Synopsis/blurb....
Louis Pinell, the
recently apprehended "Icepick Prowler," freely admits to having slain
seven young women nine years ago -- but be swears it was a copycat who killed
Barbara Ettinger Matthew Scudder believes him. ...
In
this 4th Matthew Scudder book, Scudder is asked to look into the
murder of Charles London’s daughter, Barbara. At the time she was believed to
have been a victim of the “Icepick” serial killer who has been recently arrested.
Pinell, the killer has an alibi for when Barbara was slain and London wants Scudder
to make some enquiries because the police aren’t particularly interested. Who
was responsible for Ettinger’s death and why?
Scudder’s
enquiries lead him back to Ettinger’s husband at the time, who may or may not
having been cheating on Barbara and could ostensibly have been responsible for
the murder. Digging deeper and speaking with the original officers who were
part of the original enquiry, as well as Barbara’s sister and neighbours;
Matthew still feels the trail has gone too cold and the task is fruitless. Scudder’s
involvement also brings him into contact with the victim’s employer at the time
of her death, Janice Corwin. Sensing a kindred spirit, with a similar fondness
for alcohol, they become involved.
After
upsetting someone with his questions and the consequent re-opening of old
wounds, London tries to yank Scudder off the case. As Scudder hasn’t actually
been hired he refuses and continues to dig until he finds the answer.
I
enjoyed the continuation of Block’s series and Scudder’s continued descent
deeper and deeper into the bottle. There is an acknowledgement from him of
issues with alcohol, brought home to him, when Jan breaks off their fledgling
relationship. How he addresses these difficulties, I’m hoping is explored in
book 5 of the series which I will be reading next month.
This
was another enjoyable and solid book from Block. I would definitely recommend
this series to anyone who has enjoys crime fiction and watching the evolution
and development of a main character.
4
from 5
I
bought my copy second-hand years ago, source forgotten.
Col - I like the Matthew Scudder character very much. He seems to search for some sort of redemption and yet he keeps slipping. There's something very...human about that. Block's got writing talent too I think. I'm glad you enjoyed this.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margot. I like reading about his issues. Block is great; though I haven't really dipped into his other characters in any depth.
DeleteI've read 1 x Bernie, 1 x Keller and none of the others, but Scudder is definitely likeable.
I usually only read his John Keller books. One Matthew Scudder book I did read was WHEN THE SACRED GINMILL CLOSES which as I remember it was pretty good. --Keishon
ReplyDeleteKeishon, I'll try and make time for the Keller's - the first one I read was really good. I should get to Ginmill in another month or so, cheers.
DeleteI love the early Matt Scudder books. Glad you are enjoying them!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah - no complaints so far!
DeleteI have a goal to read more books by Lawrence Block, but so far have only read one Scudder and one Evan Tanner. A long time ago I read several of the Burglar series and I plan to reread those also.
ReplyDeleteYou're ahead of me on the Tanner and Burglar books, I'll probably continue on with one of his other series when I'm done with Scudder, but that's over a year away!
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