collect a fast, easy sum. A reasonable enough request for a trained burglar, sure, but just when things are going well, things turn bad.
This is a lighter series than the Matt Scudder series, which I love. The book had good humor, a wonderful turn of phrase and a classic parlor-room ending. I would read more Rhodenbarr books.
Block, Lawrence - 7th Bernie Rhodenbarr
Bernie Rhodenbarr - a romantic? Hey, even burglars fall in love and in this case it's Bernie doing the falling, with the lovely and alluring Ilona. Night after night, sharing popcorn in the flickering shadow of a Bogie movie, Bernie finds himself tongue-tied - sometimes literally. It would appear Ilona's now doing all the stealing. Well, not really. Bernie's been approached by the oddly named Hugo Candlemas to pilfer a posh East Side apartment, make off with the portfolio and collect a fast, easy sum. A reasonable enough request for a trained burglar, sure, but just when things are going well, things turn bad.
This is a lighter series than the Matt Scudder series, which I love. The book had good humor, a wonderful turn of phrase and a classic parlor-room ending. I would read more Rhodenbarr books.
February 27, 2015
Bernie Rhodenbarr is one of Block's series characters. He is a cat burglar who steals from the rich becasue they have the stuff (and he rationalizes they don't need it all). He also runs a used book store and is quite erudite. As in the Scudder series, Block's characters participate in sharp, witty dialog and banter so they are great fun to read. It is much easier to identify with this character than, say, Block's hit-man series where the protagonist is a hired killer. In this novel Bernie is asked to steal some papers that relate to a region of Bulgaria that tried to be independent in the 1920-30 but failed. He falls for a gorgeous Central European woman who is also involved in the putative royal family. Together they watch a 2-week series of Bogart films which serves as the backdrop for the unfolding story and provides wealth of famous Bogie lines and supporting characters. Pretty fun.
February 12, 2017
This is just a happy series for me. I allot myself these out bit by bit so I can enjoy the series as long as possible.
September 15, 2008
Bernie is in love with a mysterious woman and attending Humphrey Bogart movies with her every night. This of course leads to burglary and a murder investigation. This time Block has not one, but two characters who have a dead-on imitation of the Sidney Greensteet character speech patterns. Loved it.
I noticed that Block also pays a major hommage to the "mean streets" type of detective novel. As I was reading this, I thought that he must really read a lot of those novels. Then I picked up one of his Mathew Scudder novels and realized that not only does he read them, he writes them.
Have to thank Jon Sutton for giving me Block's name. He said that if I love Donald Westlake (and I do), I'd like Block. He's right.
I noticed that Block also pays a major hommage to the "mean streets" type of detective novel. As I was reading this, I thought that he must really read a lot of those novels. Then I picked up one of his Mathew Scudder novels and realized that not only does he read them, he writes them.
Have to thank Jon Sutton for giving me Block's name. He said that if I love Donald Westlake (and I do), I'd like Block. He's right.
November 9, 2008
My first Lawrence Block book. My mother in law gave us a sack of these, as my husband enjoys them. I have not been making it too the library as much as usual so I've been picking these up when I need a fun read. I really liked this book. It is about a thief who owns a bookstore. He meets a mysterious woman, attends a Bogart film festival with her, and keeps involved in a mystery. This is the only one of this series in our sack o' books, but I plan to get more from the library.
November 23, 2014
Another enjoyable Lawrence Block book with the lovable bookseller Bernie Rhodenbarr. In addition to being a tribute to Humphrey Bogart and his many movies it also had the old fashioned feel of Nero Wolfe in bringing the suspects together (in the bookstore). This would have been a five star read except there were many characters with strange names. I almost needed a scorecard to keep track. But Bernie and Lawrence Block overcome all.
June 2, 2016
Bernie takes to going to a bogart film festival with a ravishing young woman. Meanwhile, he's hired to burglarize an apartment of a leather case. When he does the deed, the case is missing.
This gets him into a byzantine plot involving a small Eastern European country striving for independence during the break up of the old Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.
Not bad, but maybe Block was watching too many Bogart movies too.
This gets him into a byzantine plot involving a small Eastern European country striving for independence during the break up of the old Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.
Not bad, but maybe Block was watching too many Bogart movies too.
February 28, 2011
I read some of the Burglar series years ago, and this one has been sitting on my shelf for a long time. It was fun because the dialog is so good. The "case" turns out to be like one of Bogart's movies and it ends like another one (I won't spoil it by saying which ones). The solution to the crime is a bit disappointing, but overall it was worth reading.
August 4, 2018
The first Bernie Rhodenbarr book I read (Burglars Can't Be Choosers) was different, fun, humorous. This 2nd selection is less so, frankly it was a bit boring and loaded with too cute repartee. On the good side, it was a fast read. 2 Stars
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