Reviews

The Burglar Who Liked to Quote Kipling by Lawrence Block

woody1881's review against another edition

4.0

In this, the third book, Bernie Rhodenbarr does not disappoint. Once I started reading, I could not wait to get back to the story. I didn't see the ending coming, though in truth, I am not sure I was provided enough in the story to even guess. There were a couple things that had me worried, like when Bernie didn't follow up on a jealous girlfriend, who could have easily destroyed everything without even knowing it. Still, I guess it added to the suspense!

mikewa14's review against another edition

3.0

Picked this up for a few pounds and actually quite like it - full review here
http://0651frombrighton.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/the-burglar-who-liked-to-quote-kipling.html

vorpalblad's review against another edition

4.0

Terrific read. I pick up every one of these I can find.

ogreart's review

4.0

The character of Bernie Rhodenbarr is slightly deepened here. He get's a sidekick. I guess as a way of avoiding Bernie getting romantically involved with her, she is a lesbian. I have no trouble with that, for the time it was written it was pretty progressive, I suppose. It's just how hard the author hit the readers over the head with the fact seemed a little forced to me. The mystery was clever. The continual addition of new characters kept adding some spice to the plot. Overall I had another good time. Now on to the next one in the series.

twincam59's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Fun read, enough plot twists to keep you guessing

seatonob's review

5.0

A fun yarn

A really fun read. Some new characters and a new locale for Bernie. But the same quick pacing and wit that we read Block for.

elfington's review against another edition

4.0

Certainly the four stars are aided by nostalgia from my first read of this series when I was in high school. But the combination of the bookstore owning burglar, the cozy noir vibe, and Carolyn the gay sidekick make this one so much fun to revisit.

disastrouspenguin's review against another edition

4.0

My favorite of the three books of the series thus far.

I'm enjoying how the author got a bit meta in the second(?) book (can't quite remember, it's all mushed together in my head now,) and teases one of the character's favorite authors about following the same basic outline for every novel. And then Block goes ahead and does the same thing himself. But he still manages to keep it fresh enough and interesting enough that you want to keep reading and find out exactly what is going on. Or at least, I did.

cartendole's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

zeroiv's review

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75