The Burglar on the Prowl
A Bernie Rhodenbarr mystery
By Lawrence Block
Read by Lawrence Block

     "On the prowl. The phrase has a wonderful ring to it, doesn't it? It sounds at once menacing and exciting, deliciously attractive in an unwholesome way."

     Bernie and Marty are making plans over lunch. Bernie is a thief and Marty is the occasional partner in crime. Today, Marty asks Bernie for a couple of favors. The first is to impale an aged, girlfriend-stealing plastic surgeon "like an insect upon a pin." The other is to burgle the good doctor's home and rob his safe of his off-the-books, tax-free income.

     Bernie takes an interest and cases the joint. In waiting for the right night to burgle the good doctor's home, Bernie gets bored and breaks into a brownstone. He can't help it. He's addicted. During this break-in, Bernie becomes the captive audience of another crime.

     Lunch with Carolyn, Bernie's other friend, is interrupted when policeman Ray appears and questions Bernie about a deadly break-in -- the kind that gives burglars like Bernie a bad name. The conversation is enough to make Bernie clear his own name, which leads him and his pals on a roller coaster ride of intrigue and danger. It's a good thing they're a witty bunch or the ride wouldn't be near as fun for them or the readers.

     Bernie is a unique character. He talks directly to the readers, listens to what the windows and the walls have to say, and still uses the phrase: In like Flynn -- well, Errol really…. Anyway, its Bernie's amusing, slightly honorable outlook on life that makes the series work.

     The Burglar on the Prowl is read by Lawrence Block. In just one listen the dry humor will rub off on you, so be careful; taking up this series could have you talking to strangers in a graveled, unhurried voice similar to Lawrence Block's.