The Burglar Who Painted Like Mondrian

By day, Bernie Rhodenbarr runs a respectable used book store in New York City. But by night, he gets his kicks gaining illegal entry into the posh residences of the wealthy. In this wacky mystery, the incorrigible burglar pulls off a low-risk burglary, only to find himself up against an eccentric kidnapper with a taste for abstract Dutch art. When Bernie is offered the chance to appraise a Manhattan millionaire's private library, he jumps at the opportunity. After all, how often does he get a chance to check out the holdings of the rich and famous and get paid at the same time? But when he returns later to help himself to some plunder, he finds he's been framed for some very nasty crimes.

Named a Grandmaster by the Mystery Writers of America, best-selling author Lawrence Block has won almost every major mystery award, including three Edgar and four Shamus Awards. His action-packed plot and irresistible characters, dramatically performed by Richard Ferrone, make this audiobook an irresistible work of art.

©1993 Lawrence Block (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC

The Intrigue

I liked all the detail of what the author explained about burglars. I wouldn’t know. The ins and outs made my head swim. I could not keep up, as usual. He’s funny.

I'd forgotten how much I like this series

Having already heard the previous editions I'd forgotten how much I like this series. Lawrence Block weaves irony and humour into his books while still managing to surprise you with the eventual outcome and Richard Ferrone's narration fits like a glove. With appearances from his lesbian, dog grooming sidekick and a slightly crooked NYC cop Bernie manages to extricate himself from felony charges while solving murder and art fraud mysteries and also winding up with the genuine painting plus others valuables for himself. This book joins the rest of the series in the top tier in my library.

It's the bookseller!

Bernie Rhodenbarr, art fraud, art theft, murder investigation, suspense, amateur sleuth, snark-fest

Bernie has been cleverly framed for murder and art theft. There are more twists and turns in this case than a mountain road, but there is also a book full of hilarious situations and verbal humor. I'm glad that I decided to reread this one!
Richard Ferrone is excellent!

Brilliant!

Probably the cleverest and most complex of the series, both educational and fun. Well read by narrator

Another crazy romp

Bernie gets himself in trouble again and get himself out in an entertaining way. Fun action Very good narrator.

Excellent story

I've read this series and re-read them over the years and they never disappoint. This audio, however, is slightly disappointing for 2 reasons: it's not the author reading and the recorded chapter breaks are obviously from the old disc release and not modernised to have chapters breaking in the recording at each book chapter's end.

WAY too much fun...!!!

Lawrence Block and Richard Perrone respectively Master Wordsmith and Master voice actor together have created a most entertaining, believable mystery of murder and Mayhem PLUS...!!! This installment is even better than the previous. AND for me the fact that it is set in NYC at a time that I am all too familiar with each and every one of the brand names subway stations buildings bars and neighborhoods makes it even more fun. Better pay attention there's a lot going on, and I think it is Caroline who says near the end that it was like a Nero Wolf story with too many characters too much action too many lawyers ( even her cat is named Archie Goodwin)... like I said... WAY too much fun 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I don't know why I wait so long between these book

Lawrence Block is simply amazing. I love everything he has ever written. The Hit List and Bernie Rhodenbarr series are too good to put down. He has a way of twisting together a great tale without forgetting the humor and suspense necessary to make his books a great escape.