Read Lawrence Block Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

Lawrence Block is a literary giant in the world of crime fiction, especially known for his hardboiled mysteries, complex characters, and meticulously crafted plots. His works have captivated readers for decades, offering a thrilling combination of suspense, human flaws, and moral dilemmas. A prolific author with an immense body of work, Block has created several iconic series that have stood the test of time. But with such a vast selection, new readers often find themselves wondering where to start and how to approach his novels in the best order. This article delves into the world of Lawrence Block’s books, exploring the various series he has written, why they’re so beloved, and whether you should read them in a particular order for maximum enjoyment.

List Of Lawrence Block Books In Order

Sinner Man (1958)	Details
The Killing Floor (1961)	Details
The Girl with the Long Green Heart (1965)	Details
The Burglar Who Loathed Sunday (1971)	Details
The Sins of the Fathers (1976)	Details
Eight Million Ways to Die (1982)	Details
When the Sacred Ginmill Closes (1986)	Details
The Lady in the Lake (1996)	Details
A Long Line of Dead Men (2004)	Details
Hit Me (2013)	Details

More On Lawrence Block Books In Chronological Order

1. Sinner Man (1958)

So, ’Sinner Man’ is actually Lawrence Block’s very first book, published back in 1958. It’s a gritty, noir-ish crime novel that’s dripping with that raw, mid-century vibe. The plot centers around a man, a sinner if you will, who gets caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse with some shady characters. It’s a really solid start to his career, with that hard-boiled detective story vibe that would define his writing for years to come.

2. The Killing Floor (1961)

In ’The Killing Floor,’ Block steps into the world of suspense and psychological twists. The story follows a detective who gets entangled in a web of deceit and danger when he’s brought in to investigate a gruesome murder. There’s a lot of dark undertones here, and it shows Block’s flair for diving deep into character psyches, making us question what’s real and what’s not.

3. The Girl with the Long Green Heart (1965)

Block’s ’The Girl with the Long Green Heart’ is where we start to see his move into more complex, layered crime fiction. It’s a caper story with a twist-a mix of greed, betrayal, and romance. You’ve got a crew of con artists, and let me tell you, there’s no shortage of double-crossing here. This book also really highlights Block’s ability to keep you on your toes, wondering who’s really playing whom.

4. The Burglar Who Loathed Sunday (1971)

Oh, if you love quirky, eccentric characters, then you’re going to get a kick out of ’The Burglar Who Loathed Sunday.’ This one’s the second in his Bernie Rhodenbarr series (and trust me, Bernie is a real treat). He’s a charming burglar who loves books and somehow gets tangled in all sorts of bizarre, often comedic situations. It’s a fun read, mixing crime with a bit of humor and snark.

5. The Sins of the Fathers (1976)

Now, ’The Sins of the Fathers’ introduces one of Block’s most beloved characters, Matthew Scudder. This is the first book in the Scudder series, and it’s gritty, dark, and just dripping with that noir detective feel. Scudder is a former cop turned private detective, and his deep moral compass makes him a character you can’t help but root for, even when things get messy. If you like a good, slow-burn mystery with layers of character development, this is the one to start with.

6. Eight Million Ways to Die (1982)

The second Scudder novel, ’Eight Million Ways to Die,’ is a knockout. It’s gritty and gut-wrenching, with Scudder once again navigating the moral messiness of New York’s criminal underworld. This time, he’s hired to protect a woman, but when things go sideways, he’s thrust into a web of danger. Block really digs deep into Scudder’s psyche in this one, making it as much about the detective’s inner turmoil as it is about solving the case.

7. When the Sacred Ginmill Closes (1986)

In ’When the Sacred Ginmill Closes,’ Block takes us deeper into Scudder’s complicated world. This one’s set around a bar where regulars congregate, and it’s packed with a whole lot of emotional weight. Scudder’s fighting personal demons, and there’s that same heavy moral questioning you’ll find throughout the series. It’s got that atmospheric noir charm, but it also really leans into the human side of things, which makes it feel like a more personal story.

8. The Lady in the Lake (1996)

Now, ’The Lady in the Lake’ isn’t part of a series, but it’s still quintessential Block. It’s a bit of a riff on classic noir, with a new twist. The book follows a private detective who’s trying to solve a mystery involving a woman’s disappearance, and the deeper he digs, the more tangled things get. There’s something about the way Block constructs these mysteries-they feel both timeless and fresh at the same time.

9. A Long Line of Dead Men (2004)

Fast forward to 2004, and Block delivers ’A Long Line of Dead Men,’ a darker, grittier Scudder novel. This one shows an older, more weary Scudder, who’s taking on a new case involving a serial killer with a strange set of victims. There’s a lot of reflection in this book, with Scudder grappling with his own mortality and the consequences of his past decisions. Block’s writing is sharp as ever, and the tension is palpable throughout.

10. Hit Me (2013)

In ’Hit Me,’ Block returns to his roots with a thrilling, fast-paced crime novel. It follows a hitman named Keller, and if you’re a fan of character-driven crime fiction, you’ll love this one. Keller isn’t your typical tough-guy killer-he’s got a whole lot of moral conflict going on, and Block really delves into his psychology. It’s a great mix of action and introspection.

Background On Lawrence Block Books

Lawrence Block’s writing career spans over six decades, during which he has penned an impressive array of novels, short stories, and non-fiction works. His ability to write across multiple genres-including crime, thriller, and even horror-has made him a versatile and celebrated author. Block is perhaps best known for two key series: the Matthew Scudder books and the Bernie Rhodenbarr novels, both of which have garnered dedicated followings.

Matthew Scudder Series

The Matthew Scudder books are perhaps Block’s most iconic works. Scudder is a former NYPD detective who operates outside the law as an unlicensed private investigator. These novels, which started with The Sins of the Fathers in 1976, are often seen as a deep dive into the psyche of a man struggling with personal demons, guilt, and a desire for redemption. The series is known for its gritty, atmospheric storytelling and its exploration of themes like addiction, morality, and the gray areas between right and wrong.

Bernie Rhodenbarr Series

On the other side of Block’s literary spectrum is the Bernie Rhodenbarr series, which is lighter in tone but no less intriguing. Rhodenbarr is a charming burglar who gets caught up in solving crimes while committing them. The first novel in the series, Burglars Can’t Be Choosers (1977), introduces readers to Bernie’s witty, often humorous take on the world of crime. This series is a delightful mixture of suspense and humor, offering a different flavor from the darker, more introspective Matthew Scudder books.

The Keller Series

In addition to these two major series, Block has also created the Keller books, centered around a hitman who wants to retire but is pulled back into a world of crime. The Keller series offers a unique look at a hitman who isn’t entirely hardened by his work and who wrestles with the emotional consequences of his job. Beginning with Hit Man (1998), this series brings a level of introspection and moral questioning to the world of contract killing.

Block’s talent for developing richly layered characters is evident across his works, and his writing style has evolved, reflecting his changing perspectives on crime and humanity. His books are often distinguished by their sense of place, their morally complex characters, and the way they challenge traditional crime fiction tropes.

Reading Order Explained

With so many series and standalone works, newcomers may feel overwhelmed when deciding where to begin. Thankfully, Block’s books can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on whether you want to follow a chronological or thematic path.

Matthew Scudder Series

The Matthew Scudder novels should ideally be read in order, as they follow the life and evolution of the character. Block has crafted Scudder’s journey with such depth that the progression from one book to the next builds a stronger emotional connection to the character. Here’s a general reading order for the Matthew Scudder books:

1. The Sins of the Fathers (1976)
2. Time to Murder and Create (1977)
3. In the Midst of Death (1990)
4. A Stab in the Dark (1991)
5. Out of the Deep I Cry (1993)
6. The Devil Knows You’re Dead (2001)
7. The Night and the Music (1997) – A collection of short stories that fill in the gaps between the novels.
8. The 5th Victim (2008)
9. A Long Line of Dead Men (2004)
10. Even the Wicked (2006)

Bernie Rhodenbarr Series

The Bernie Rhodenbarr novels can also be read in order, though they are somewhat less interwoven than the Scudder books. The key to this series is the development of Bernie’s character and his clever, humorous approach to crime-solving. Here’s the recommended order:

1. Burglars Can’t Be Choosers (1977)
2. The Burglar in the Library (1997)
3. The Burglar Who Studied Spinoza (2003)
4. The Burglar Who Counted the Spoons (2008)
5. The Burglar in the Rye (2010)

Reading the Rhodenbarr books in order helps you appreciate the recurring themes and ongoing quirks of the characters, but they are episodic enough that one can easily jump into any book.

The Keller Series

The Keller series doesn’t require strict adherence to a chronological order, as each book stands relatively independent of the others. That said, starting with Hit Man will give you the foundational understanding of Keller’s character and motivations. The other books in the series include:

1. Hit Man (1998)
2. Hit List (2000)
3. The Hitman’s Guide to Housecleaning (2013)
4. Keller’s Baby (2018)

These novels are a mix of dark humor and character study, and they unfold Keller’s growth over time, though each book focuses on a particular aspect of his life as a contract killer.

What I Like About The Series?

There’s much to admire about Lawrence Block’s writing, and several aspects of his series stand out in particular:

Complex Characters

Block’s characters are some of the most intricately drawn in crime fiction. From Matthew Scudder’s troubled search for redemption to Bernie Rhodenbarr’s charming blend of mischief and morality, Block’s protagonists feel like real people. Even in the Keller books, where the main character is a hitman, Block explores the character’s emotional depth, creating empathy for someone whose job most people would find repulsive.

Atmosphere And Setting

Block is a master of setting, using New York City as more than just a backdrop for his stories. His descriptions of the city are vivid, making it a living, breathing character in its own right. The gritty streets of Manhattan, the quiet corners of its neighborhoods, and the hidden, seedy aspects of the urban environment are all skillfully woven into the fabric of his stories.

Moral Complexity

One of the most fascinating aspects of Block’s books is how they deal with moral ambiguity. His characters often operate in shades of gray, making choices that are far from black and white. Scudder, in particular, wrestles with issues of justice, punishment, and personal responsibility. Block’s ability to explore these complex themes is one of the reasons his books continue to resonate with readers.

Humor And Wit

Especially in the Bernie Rhodenbarr series, Block’s humor shines through. His writing is sharp, witty, and often humorous in a way that contrasts with the darker elements of the story. This makes for a refreshing balance and a unique tone that separates his work from other crime writers.

Should You Read Lawrence Block Books In Order?

While it’s not absolutely necessary to read Lawrence Block’s books in strict order, doing so will enhance your reading experience. Many of his series, particularly the Matthew Scudder books, build on character development and ongoing story arcs that reward readers who start at the beginning. However, each book in the Bernie Rhodenbarr and Keller series can be enjoyed as a standalone, so if you prefer to jump into any novel, you won’t miss too much.

If you are looking for a deeper, more immersive experience, reading Block’s books in order will allow you to fully appreciate the growth and evolution of his characters. For first-time readers, starting with one of the individual series is a great way to get a feel for his writing style before diving into more complex, interconnected works.