A Candle for the Bag Lady Audiobook By Lawrence Block cover art

A Candle for the Bag Lady

A Matthew Scudder Story, Book 2

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A Candle for the Bag Lady

By: Lawrence Block
Narrated by: Lawrence Block
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About this listen

Matthew Scudder investigates the brutal murder of a woman known as the “bag lady.” A seemingly homeless woman, she turns out to have distributed her substantial wealth in a complex will naming random strangers. Where did the money come from? Why was she living in such reduced circumstances? And why in the world did she choose these beneficiaries—the owner of a local newspaper stand, a neighbor she rarely spoke to, the detective himself—when her real friends and acquaintances got nothing at all? And how is all this linked to her murder?

©2011 Lawrence Block (P)2012 AudioGO
Crime Fiction Fiction Hard-Boiled Mystery Suspense
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Excellent Writing • Satisfying Story • Clear Voice • Engaging Characters • Gentle Ending • Hidden Message
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As always, Block delivers. This is not a true whodunit, and it leaves some of the most vexing parts of the mystery unsolved in the end. Still, it is highly satisfying, primarily because the writing is just so damn good. I had listened to about ten chapters of a recent action mystery novel before switching to A Candle for the Bag Lady. The former was like trying to get comfortable on a stone bench. Block was like stretching out on your favorite couch. He's never predictable, but everything is just right.

Block is one of the all time greats

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The story was light and easy going. The narrator had a clear and soothing voice. All characters blended nicely. Story had a gentle satisfying ending.

Light and easy going

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What did you like best about A Candle for the Bag Lady? What did you like least?

Love the characters but always feel like the endings are rushed.

What didn’t you like about Lawrence Block’s performance?

His voice is very monotone and he speaks to quickly. Needs to slow down and punctuate certain sentences. Also needs to change the pitch of different characters.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No too short

Short and rushed

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An interesting, but dry story. The narration was kind of monotone, yet that style fit this story.

A Candle For The Bag Lady

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I have always loved his writing style and characters. I have never been to New York, but I have been there many times with Matthew Scudder. Block is a great writer who shoud be included among all of the great mystery writers.

Never Get Tired of Lawrence Block

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Perfect short story mystery. Great characters, storyline and kept my attention. Very well read. Will look forward to reading more of these.

Great short story

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Authors should not read their work. If this short story has been any longer, I would not have been able to listen. I understand the point, but it was very poorly made. Not only did I waste $.75. I also wasted an hour or so of my time.

A waste of $.75

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I am just now discovering and becoming a fan of Lawrence Block (i know, right) and although his stories are always excellent, i need to say that this Audible recording gives me a headache.
Maybe that's because Block's reading voice makes his character sounds like he has a perennial headache. Hey, maybe police just sound like that; for all I know, Joe Friday sounded that way too. At any rate, I would recommend this title. Just take an aspirin, and enjoy Block's craftsmanship.

i liked this short story but oh my head

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A super short about a bag lady that leaves Scudder,and others, money in her will. He didn't know her but feels compelled to find her killer.

Inheritance

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An interesting story with a hidden message. The world full of throwaway people but in the end everybody is somebody, and they all deserve a candle.

Everyone matters

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