The Burglar Who Liked to Quote Kipling

Bernie Rhodenbarr, a professional burglar and used bookstore owner in New York City, finds himself entangled in a complex situation after a seemingly routine break-in. What starts as a straightforward job turns into a case involving rare books, murder, and literary intrigue. The investigation forces Bernie to tap into both his criminal expertise and his extensive knowledge of literature, particularly the works of Rudyard Kipling. He moves between Manhattan's book-collecting circles and its criminal underworld, staying one step ahead of the police while trying to solve the mystery. The plot incorporates frequent literary references and actual Kipling quotes, weaving them into both the mystery and the characters' interactions. Bernie must navigate relationships with his friend Carolyn, various people in the rare book trade, and members of law enforcement who remain suspicious of his activities. This entry in Block's Bernie Rhodenbarr series examines themes of authenticity and deception, both in the world of valuable books and in human nature itself. The story demonstrates how surface appearances - whether of rare volumes or people's motives - can be misleading.

Readers enjoy the witty banter and humor throughout this Bernie Rhodenbarr mystery. Many note the clever literary references and tight plotting. Amazon reviewers highlight Bernie's charisma as a protagonist and appreciate that the book maintains tension without graphic violence. Common praise focuses on the fast pace and satisfying resolution. Multiple Goodreads reviews mention the effective blend of comedy and mystery elements. Readers also value the detailed New York City setting. Some readers find the Kipling references forced or pretentious. A few reviews criticize the middle section as slower compared to other books in the series. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (200+ ratings) "The humor and wit make this one of my favorites in the series" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much literary name-dropping slows down the story" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect balance of mystery and comedy" - LibraryThing review

The Charm School by David Solomon A bookish jewel thief executes heists using literary clues while maintaining a used bookstore as his cover.

The Blue Edge of Midnight by Jonathon King A rare book dealer solves crimes in between tracking down first editions in the shadowy world of book collectors.

The Good Thief's Guide to Paris by Chris Ewan A mystery writer moonlights as a burglar and becomes entangled in art thefts across European cities.

The Book of Thieves by Richard Vine Two literature professors turn to high-stakes antiquarian book theft to save their failing university library.

The Last Equation of Isaac Severy by Nova Jacobs A Seattle bookstore owner inherits a mathematical puzzle that leads to a series of cryptic clues hidden in classic novels.

🔍 This novel is part of Lawrence Block's "Bernie Rhodenbarr" series, featuring a bookseller who moonlights as a burglar, marking the fourth installment in the popular mystery collection. 📚 The book's title references Rudyard Kipling, and throughout the story, Bernie frequently quotes from Kipling's works, particularly "The Law of the Jungle" from The Jungle Book. 🏆 Lawrence Block has won multiple prestigious awards for his mystery writing, including four Edgar Awards, four Shamus Awards, and the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. 🗽 The story is set in New York City, particularly focusing on the Greenwich Village neighborhood where Bernie owns his bookstore, Barnegat Books. 🎬 While this specific book hasn't been adapted, another book in the Bernie Rhodenbarr series, "Burglars Can't Be Choosers," was made into a 1987 film titled "Burglar" starring Whoopi Goldberg, though the main character was changed from male to female.