Where to start with Lawrence Block
Begin with The Sins of the Fathers, the first Matthew Scudder novel, published in 1976. This book introduces Scudder, a recovering alcoholic private investigator navigating the streets of New York City. Proceed through the series in publication order, as each installment builds on Scudder’s evolving personal and professional life. The Scudder series spans twenty novels, with later books exploring deeper themes of redemption and identity. For a different tone and setting, consider starting with Burglars can't be choosers, the first Bernie Rhodenbarr novel, published in 1977. This book launches the series featuring a gentleman burglar with a literary flair, set in New York. Continue the Rhodenbarr series in publication order, as each book develops the character’s quirks and adventures. Both series are rooted in New York and reflect Block’s enduring focus on character and atmosphere.
Series by Lawrence Block
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Buy on Amazon1976 · Lawrence Block
Matthew Scudder is an unlicensed private investigator drawn into a case involving the death of a young prostitute. Her alleged murderer, the son of a…
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1976 · Lawrence Block
Time to Murder and Create is a 1976 book by Lawrence Block. It is book 2 of the series Matthew Scudder. Catalog genres: Mystery & Detective, Literary…
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Buy on Amazon1997 · Lawrence Block
In the Midst of Death is a 1997 book by Lawrence Block. It is book 3 of the series Matthew Scudder. Catalog genres: Literary Fiction, Mystery &…
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Buy on Amazon1981 · Lawrence Block
A Stab in the Dark is a 1982 book by Lawrence Block. It is book 4 of the series Matthew Scudder. Catalog genres: Literary Fiction, Mystery &…
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Buy on Amazon1982 · Lawrence Block
Eight Million Ways to Die is a 1982 book by Lawrence Block. It is book 5 of the series Matthew Scudder. Catalog genres: Noir Novel, Crime Literature.
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Buy on AmazonWhen the Sacred Ginmill Closes
1986 · Lawrence Block
When the Sacred Ginmill Closes is a Matthew Scudder novel by Lawrence Block, published in 1986, four years after Eight Million Ways to Die. Based on…
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Buy on Amazon1989 · Lawrence Block
Out on the Cutting Edge is a 1989 book by Lawrence Block. It is book 7 of the series Matthew Scudder.
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Buy on Amazon1990 · Lawrence Block
A ticket to the boneyard is a 1990 book by Lawrence Block. It is book 8 of the series Matthew Scudder. Catalog genres: Literary Fiction, Mystery &…
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Buy on Amazon1991 · Lawrence Block
The ninth novel in the Matthew Scudder crime series. A review quoted in the source calls Lawrence Block's private eye Matthew Scudder one of the most…
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Buy on Amazon1992 · Lawrence Block
Matthew Scudder is the protagonist of a 1992 crime novel by Lawrence Block. The book is the tenth in the Matthew Scudder series. Critics have praised…
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Buy on Amazon1977 · Lawrence Block
Bernie Rhodenbarr is a charming and skilled burglar who targets the homes of wealthy New Yorkers. He presents himself as a good neighbor and a…
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Buy on Amazon1978 · Lawrence Block
Bernie Rhodenbarr, a bookstore owner with a history of occasional high-rise burglaries, overhears his dentist, Dr. Sheldrake, complain about his…
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Buy on AmazonThe burglar who painted like Mondrian
1983 · Lawrence Block
The burglar who painted like Mondrian is a 1983 book by Lawrence Block. It is book 5 of the series Bernie Rhodenbarr. Catalog genres: Literary…
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Buy on AmazonThe Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams
1994 · Lawrence Block
Bernie Rhodenbarr is trying to live an honest life and hasn't committed a burglary in a year. However, a landlord's threat to raise his rent by…
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Buy on Amazon1997 · Lawrence Block
Bernie Rhodenbarr, a bookseller and lifelong New Yorker, plans a romantic getaway to the Cuttleford House, a remote upstate bed and breakfast.…
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Buy on Amazon1999 · Lawrence Block
Bernie Rhodenbarr is drawn into a complex mystery when he is asked by Alice Cottrell to return letters from the reclusive writer Gulliver Fairborn to…
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2004 · Lawrence Block
The Burglar on the Prowl is a 2004 book by Lawrence Block. It is book 10 of the series Bernie Rhodenbarr.
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Buy on AmazonThe Burglar Who Counted The Spoons
2013 · Lawrence Block
Bernie Rhodenbarr returns in his eleventh adventure alongside his lesbian sidekick, Carolyn Kaiser. Together, they break into various locations,…
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2020 · Lawrence Block
The Burglar in Short Order is a 2020 book by Lawrence Block. It is book 12 of the series Bernie Rhodenbarr.
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Standalone books
Frequently asked questions
How many books has Lawrence Block written?
We list 41 books by Lawrence Block across 2 series, published between 1966–2022 — each shown in full reading order.
What order should I read Lawrence Block's books?
Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “The Sins of the Fathers.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.
Where can I buy Lawrence Block's books?
Every title links to Amazon from its series page — see our affiliate disclosure in the footer for how that supports the site.
Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.
Some summaries adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.