Product Description

It's hard to ignore someone with his hands in your mouth. Bernie Rhodenbarr's all ears when Dr. Sheldrake, his dentist, starts complaining about his detestable, soon-to-be-ex wife, and happens to mention the valuable diamonds she keeps lying around the apartment. Since Bernie's been known to supplement his income as a bookstore owner with the not-so-occasional bout of high-rise burglary, a couple of nights later he's in the Sheldrake apartment with larceny on his mind -- and has to duck into a closet when the lady of the house makes an unexpected entrance. Unfortunately he's still there when an unseen assailant does Mrs. Sheldrake in . . . and then vanishes with the jewels.

Bernie's got to come out of the closet some time. But when he does, he'll be facing a rap for a murder he didn't commit -- and for a burglary he certainly attempted -- unless he can hunt down the killer who left him hanging.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #549301 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-01
• Released on: 2006-04-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 304 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780060872731
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
Secrecy and a deft touch are the hallmarks of every successful burglar. Or so thinks Bernie Rhodenbarr before he gets a shocking proposal from his dentist. Sitting back in the chair, vulnerable thanks to a dental instrument in his mouth, he discovers that Dr. Sheldrake needs a burglar. "Like you, Bernie", the good dentist says. So much for leading a secret life of crime. Bernie, smart guy that he is, turns the dentist down flat. So why is Bernie picking the locks on the posh apartment of Crystal Sheldrake, the dentist's ex-wife? Because he's a burglar. Plus, Crystal has a cache of jewels worth any burglar's time. Trouble is, Crystal comes home early - and she's not alone. Bernie quickly hides in a closet, which Crystal promptly and inconveniently locks. As time goes by, Crystal rids herself of her companion and Bernie manages to pick his way out of the closet -- only to discover Crystal dead on the floor and the jewels gone. Bernie must sleuth his way out of a real mess. The Burglar in the Closet is a terrific read! -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

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.

From AudioFile
Bernie Rhonenbarr, the dry-witted cat burglar who has been involved in petty crime "ever since (he) stopped being a kid," is back in another clever tale. Again the author's reading of his own work adds to the enjoyment. The robbery of the apartment of his dentists's ex-wife turns Bernie into a detective to save his own hide. Block is a New Yorker and cleverly incorporates the city's locales into his stories. This audio comedy-mystery should bring Block even more fans. S.I.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Another fun to read Burglar Who...book
This is the second of eight novels in the Bernie Rhodenbarr series by author Lawrence Block who has written many other novels. I was first introduced to Bernie when I picked up a copy of "The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams," in a discount pile of books on the way down south on I-95. I have also read and reviewed "Burglars Can't Be Choosers," which introduces us to Bernie a burglar who lets himself into wherever he wants to go with his trusty set of burglar tools. Bernie gets himself into trouble, again. This time while burglarizing an apartment he is locked into a closet. He has already lifted the jewels he came for. His victim is Crystal Sheldrake the ex-wife of Bernie's dentist who puts him up to the crime. While locked in the closet Crystal is murdered by another intruder. The weapon just happens to be a dentist's scalpel. Once again this full-time cat burglar must turn part-time detective to save his own skin. "The Burglar in the Closet," is fun as are the other "The Burglar Who..." books I have read.

Block is the absolute master of the genre!
Lawrence Block is the mystery writer for the thinking person. His Bernie books are witty, humorous, well-written, and, most importantly, never take the reader for granted. These books are intelligent and are completely satisfying. This book, the second in the series, is a wonderful romp. I can't recommend this book enough!

Follow-up in the series improves on the concept
I read this book before I read the first one in the series. It didn't matter much but it does reveal some plot points from the first book and if you want to go into the series blind, I recommend starting with the first, Burglars Can't Be Choosers.

I felt the cement around our favorite thief, Bernie Rhodenbarr, starts to firm up with this book. The character is still being fleshed out and Lawrence Block can take him in a lot of directions from here, if he wants, but an established personality is developing nicely.

The setup and mystery of this book are similar to the first but different enough that you don't feel like you are just reading a rehash. Block can't keep going on this tack without seeming redundant but for now it is fine. And I guess the main reason it works is that the motivation to solve the mystery and the development of the mystery is different in each book.

I'm interested in what happens to Bernie next. I will check out the third book to see where Block leads Bernie and the readers and then I'll decide if it is still worth following. For the moment, I'm willing to join in.