Rating: 
Summary: I just don't get it
Review: Although I liked the author's descriptions of the fictional NYC Paddington Hotel and the surroudning area, I just couldn't get into this book.... The parallels between Salinger and Fairborn were just too contrived. The plot was way too convoluted for my tastes, and, like other reviewers here, I thought the author worked too hard to make the dialogue "cute." This is the first Bernie Rhodenbarr Mystery I've read. I will give the others a shot, simply because I miss having a rogue now that Lawrence Sanders is gone. This one just didn't do it for me.
Rating: 
Summary: A well-plotted and fun mystery
Review: After reading this Bernie Rhodenbarr novel, I look forward to reading others. The characters are entertaining and the dialogue between them is engrossing. The meandering conversations almost threaten to overshadow the central storyline, but they're still engaging enough to keep you glued to the page. The solution to the mystery is everything it should be: unpredictable, credible, and satisfying. If you're looking for a mystery with quirky characters, a smudge of suspense, and a good sense of humor, THE BURGLAR IN THE RYE is a perfect choice.
Rating: 
Summary: Sparkling entertainment
Review: Another ludicrously implausible Bernie Rhodenbarr story line with one of the most convoluted wrap-ups I've ever seen, but absolutely delicious, nonetheless. The lesbian sub-plot is hilarious, and the dialogue sparkles--I only wish I had the wit to converse as these folk do!
Rating:
Summary: Burglar in the Rye
Review: As always,Lawrence Block gives me what I expected and more....a great read,good plot twists and the enjoyment of our old friend,Bernie.
Rating:
Summary: Among the Best of Bernie
Review: Being a mystery writer with my first book in initial publication, I have always been impressed by the diversity of Lawrence Block's talents. He does it all within (and occasionally without)the mystery genre, and THE BURGLAR IN THE RYE is among Block's best Bernie Rhodenbarr books. As always in a Bernie book, Block's tone is light and the mystery is fun. For those who are not yet familiar with Bernie, he is a used book dealer who is known to moonlight as a burglar. In this adventure, he's hired to steal letters written by a literary recluse before the letters are auctioned. We all know the literary figure is based on a certain real-life author the moment we see the title of Block's novel. We also know Bernie will become a murder suspect during the course of the caper. We know too that the best cop money can buy will be investigating the crimes. While these elements are obvious from the start, the book remains a fun and light read. It's a good book, and I recommend it heartily.
Rating:
Summary: Among the Best of Bernie
Review: Being a mystery writer with my first book in initial publication, I have always been impressed by the diversity of Lawrence Block's talents. He does it all within (and occasionally without)the mystery genre, and THE BURGLAR IN THE RYE is among Block's best Bernie Rhodenbarr books. As always in a Bernie book, Block's tone is light and the mystery is fun. For those who are not yet familiar with Bernie, he is a used book dealer who is known to moonlight as a burglar. In this adventure, he's hired to steal letters written by a literary recluse before the letters are auctioned. We all know the literary figure is based on a certain real-life author the moment we see the title of Block's novel. We also know Bernie will become a murder suspect during the course of the caper. We know too that the best cop money can buy will be investigating the crimes. While these elements are obvious from the start, the book remains a fun and light read. It's a good book, and I recommend it heartily.
Rating:
Summary: Block's Bernie the Burglar is Back
Review: Bernie Rhodenbarr is once again a murder suspect. This time, though, he burgles for nonprofit. The title of this adventure refers to the famous J.D.Salinger novel. Two of the guest characters are thinly disguised versions of the reclusive novelist, and Joyce Maynard, the author who as a precocious teen became involved with the famous Salinger. Bernie is engaged to steal some old letters and correspondence written by the famous writer, lest they are auctioned off (as they were in real life by Maynard). Rather early in the book, Bernie gathers all the suspects together to do his best Nick Charles impersonation to weed out the culprit behind the murder he is accused of. Unlike earlier Burglar books, this one has plot twists that are too transparent. Every character in the book is involved with the murder, desired letters, or missing jewels (an integrated subplot) even if not readily apparent at first. Telltale clues are left throughout the plot to enable wily mystery lovers to guess the outcome too early in the procedings.
Rating:
Summary: Block has another winner in his latest Burglar novel.
Review: Bernie Rhodenbarr is the most lovable crook in fiction. And Burglar in the Rye is one of the best in the series. It's also timely. We hear all about the letters of J.D. Salinger, who wants them, who doesn't, and what they say. Block took this theme and had a blast with it. Even the title, "In the Rye" is a sly wink to Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. This is a well crafted, hilarious mystery.
Rating:
Summary: Burglary Was Never So Much Fun
Review: Bernie Rhodenbarr runs an antiquarian bookstore in Manhattan. He’s also a burglar, and just about everybody knows it, which has its good and bad points. (People always know who to go to for a quick breaking and entering…but the cops also suspect you every time one occurs. Oh well, life’s a two-sided coin.) A woman named Alice walks into Bernie’s bookstore and hires him to steal some letters that a reclusive writer named Gulliver Fairborn sent to his agent. No problem. Except that Bernie breaks into the agent’s apartment and finds the letters gone and the agent dead. Did I mention the police knocking on the apartment door at that very moment? Lawrence Block’s protagonist is a completely likable criminal with a quick mind and a heart of gold…uh, for a burglar. Block masterfully moves the reader along through a series of wild, yet believable occurrences that make for very entertaining reading. The dialogue is snappy, the characters are well-drawn, and the writing is sharp. What more could you ask for? Be prepared for loads of fun. 308 pages
Rating:
Summary: Burglary Was Never So Much Fun
Review: Bernie Rhodenbarr runs an antiquarian bookstore in Manhattan. He’s also a burglar, and just about everybody knows it, which has its good and bad points. (People always know who to go to for a quick breaking and entering…but the cops also suspect you every time one occurs. Oh well, life’s a two-sided coin.) A woman named Alice walks into Bernie’s bookstore and hires him to steal some letters that a reclusive writer named Gulliver Fairborn sent to his agent. No problem. Except that Bernie breaks into the agent’s apartment and finds the letters gone and the agent dead. Did I mention the police knocking on the apartment door at that very moment? Lawrence Block’s protagonist is a completely likable criminal with a quick mind and a heart of gold…uh, for a burglar. Block masterfully moves the reader along through a series of wild, yet believable occurrences that make for very entertaining reading. The dialogue is snappy, the characters are well-drawn, and the writing is sharp. What more could you ask for? Be prepared for loads of fun. 308 pages
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