Lawrence Block is one of the most widely recognized names in the mystery genre. He has been named a Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America and is a four-time winner of the prestigious Edgar and Shamus Awards, as well as a recipient of prizes in France, Germany, and Japan. He received the Diamond Dagger from the British Crime Writers' Association--only the third American to be given this award. He is a prolific author, having written more than fifty books and numerous short stories, and is a devoted New Yorker and an enthusiastic global traveler.
Block's latest collection of darkly funny, morally ambiguous short tales featuring the philatelist-hit man John Keller and his wisecracking "manager," Dot, is being called a novel. This disingenuous designation is clarified in the published version by separate story titles, which are missing from the otherwise unabridged audio version. The loosely linked stories are flowed like a continuous novel, but one with plot line and characters shifting without much warning. It's an unnecessary distraction from Block's brilliantly twisted tales, otherwise happily enhanced by the author's droll, surprisingly effective narration. Not only has Block created one of crime fiction's more remarkable protagonists-a hired assassin who is somehow likable without the need of redemption by penance, charm or even regret-he proves to be an excellent audio interpreter of his antihero's sometimes hilarious homicidal capers. The author's voice is reedy and a bit nasal, but he knows his characters and his timing is impeccable. The best episode (identified in the print edition as "Keller the Dogkiller") is so cleverly and wickedly convoluted, with the Keller-Dot recaps so deliriously funny, that it alone is worth the price of the package, especially with Block's distinctive voice taking us through every hairpin twist and turn with an air of sublime nonchalance. Simultaneous release with the Shaye Areheart Books hardcover (Reviews, Feb. 13). (May) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
In Block's third novel about the introspective hit man, Keller continues to receive job assignments from his lady friend Dot in White Plains, NY, and crisscrosses the country from New York to Detroit to Scottsdale, AZ, to San Francisco killing people for hire. But in the aftermath of 9/11, the increased security makes Keller's job more difficult, and his doubts about his profession lead him to think more about retirement and spending time on his stamp collection. To raise the needed money for the retirement fund, though, Keller needs more work, which means more killing. The book's episodic plot line, focusing on one hit after another, is secondary to Block's fascinating character development of Keller, presenting a sympathetic portrait of a person willing to kill with little remorse. The section where Keller attends a stamp auction in San Francisco provides an interesting glimpse into philately. Block also provides an excellent narration; a solid addition to all audio collections.-Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Lib., Parkersburg Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
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