Four decades ago, Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Lawrence Block introduced the world to one of his most beloved characters: the bookseller and burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr. This volume collects every published story, article, and standalone excerpt Bernie has ever appeared in plus two new, unpublished pieces.
What a treat ... All this backstory will be catnip to Bernie disciples, and the stories are a treat, too, especially 'The Burglar Who Dropped in on Elvis,' in which Bernie is charged with breaking into Graceland’s impregnable second floor.
... a clever afterword has Bernie confronting his maker, voicing his complaint that while the world around him changes, he stays the same year after year, frozen in time ... Enthusiasts of the 'Burglar' series will delight in revisiting Bernie's beginnings, his bookshop, and his introduction to Raffles. Readers new to the series will enjoy this introduction to a charming character.
