- Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Avon Books; First THUS edition (Nov 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0380725355
- ISBN-13: 978-0380725359
- Product Dimensions: 17.4 x 10.7 x 2.7 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,916,056 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Everybody Dies (Matt Scudder Mysteries)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
You would think that by the 14th novel in a series, an author might become a bit bored with his characters, a bit sloppy in his writing. Thankfully, Lawrence Block is no such writer. Matt Scudder, in his 14th appearance, is as sharp and entertaining as he is in such mysteries as Eight Million Ways to Die and A Dance at the Slaughterhouse. Scudder is one of the few dicks out there with a fully fleshed-out personality; he's not insensitive to the mayhem around him, and his fears are well founded and realistic. After all, as the title boldly states, we live in a world where everybody dies.
Settled into married life, sober, and finally a legit private eye (the state granted his license), Scudder is prepared to become a respectable high-priced detective working for New York City lawyers. But when his old buddy, Mick Ballou, comes to him because two of his runners end up murdered, Scudder finds himself sinking back into the muck of the underworld. Whilst dodging thugs who are out to put a stop to his investigation, Scudder must figure out who has it in for Ballou.
The writing in this novel is elegant--equally supple in describing the gibbous moon as it is in sorting out Scudder's feelings on the murder of a close friend, or when recounting a rather gory eye plucking. The dialogue is snappy and true to life. Lawrence Block once again proves he's worthy of the title Grand Master of Mystery. So be sure to set aside a chunk of time before you sit down to read this novel, because you're not going to be able to tear yourself away. --Jenny Brown --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
The new novel from mystery writers of America Grandmaster Lawrence Block in his multi-award winning series of Matt Scudder rivate detective mysteries. Matt Scudder is well and truly off the booze, but he still spends time with some of his old drinking pas including Mick Ballou - an Irish American who operates moren often than not on the wrong side of the law. Mick is worried - a garage full of bourbon has ebeen ripped off and 2 of his henchman killed in cold blood.Somebody is muscling inon 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 wayhome he is attacked but does more damage than he has inflicted. That same somebody wants him off Mick's case. The following weekend Matt's mentor from AlAnon 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. Nowe 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 1 he is going to see out to the end.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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First Sentence
Andy Buckley said, "Jesus Christ," and braked the Cadillac to a stop. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
Andy Buckley said, "Jesus Christ," and braked the Cadillac to a stop. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I am a devoted fan of the Matt Scudder series, and found myself riveted to this book. Cruel fate intervenes in many ways in this story to push the characters to the edge. How they deal with those challenges is intensely personal, and makes you think about what you, the reader, would have done. As a result, you learn a lot about yourself and the characters. This book is not for the squeemish, for it contains some of the most graphic violence imaginable. Yet the violence is essential to the story, as a civilized man (Scudder) is drawn into a law of the jungle type situation. When civilization offers no direct solution to your problems, what should you do? That's the moral dilemma that is repeated throughout the book. Like the best of the Ross MacDonald novels, this mystery clearly transcends the genre into being primarily a novel about good and evil. Heart of Darkness is evoked in several ways. The plot also shakes up many of the base line themes in the Scudder series so that subsequent books will undoubtedly take Scudder into new directions -- something all Scudder fans should welcome. In many ways, this book is as pivotal to the series as the first book, When the Sacred Ginmill Closes. This book is a must read for all Scudder fans. I felt drawn in not only by the moral dilemmas, but by the detail of the writing. How would I carry a concealed gun? Would I keep a bulletproof vest on during hot weather? If you like Lawrence Block and have not read Scudder, you should start now. I do suggest that you read the books in chronological order of their publication. The characters build nicely from one book to the next, and you will find this book much more satisfying if you know what preceded it. Otherwise, this will simply seem somewhat like a book filled with gratuitous violence. If you do not know Block, I think this is his finest series. You should start now with When the Sacred Ginmill Closes. You have a major treat ahead of you as you read the 14 books in this series.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
They don't come much better than Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder series. From the moment I read the first one -"Sins of the Fathers", I was hooked and went on to read the other thirteen! If you've never read any of the series, I'd recommend starting at the beginning (Mr Block has his own website at lawrenceblock.com for you to check out the chronology) because with each book, Block reveals more of Scudder's character and we "get to know" him as we read on. If you start with "Everybody Dies", you'll be starting too far down the line. Buy every single one of the series - they're fantastic! Scudder is a hero for the 21st Century - complete with his own demons and dry wit!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
There is some very good dry wit in this book, together with some insightful writing.
However, the plot is totally uncomplicated, or even simple, and fails to deliver any challenges to the reader.
Block didn't do enough wrong to earn an entry in my "Don't touch again" list, but I'm not sure that I'd race out and buy his latest straight away either.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
UK Wake Up to Lawrence Block!
English readers, take note: Block delivers another authorship master-class with "Everybody Dies." No-one since Chandler has managed to enhance the mystery genre to this level of... Read more
Published on 29 Nov 1999
Once again Block evokes the pain and pleasure of friendship
It is a shame that the books of Lawrence Block are typically found in the crime section of the bookshop. Read more
Published on 12 Oct 1999 by shird@zenocean.com
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