Lawrence Block Novels and Characters Quiz

Answer: He is a computer expert

In early stories, Scudder would go on impressive benders, but finally realized he was having too many periods of time he couldn't remember; in the later books, AA meetings are a constant theme.
He left the NYPD after accidentally shooting a young girl.
Scudder always says an investigator's license would be too much trouble. He only charges if he is successful and then gives 10% to the first church he passes.
His young friend TJ does all the computer work, telephone hacking etc.

Answer: Jimmy Armstrong's

Even after quitting drinking, Scudder does a lot of his business in various bars. Mick Ballou is one of his best buddies, but thoroughly involved in crime of various sorts; Scudder meets Mick at Grogan's. Danny Boy Bell is one of Scudder's long-time informants; he usually meets with him at Poogan's Pub.

Answer: All of these

Bernie bought a used book store with the proceeds from one of his heists. At various times he gets involved with paintings, rare coins, baseball cards and gems.
His favorite way to wrap up one of his topsy-turvy investigations is to gather all the principal characters in one room, usually with his cop friend, Ray, standing by. His staunch, funny friend, Carolyn, is a dog groomer.
A great series!

Answer: Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi did a good job as Bernie, despite the imaginative casting. The author wonders why they had to add a car chase.

Answer: True

These books both contain chapters of only one sentence. Other books in the series are "Make Out with Murder" (aka "The Five Little Rich Girls") and "The Topless Tulip Caper."
If you like Chip Harrison, you might also like Block's early (1971) "Ronald Rabbit is a Dirty Old Man."

Answer: Eight Million Ways to Die

This 1986 movie starred Jeff Bridges, Rosanna Arquette and Andy Garcia; it was the last movie directed by Hal Ashby. Its locale was changed from New York to Los Angeles.
The author always says he would like to forget another movie, "Nightmare Honeymoon," based on his 1967 "Deadly Honeymoon."

Answer: He never sleeps

Due to a brain injury from the Korean war, Tanner never has to sleep. He uses part of the time he saves to learn dozens of languages, using them in adventures all around the world. I really like this series, but it doesn't seem to be Block's most popular.

Answer: Assassin

Keller (with never a first name) takes on various jobs of murder from an elaborate referral setup. He is in the novels "Hit Man" and "Hit List," as well as several short stories. I am afraid I cannot agree with the many Block fans who like and approve of Keller.

Answer: A Blue Rabbit

I have to say that this novel is not for the squeamish. And I am still not sure how the Blue Rabbit got all the places it did.

Answer: Telling Lies for Fun and Profit

I hope that this brief glimpse into the varied world of Lawrence Block will garner him some new or return readers. To learn more about Lawrence Block, visit his webpage.