In the Midst of Death (Matthew Scudder Mysteries Book 3)

WARNING: Once you pick it up you won't want to put it down until you're done.A fun, satisfying crime story. This book wouldn't be out of place beside the best works of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. It's that good!Matthew Scudder is a hard drinking ex-cop taking life as it comes near the fringes of society in New York City. He'd tell you that he's not a private detective. Private detectives do things like charge fees, keep records, and file tax returns -- Scudder doesn't do any of that. Instead he does "certain things for certain friends." Favors he calls them, and in return these certain friends might do him a favor... like give him money.When Jerry Broadfield, a cop of questionable ethics who has decided to turn stool pigeon against the department, gets accused of extortion he needs help. Bad. Since it's not like he can go to the cops, they hate him, he reaches out to Matt Scudder. After some consideration Scudder reluctantly agrees to take the case even though he can't shake the feeling that Jerry Broadfield isn't being straight with him.Then the key witness against Broadfield is murdered and the cops decide they needn't look any further than Jerry Broadfield himself for the murderer. Scudder doesn't buy the official version, he also doesn't completely buy Jerry Broadfield's version, but since he's on the case anyway he's going to stick with it until he finds out what there is to know. And he will find out!This is the third novel in the Matthew Scudder series and it's one of the best -- some sources will list it as the second novel: It was written third but originally published second, so it may depend on when your copy was printed. It's a lean, riveting, fast paced example of the best of one of the modern masters in the private detective genre.Shorter than most of Lawrence Block's other Matthew Scudder novels and as a result it focuses almost exclusively on the case. There isn't much in the way of Scudder's usual self-reflection or the more colorful characters that will generally turn up in the course of his investigations. This one is a pure example of the pulp fiction detective novel.I had read this years ago, this and Eight Million Ways to Die were what got me hooked on the Scudder series in the first place, but in the years since I had forgotten how hard-boiled the early Scudder novels were compared to the more recent ones. It's like renewing an old friendship.I can't recommend this book highly enough for anyone who likes a hard edged detective novel in the old pulp tradition.

In this second Matthew Scudder novel, we learn that when it comes to murder and investigation, nothing is what it seems and no-one is who they appear to be. We have learned already in two books, that of the many qualities that Scudder possesses, the man in question thinks what he says and, when appropriate, says what he thinks. This habit comes in useful in this case even though half of this book is spent digging and yields little value until, finally, a chat with the local (New York) DA sheds some light on the true character of the murder victim. The book, you see, is not about just about who killed the prostitute but who set up Scudder's client and why.Mr Block is world famous for his writing and story telling abilities. Already, at such an early stage of this wonderful series, his plots are sufficiently engaging (and dare I say, sufficiently fascinating) to make it difficult for the reader to close their kindle. There is the hint of a relationship building between Scudder and his female friend Elaine but he has not committed himself to her at this stage. His too busy sleeping with this client's wife. *blushes* Readers can associate and get to like Scudder very quickly for his personal traits and beliefs, as well as his obvious flaws and weaknesses. Fortunately for him, and the baddies, these are few and far between.Unless books leave me with goose bumps, and gasping with awe at the brilliance of the reading experience, I tend not to award them five stars. IN THE MIDST OF DEATH is like this. It is good, in fact, very, very good but I can't give it full marks.One has to leave room for the extraordinary.

I am reading the Matthew Scudder series by Lawrence Block.I started with When the Sacred Ginmill Closes and In the Midst of Death is the fifth in the series I have read. I am not reading the bocks in chronolgical order.but just buy one at a time in no particular order.After reading my first Scudder novel I am addicted. Lawrence Block presents us with a very believeable hero. In the Midst of Death as in other books in the series, Scudder has flaws in his character and acknowledges these. When he finds out a suicide killed himself because he had lived a bad life Scudder thinks to himself "...well, who the hell has not?"While the plot is first rate, the book is propelled by what we find out about Scudder's very human character and by fast paced realistic dialogue.The ending too is a worthy one. Scudder establishes that his client Jerry Broadfield didn't commit the crime he is accused of but Broadfield is murdered soon after and Scudder who has a romantic liaison with his client's wife, doesn't get the girl.I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes detective fiction...actually to anyone who appreciates a strong plot, and a character who stands tall in the genre. Lawrence Block is a quality writer.

Block's writing is good in this novel, but the story is uninteresting and often boring, as a result. i never finished the last 50 pages. Read Block's novel "The Gin Mill Never Closes". Superb writing and characters portrayal. An ending that shows heart for the fate of the major characters and is unforgettable

Mr. Block knows the NYPD. Taut and sharp. I am hooked but it is a convincing tale that may Be a cynical step too far for me.

Balancing precariously between alcoholic dysfunction and a deadly grief, Matthew Scudder, ex-cop, makes his way through life picking up odd jobs as an unlicensed detective. His current client, a crooked cop turned snitch, ends up on the wrong end of a murder charge and Matt is determined to find the real killer despite his dislike for his client. A complex and intriguing mystery well told and populated by a slightly seam cast of recurring characters who are tightly drawn and intriguing. A grassy sense of place and character. One of my favorite series and one that I return to reread again and again,

Just as good as every other Matthew Scudder novel - which means the best!

アルコール依存症で苦しんでいる最中のスカダーである。コーヒーにバーボンを入れて飲むのがスカダーのスタイルだ。依頼人が収監されているときにその邸宅を訪れ、その妻と面会し、コーヒーに注ぐバーボンを所望する。棚から勝手に出してくれと言われ、ワイルドターキーを注ぐが、これは無駄使いだ。コーヒーに入れるのは安物で充分。別な場面でジムビームが登場するが、こちらは4リットル瓶があるぐらいで、バーボンの序列は全く不知だが、日本でいえば大五郎クラスなのだろう。コーヒーはアルコールの効果を相殺するというスカダーの持論だが、その後の展開はそれを立証しているようには見えない。スカダーが酒場で刑事と話しているときに、馴染みの女給が私服になっている。退勤の時間だがスカダーのことを心配する。刑事と話している場面から繋がっているはずだが、すでにその刑事は店を出ており、その態度に立腹したスカダーは完全に酩酊して、脈絡のない文句を垂れているのだ。飲酒中に一時的にブラックアウトし、彼女のおかげで我に返ったようだ。もっとも酩酊中に喚いた中に、捜査に戻るヒントがあった。死体が増えてスカダーはその責任を痛感する。悪徳警官、娼婦、政治家が登場する舞台は興味深いが、謎解きそのものはさして秀逸ではない。スカダーの苦悩と苦闘が興味深い。

This is the 3rd Matthew Scudder Novel, so by now the formula is firmly in place. I really enjoyed this book as a quick and riveting read. The central mystery is efficiently outlined, run through, and dealt with realistically. For the first time I felt that we got some really interesting character development on Scudder and his relationships with people.The only slightly off thing I found was that again he just falls in bed with a woman on their first meeting in what can only be described as unlikely circumstances. I put this down as a product of the book being from the 70’s and it does not impact on the story negatively so it is ok.Overall I found this well written, tense and compelling and definitely recommend this series of books.

Great

Not one of the very best but still a very enjoyable read - I shall continue reading them all!