Lawrence Block Books

The updated edition of Lawrence Block's guide offers fresh insights into the evolving landscape of publishing, addressing key changes since its original release in 1978. It includes new chapters on ebooks and self-publishing, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for aspiring and experienced novelists alike. With each chapter revised to reflect current trends, this comprehensive resource remains essential for anyone looking to navigate the modern writing and publishing environment.

The Matt Scudder Mysteries Volume 1: ''Sins of the Fathers'', ''In the Midst of Death'', ''Time to Murder and Create'' v. 1 Block, Lawrence

Exploring the diverse motivations behind collecting, this anthology features stories from renowned authors that delve into the obsessive nature of collectors. From Joyce Carol Oates' tale of a Marilyn Monroe artifact to Dennis Lehane's narrative about a bookseller's fixation on tragic letters, each story reveals the extremes to which individuals will go in pursuit of their passions. The collection culminates with Lawrence Block's own gripping story of a killer whose choices are influenced by his unique collecting habits, showcasing the dark side of desire.

Featuring Lawrence Block's "lost" stories, this collection presents tales that have not been seen in their entirety since their initial release. Each story offers a glimpse into Block's signature style, showcasing his talent for character development and intricate plotting. Readers can expect a blend of suspense, wit, and engaging narratives that highlight the author’s mastery of the short story format. This compilation is a must-read for fans and newcomers alike, providing a fresh look at previously unavailable works.

A renowned MWA Grand Master delivers a candid exploration of the writing craft, sharing insights and experiences that shape the art of storytelling. The author emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the challenges faced by writers, offering practical advice and thought-provoking observations. This book serves as both a guide and a reflection on the literary journey, appealing to aspiring authors and seasoned writers alike seeking to hone their skills and deepen their understanding of the craft.

Characters refusing to talk? Plot plodding along? Where do good ideas come from anyway? In this wonderfully practical volume, two-time Edgar Award-winning novelist Lawrence Block takes an inside look at writing as a craft and as a career. From studying the market, to mastering self-discipline and "creative procrastination," through coping with rejections, Telling Lies for Fun & Profit is an invaluable sourcebook of information. It is a must read for anyone serious about writing or understanding how the process works.

Keller, enjoying a quiet retirement with his family under a new identity, believes he has left his past as a hitman behind. However, a call from his former employer pulls him back into the world he thought he had escaped. This time, he faces an unusual assignment that challenges his resolve and forces him to confront his old life. The story explores themes of identity, redemption, and the complexities of leaving a violent past behind.

Exploring the hidden perils within academic institutions, this anthology features 18 authors who share compelling stories that challenge the notions of "trigger warnings" and "safe spaces." Each narrative uncovers the complexities and dangers that persist beneath the surface of traditional college life, revealing the stark realities that often contradict the protective measures promoted by modern education. Through diverse perspectives, the collection invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the contemporary academic experience.

In this gripping thriller set in 1961, five individuals embark on a perilous mission to assassinate Fidel Castro, each driven by personal motives and the promise of $20,000. Originally published under a unique pen name, this rare work by Lawrence Block remains strikingly relevant today as Cuba and Castro continue to capture attention.

Grandmaster and Edgar award-winning author Lawrence Block has brought together 71 of his best stories featuring his most popular series characters. From Matt Scudder in 'The Merciful Angel of Death' to Bernie Rhodenbarr in 'Like a Thief in the Night' and Keller's 'Answers to Soldier', THE COLLECTED MYSTERY STORIES is the ultimate collection from 'one of the best authors now working the beat' Wall Street Journal

The story features Bernie Rhodenbarr, a charming and skilled burglar renowned for his clever heists, including stealing antiques and art. Celebrated as "the Heifetz of the picklock," he has captivated audiences through various novels. With a legacy spanning four decades, Bernie remains a beloved character created by Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Lawrence Block, showcasing his wit and resourcefulness in the world of crime fiction.

In the 1980s, Lawrence Block created an innovative seminar that combined techniques from the human potential movement with the craft of writing. This unique approach aimed to enhance writers' creative processes and personal growth, offering tools and insights to help them unlock their full potential. The seminar reflects Block's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for writers to explore their craft and develop their voice.

Matthew Scudder has left part of his soul on every seedy corner of the Big Apple. But to prove socialite Richard Thurman arranged the murder of his beautiful, pregnant wife, the tormented p.i. has to sink deeper than he ever has before -- on a terrifying tour of New York's sex-for-sale underworld, where an innocent young life is a commodity to be bought, perverted . . . and destroyed.

Lawrence Block's "Dead Girl Blues" is a provocative journal-style novel that begins with a grim act, exploring the protagonist's life thereafter. Block, a seasoned crime fiction writer, acknowledges the book's controversial nature but believes it to be his best work, valuing its authenticity over commercial success.

A superb thriller from the writer of A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES. schovat popis

A blistering Matt Scudder novel. Matt Scudder is well and truly off the booze, but he still spends time with some of his old drinking pals including Mick Ballou - an Irish American who operates more often than not on the wrong side of the law. Mick is worried - a garage full of bourbon has been ripped off and two of his henchman killed in cold blood. Somebody is muscling in on Micks patch and he wants Scudder to look into it. Matt reluctantly agrees to take a look but won't promise a result. On the way home he is attacked by somebody wants him off Mick's case. The following weekend Matt's mentor from AA is shot dead at point blank range when Scudder is in the men's room of the restaurant where the 2 had met for dinner - Matt knows it should have been him. Now the case is personal and no matter that he's warned off by his ex-colleagues in the NYPD and his wife Elaine, this is one he is going to see out to the end.

A pulse-pounding Matt Scudder story. schovat popis

Staying alive is never easy; not for the prostitute who is slashed to robbons, nor for the pimp named Chance who is betting his life that the broken down Scudder can find her killer.

Evan Tanner, a Cold War superspy who lost his ability to sleep during the Korean War, has been mysteriously absent since the 1970s. The story unfolds as he navigates a world filled with espionage and intrigue, revealing the challenges and adventures he faces in a restless existence. As Tanner attempts to uncover the reasons for his long absence, readers are drawn into a gripping narrative that explores themes of resilience and the impact of war on the human psyche.

A gripping Matt Scudder novel from the author of A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES. schovat popis

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!

This collection showcases the versatility of Lawrence Block as both a crime novelist and a short story master. Featuring sixteen stories and one stage play, it includes appearances by beloved characters like Bernie Rhodenbarr and Matt Scudder. The narratives delve into the psychology of various figures, from chilling killers to flawed individuals, exploring themes of revenge, lust, and greed, all delivered in Block's signature style. Readers are invited into a world where danger lurks and moral ambiguity reigns.

In 1953, the narrator experiences a profound realization about their life's ambition to become a writer. This moment of clarity sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and creativity, exploring the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a passion in the literary world. The narrative likely delves into the inspirations and experiences that shape the narrator's identity as an aspiring author.

Fine Fine GREAT COPY-CLOSER TO NEW THAN LIKE NEW.

A powerful Matt Scudder novel about love and loss. schovat popis

The explosive fifth book in the Keller series from the master of classic American crime.

Matt Scudder and Jack Ellery grew up together but were never exactly friends. Twenty years later, when Scudder was a detective and Jack was part of a police line-up, it was clear their lives had taken very different paths. But what they did share was an ongoing battle with alcohol. Now, both men are on the straight and narrow and Ellery is trying to make amends to the people he's wronged over the years. But when Ellery ends up with a bullet in the head it's clear that stirring up the past isn't always such a good idea. Suddenly Scudder is drawn into a murder investigation that threatens to upset his own recovery – and get him killed in the process...

In "The Night and the Music," Lawrence Block gathers all of Scudder's shorter cases into a single collection, showcasing the detective's intriguing investigations and captivating narratives.

Investigating a strange, thirty-year run of suicides and bizarre accidents that plague the members of a select gentleman's club in Manhattan, unlicensed P.I. Matthew Scudder uncovers the work of a relentless serial killer. Reissue.

Keller, a hitman ready to retire after one last job, finds himself in a precarious situation when he witnesses the assassination of a governor and realizes the killer resembles him. Stranded in Des Moines without resources and with his identity compromised, he must navigate the chaos and evade the law.

Bernie Rhodenbarr, burglar extraordinaire and bookseller ordinaire, has taken leave of his beloved New York City and gone country. Our setting is Cuttleford House, a quaint, lovely inn, where Carolyn and Raffles the Cat have joined Bernie for a wintry weekend. Of course, Carolyn wasn't Bernie's first choice for a romantic getaway weekend, but his intended, Lettice Runcible, turned out to be someone else's intended. But if you think Bernie's sole purpose is healing his wounded heart, think again. As a bookseller, Bernie's always in search of a valuable edition, and this time he believes he's found it. And it's somewhere in Cuttleford House's largely ignored library. During his nightly prowl, Bernie finds unexpected company in the way of a corpse. The next morning everyone else find the body, too. Making matters worse is the fact that all of the guests - including, (surprise!) Lettice and her new husband, Dakin Littlefield - find themselves snowbound after a particularly fierce storm during the night. With everyone pointing fingers at everyone else, Bernie decides he's got to catch the culprit - before there's another murder. Isn't there always? And let's not forget that book, which has mysteriously disappeared off the library shelves.

An addictive Matt Scudder thriller. schovat popis

Bernie Rhodenbarr leads a double life as both a bookstore owner and a skilled burglar in Greenwich Village, where he enjoys the companionship of his cat Raffles and his best friend nearby. Balancing his legitimate literary pursuits with his larcenous activities, he thrives until modern security measures threaten his illicit lifestyle. As the city becomes increasingly surveilled, Bernie finds his once-thrilling escapades turning into a challenge, forcing him to adapt in a world where locks are no longer puzzles to solve.

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.

In Greenwich Village, Bernie Rhodenbarr, the rare book dealer who moonlights as a burglar, is arrested for murder in connection with the robbery of a valuable collection of baseball cards. Only he didn't do it.

Set in a chaotic city where rules are absent, the story follows unlicensed private investigator Matt Scudder as he delves into the murder of Glenn Holtzmann, a young man killed by a deranged veteran. While some believe Holtzmann's death was a tragic accident, others, including the accused's brother, seek to prove his innocence. As Scudder investigates, he confronts his own moral complexities and dark desires, leading him to unsettling truths that threaten his relationships and sense of self.

A man known only as Keller reflects on Samuel Johnson's quote that "'patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.'" He admits he might be a scoundrel himself, though he feels like an ordinary New York single guy, living alone, eating takeout, and doing the Times crossword. His life seems mundane, filled with the typical stories of the city, until he receives phone calls from a man in White Plains, prompting him to pack a bag, catch a flight, and kill someone. This behavior clearly marks him as a scoundrel. However, Lawrence Block, a master of the mystery genre, complicates this notion. Through a collection of linked short stories, we gain a deeper understanding of Keller, seeing his profession as just one aspect of his humanity. We witness his struggles with baffling cases, his unprofessional actions, and a notably unsuccessful analysis, alongside his encounters with a cunning intelligence agent. We also share in the loss of a dog he acquires, along with its attractive walker. Like Richard Stark's Parker, Keller challenges our perceptions of criminals, making us ponder that they could be the people next door—or even ourselves, given different circumstances.

A ruthless, ingenious pair of entrepreneurial monsters is preying on the loved ones of those who live outside the law. Though he has no love for drug dealers and poison peddlers, ex-cop-turned-p.i. Matthew Scudder now must help them put two thrill-kill extortionists out of business--before another drop of innocent blood is spilled.

Bernie Rhodenbarr, a used bookstore owner and part-time burglar, finds himself in a precarious situation when he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. After evaluating a wealthy man's library, his fingerprints are left at the scene, complicating his life as he navigates the legal repercussions of both his legitimate and illicit activities. This blend of crime and humor showcases Bernie's cleverness and the thrill he finds in his unconventional profession.

A chance to help a revered author leads Bernie Rhodenbarr into a tangled web of crime when he is asked by Alice Cottrell to steal personal letters from a hotel room. However, the situation escalates dramatically when he discovers the agent he was supposed to outsmart is found dead, making Bernie the prime suspect in a murder investigation. As he navigates this unexpected turn of events, he must use his skills not only to clear his name but also to uncover the truth behind the sinister plot.

The first novel in the explosive Matthew Scudder Series. The tenth novel in the series - A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES - is set to be a major Hollywood film, starring Liam Neeson. schovat popis

The long-awaited eleventh novel in the Bernie Rhodenbarr series.

"A kaleidoscopic look at modern New York City-- from gritty streets to high-rise luxury-- in a collection of twenty-three original short stories, hand-picked by guest editor Lawrence Block" --

The fifteenth Matt Scudder mystery from NEW YORK TIMES bestseller Lawrence Block. Byrne and Susan Hollander stroll home from a concert on a fine summer's evening in New York. Some hours later, their daughter Kristin arrives home to discover her parents brutally killed and the house ransacked. She also finds she is now a very young millionaire. A few days later the police trace the two killers to an apartment in Coney Island, and both are dead. One killed the other before turning the gun on himself - at least that's the way it looks. So that's another case solved. But for Matt Scudder it's only the beginning. The more he looks into it, the more things look wrong to him. There's a murderer out there, and he's just getting started. Pitted in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Scudder is up against the most resourceful and diabolical killer of his career.

The latest - brilliant - Matt Scudder novel from award-winning Lawrence Block Matt Scudder - former cop and alcoholic - has had enough. He plans to wind up his investigations and concentrate on AA meetings and his lovely wife, Elaine. But he agrees to take one last case. Louise, a single woman, has finally met a man she likes, but she fears he's keeping something from her and so hires Matt to check him out. But before Matt can track down the real identity of Louise's lover, a horrific murder is committed - and the only forensic evidence links the killer to Elaine. Matt is convinced that the killer is an old foe of his, a man who terrorised and murdered his way through New York until Matt stood in his way. And now he's stalking Elaine...

Bernie Rhodenbarr has gone legit – almost – as the new owner of a used bookstore in New York's Greenwich Village. Of course, dusty old tomes don't always turn a profit, so to make ends meet, Bernie's forced, on occasion, to indulge in his previous occupation: burglary. Besides which, he likes it. Now a collector is offering Bernie an opportunity to combine his twin passions by stealing a very rare and very bad book-length poem from a rich man's library. The heist goes off without a hitch. The delivery of the ill-gotten volume, however, is a different story. Drugged by the client's female go-between, Bernie wakes up in her apartment to find the book gone, the lady dead, a smoking gun in his hand, and the cops at the door. And suddenly he's got to extricate himself from a rather sticky real-life murder mystery and find a killer – before he's booked for Murder One.

Keller is an ordinary man who juggles everyday life with secretive assignments as a hitman. As his jobs begin to unravel, he discovers he's become a target himself. Faced with danger, Keller must navigate the treacherous world of assassins while trying to survive.

Keller is friendly. Industrious. A bit lonely, sometimes. If it wasn't for the fact that he kills people for a living, he'd be just your average Joe. The inconvenient wife, the troublesome sports star, the greedy business partner, the vicious dog, he'll take care of them all, quietly and efficiently. If the price is right. Like the rest of us, Keller's starting to worry about his retirement. After all, he's not getting any younger. (His victims, on the other hand, aren't getting any older.) So he contacts his "booking agent," Dot, up in White Plains, and tells her to keep the hits coming. He'll take any job, anywhere. His nest egg needs fattening up. Of course, being less choosy means taking greater risks—and that could buy Keller some big trouble. Then again, in this game, there are plenty of opportunities for some inventive improvisation . . . and a determined self-motivator can make a killing.

Murderous portents lie in the astral plane, and deadly reckonings wreak havoc in the human heart in this collection of sixteen original stories by such masterly mystery writers as Lawrence Block, Peter Lovesey, Peter Tremayne, Jon L. Breen, Edward Marston, Bill Crider, Simon Brett, and the internationally acclaimed Anne Perry.

Five big ones just for lifting a a little blue box? A steal - or so Bernie thought until he got stiffed with a corpse! Bernie should have taken a powder the minute the shifty-eyed,pear-shaped man made his offer. But five grand an hour is nice work if you can get it. Things went smoothly even after the cops showed up. A little bribe here; a handshake there. Until one of the cops stumbled over the body. Faster than you could say "STOP THIEF," Bernie ran - straight into the arms of a deliciously nutty young woman. That's when the caper really got interesting!

Bernie's About to Burn His Fingers on a Hot Coin Worth a Cool Half-Million! By day he sells books in his Greenwich Village shop and lunches with his dog-groomer friend, Carolyn. By night he's a master of illegal entry. Not that Bernie looks for it - class-A capers seem to come his way. So when Carolyn tempts him with an easy job, he goes for it. Only to find that someone beat them to the coin collection, except for one...a 1913 Liberty Head V-Nickel...worth a fortune. But when Bernie's fence tries to hustle the coin, he's rubbed out. Along with the coin collector's wife. Now Bernie's running both ways, with cops - and robbers - after him. And Bernie hot after the killer. What's Bernie's future worth? How about a plugged nickel?

In "At Cards and with Women," professional cardsharp Bill Maynard, recovering from his Chicago troubles, seeks action and teams up with Joyce Rogers, the wife of his latest target. They devise a clever plan to eliminate her husband, but in the game of life, unexpected twists await.

The Spinner was a blackmailer, but that didn't give someone the right to bash his head in and leave him to rot in the river. There are three suspects, all blackmail victims, but which one was desperate enough to silence the Spinner for good?

When a friend suggests that Bernie burgle a romantic rival's home, Bernie is happy to oblige. Along with lesbian friend Caroline Kaiser, Bernie is overjoyed to find a safe full of cash. And for once in a Bernie Rhodenbarr story, there isn't even a dead body in the house. At least not yet. Because a nearby home has also been burgled and in that robbery, three people have died. The police recognise Bernie from a nearby cash machine camera and soon he is in the newspapesr as the suspect.

"The joy of fiction is the joy of the imagination. . . ." The best stories engage readers, compelling them to turn pages in anticipation of what comes next. Great literature is defined by its imagination, as demonstrated in this exceptional anthology, which redefines the boundaries of imaginative fiction. It features contributions from renowned writers like Peter Straub, Chuck Palahniuk, Roddy Doyle, and Joyce Carol Oates, among others, showcasing their craft and challenging misconceptions about genres. Curated by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio, who personally selected each story, the anthology sets a high standard for this "new literature of the imagination." The collection aims to present familiar themes in fresh, illuminating ways. Notable tales include Joe Hill's disturbing exploration of evil in "Devil on the Staircase," Lawrence Block's unique take on fishing in "Catch and Release," and Carolyn Parkhurst's dark sibling rivalry in "Unwell." Joanne Harris introduces ancient gods in modern New York in "Wildfire in Manhattan," while Richard Adams's "The Knife" delves into vengeance. Jeffery Deaver's "The Therapist" features a psychologist on a mission to save lives, and Neil Gaiman's chilling "The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains" offers a haunting punishment for a grave crime. This visionary volume will transform readers’ perspectives and ignite a renewed appreciation for exceptional fiction.

From the author of A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES - set to be a major Hollywood film - comes the third novel in the Matt Scudder series. schovat popis

Hopper ist Kult: 17 Stories von namhaften US-Autoren zu berühmten Gemälden des weltbekannten Malers.Jedes Bild erzählt eine Geschichte. Für die Gemälde von Edward Hopper (1882 - 1967), einer Ikone der modernen amerikanischen Malerei, gilt das in besonderem Maße. Seine Porträts von Menschen, die auf rätselhafte Weise in ihre Einsamkeit versunken scheinen, lassen der Phantasie einen weiten Spielraum. Siebzehn renommierte US-Autoren haben sich inspirieren lassen, jede(r) von einem anderen Bild. Ihre Geschichten setzen dort an, wo das Gemälde als Momentaufnahme zwangsläufig aufhören muss, erzählen weiter, was verborgen in der Mimik, der Körpersprache der Figuren und in der festgehaltenen Szene zu erspüren ist. Entstanden ist eine vielschichtige, faszinierende Kollektion von Stories über die menschliche Existenz und ihre Abgründe. Realistisch, anrührend, beunruhigend - immer aber fesselnd und überraschend. Mit Geschichten von Stephen King, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Jeffery Deaver, Joyce Carol Oates, Lawrence Block u.a.

Known for always pushing the envelope when it comes to showing sex and violence on screen, Paul Verhoeven has directed controversial films in several genres, including the erotic thriller (Basic Instinct), melodrama (Showgirls) and science fiction (RoboCop, Total Recall, Starship Troopers, Hollow Man). However, even before going to Hollywood, Verhoeven had been a succ's de scandale in his native Netherlands, where he directed a war saga (Soldier of Orange), a medieval epic (Flesh+Blood), a psychosexual thriller (The Fourth Man) and a sex comedy (Turkish Delight, which was voted Best Dutch Film of the Century at the Netherlands Film Festival). Verhoeven has shown that visceral thrills can be thought provoking, challenging our received notions of heroism, patriotism, and eroticism. He has created some of the most courageous and contentious films of recent years. Made with full access to Paul Verhoeven's archives!

Set in a vibrant jungle teeming with life, the story explores the challenges and adventures faced by its inhabitants. Characters navigate the complexities of survival, friendship, and rivalry, showcasing the raw beauty and dangers of their environment. Themes of resilience and adaptation are woven throughout as they confront both natural and interpersonal conflicts, ultimately revealing the interconnectedness of all living beings in this wild ecosystem.

The second adventure of Evan Michael Tanner -- back in print!"The Canceled Czech" finds the sleepless adventurer on a mission to Czechoslovakia to liberate a dying man, who turns out to be a Nazi. For his troubles, he finds himself leaping from a moving train, tangling with an amorous blonde, and playing the role of a neo-Nazi propagandist. Just another typical work day in the life of "the thief who couldn't sleep".

Each year, for the past seventeen years, Mysterious Bookshop proprietor Otto Penzler has commissioned an original Christmas story by a leading suspense writer. These stories were then produced as pamphlets, just 1,000 copies, and given to customers of the bookstore as a Christmas present. Now, all seventeen tales have been collected in one volume, showcasing the talents of: Charles Ardai Lisa Atkinson George Baxt Lawrence Block Mary Higgins Clark Thomas H. Cook Ron Goulart Jeremiah Healy Edward D. Hoch Rupert Holmes Andrew Klavan Michael Malone Ed McBain Anne Perry S. J. Rozan Jonathan Santlofer Donald E. WestlakeSome of these stories are humorous, others suspenseful, and still others are tales of pure detection, but all of them together make up a charming collection and a perfect Christmas gift for all ages.

He is Jimmie John Hall, "free and white and 22". Her name is Betty Dienhardt, plain, friendless, and oppressed by a bleak home life. In each other, they find a chance for love and fulfillment. But they are doomed. For Jimmie John has already embarked on a killing spree on the backroads of the Southwest that will leave 14 innocent people dead.

TWO OF THE GREATEST AUTHORS OF NOIR FICTION IN AN UNFORGETTABLE COLLABORATION.

A beautiful young woman called Marilyn picks up a stranger in a bar and takes him home to her Manhattan apartment. The next morning her housekeeper discovers Marilyn's body. Marilyn's life and death have far-reaching effects on others, even people she has never met: a charismatic former police commissioner on the verge of a breakdown; a struggling writer; a folk art dealer plumbing the depths of her own fierce sexuality; a lawyer who prefers murder trials because there's one less witness. And in a city reeling from 9/11, an unlikely mass murderer wages a one-man war against everyone. In this gripping, multi-faceted story, Block not only brings to life in brilliant detail the city of New York, but proves he is one of the most talented, innovative and surprising crime writers in the business.

A high school wallflower serves up justice at her 20th reunion, while a submissive wife sends her domineering husband to hell. A writer orchestrates a murder to eliminate his enemy. This captivating collection features twelve of America's finest authors exploring the theme of revenge-driven killings. The anthology showcases a stellar lineup, offering a satisfying feast of stories centered on the dark allure of vengeance. In Lawrence Block's chilling tale, a serial killer turns one victim's brother into an unwitting defender, leading to dire consequences. Mary Higgins Clark's "Power Play" presents a thrilling scenario where an ex-president and his congresswoman wife outsmart terrorists. Phillip Margolin's character, a career criminal, faces a twist of fate with an alibi that complicates his self-defense. Joyce Carol Oates delivers a gripping narrative in "Murder-Two," where a brilliant lawyer defends her worst enemy's son. Peter Straub's "Mr. Clubb and Mr. Cuff" reveals the steep price of revenge for a betrayed husband. This anthology also includes contributions from Thomas H. Cook, Vicki Hendricks, Joan Hess, Judith Kelman, Eric Lustbader, David Morrell, and Shel Silverstein, creating an unforgettable exploration of cold-blooded retribution. Otto Penzler, a prominent figure in the mystery genre, curates this wickedly entertaining volume.

Presents a gallery of fifty of America's most notorious criminals, from colonial times through the twentieth century, with profiles of such outlaws as John Wilkes Booth, Jesse James, Bonnie Parker, and Ted Bund.

This collection features seven works of fiction by Lawrence Block, showcasing his literary evolution over six decades. Each story reflects his mastery of character development and storytelling, offering a diverse range of themes and styles. Readers can expect a blend of intrigue, wit, and insight into the human experience, highlighting Block's enduring contribution to the literary world.

Exploring the diverse landscape of crime fiction, this anthology curated by Lawrence Block showcases a variety of styles and narratives. Each story delves into the complexities of human nature, moral ambiguity, and the darker sides of society. Featuring contributions from various authors, it highlights the genre's versatility and depth, promising readers a captivating journey through suspense and intrigue.

The Liar's Companion compiles insights from a renowned author who has spent fourteen years sharing his expertise on fiction in a monthly column for Writers Digest. This collection builds on the success of three previous books that have become classics in the genre. Readers can expect a rich exploration of storytelling techniques, creative processes, and the art of writing, making it a valuable resource for aspiring writers and fans of literary craft.

Exploring the evolving role of criminal defense lawyers, this book delves into the complexities of legal representation in contemporary society. It highlights the ethical dilemmas, challenges, and responsibilities faced by defense attorneys, while also addressing the impact of societal changes on the justice system. Through insightful analysis and case studies, it redefines the purpose and significance of criminal defense, emphasizing the critical balance between advocacy and justice.

Lawrence Block's AFTERTHOUGHTS 2.0 offers a collection of insightful essays reflecting on the writing process, the craft of storytelling, and the author's personal experiences in the literary world. Through a blend of humor and candidness, Block shares his thoughts on various topics, including the challenges of publishing and the intricacies of character development. This edition provides readers with a deeper understanding of the author's perspective, making it a valuable resource for aspiring writers and fans alike.

The Liar's Bible features a selection of previously uncollected columns from acclaimed author Lawrence Block, known for his five Edgar Awards. These insightful pieces, originally written for Writers Digest Magazine, offer guidance and illumination for fiction writers navigating their craft. Block shares his wisdom and experiences, providing valuable perspectives that can inspire and aid writers at various stages of their journey.

In "Sex, Drugs, and Murder in the Land of the Lotus Eaters," Anita Carbone, a bored good girl, ventures to Greenwich Village, a haven for misfits. There, she encounters Joe Milani, a gentle war veteran, and his dangerous drug-dealing roommate, whose dark desires spiral into murder.

The bear is on the prowl in many different guises. He may be the master thief stealing into Graceland, an intense young passenger experimenting in terror, or a psychiatrist haunted by his patient's nightmare. Or maybe he's beautiful, lethal woman in a blood-red scarf. So beware of this huge, dangerous beast. Because first he will enthrall you .. and then he will strike.By the dawn's early light --Cleveland in my dreams --Some things a man must do --Answers to soldier --Good for the soul --The Ehrengraf alternative --Someday I'll plant more walnut trees --The burglar who dropped in on Elvis --As good as a rest --Death wish --The merciful angel of death --The Tulsa experience --Some days you get the bear --Passport in order --Something to remember you by --Hilliard's ceremony --The Ehrengraf nostrum --Like a bug on a windshield --A blow for freedom --How would you like it? --Batman's helpers

De todas las preguntas que se le pueden hacer a un autor quizá la más reveladora sea: ¿Cuál es su cuento favorito? El relato de suspenso está lleno de alternativas. Desde Edgar Allan Poe hasta la actualidad, ha trascendido sus límites y pautas. Luego de haberles solicitado a varios colegas la elección de lo que cada uno consideraba su mejor cuento, Lawrence Block redobló la apuesta y les pidió su elección personal del mejor relato del género debido a otro autor. El resultado es un libro que supera las expectativas del lector: junto a narraciones clásicas del siglo XIX y comienzos del XX desfilan historias contemporáneas que incluyen a autores normalmente considerados ajenos a la tradición de suspenso. En Los mejores cuentos de suspenso el relato policial clásico alterna con la ficción psicológica, el humor con el drama, el crimen premeditado con el asesinato casual, las estructuras cerradas con los finales abiertos. El denominador común es, en todos los casos, la extrema tensión, aquélla que se le pide a la buena literatura.

Anthologie mit hintergründig-subtilen, teils amüsanten, oft mit schwarzem Humor versetzten Erzählungen von u.a. Stephen King, Joyce C. Oates, Peter Lovesey.

Sie ist ein einziger Traum - für einen Mann aber wird sie zum Albtraum. Johnny Hayden und Doug Rance wollen Immobilienunternehmer Wallace Gunderman um sein gesamtes Vermögen bringen. Doch damit der Plan aufgehen kann, brauchen sie eine Frau im Innern der Firma. Hier kommt Evelyn Stone ins Spiel - Gundermans Sekretärin, Geliebte und sein schlimmster Feind. Gunderman hatte versprochen, sie zu heiraten, es aber nie getan. Jetzt will sie es ihm heimzahlen.

»Die Sünden der Väter« stellt Matthew Scudder vor, jenen New Yorker Privatdetektiv, der von Liam Neeson in »Ruhet in Frieden« auf der Leinwand verkörpert wurde. Eine junge Prostituierte wurde getötet und der mutmaßliche Mörder hat sich in seiner Gefängniszelle erhängt. Auf der Suche nach Antworten wendet sich der Vater des toten Mädchens an Scudder. Dieser erste Band der preisgekrönten Reihe wurde ursprünglich 1976 veröffentlicht, die deutsche Ausgabe ist aber bereits seit vielen Jahren vergriffen. Der Roman wurde nun für heutige Leser von Stefan Mommertz neu übersetzt, einschließlich einer 1991 verfassten Einführung von Stephen King. Darin weist King darauf hin, dass Scudder zwar »den romantischen Untertönen der Gattung« entspricht, er aber »genauso viel von Dorian Grey wie von Travis McGee« hat. King schreibt weiter: »Block hat den Teil des Mythos, der ebenso Klischee wie Wunscherfüllung ist, beiseitegelegt und ihn durch etwas ersetzt, das sehr viel glaubwürdiger ist. Das Ergebnis ist eine Reihe von Büchern, die genau genommen ein einziges sind - eine urban-alkoholkranke moderne Version der ›Pilgerreise‹ -, mit einer Figur, die ganz und gar über die Gattung hinauswächst, der sie entsprungen ist.«