Matthew Scudder by Lawrence Block

The author offers some snapshots of the hero.

The Sins of the Fathers

The first book – Matt Scudder’s 1976 debut. (If I’d known he was going to last this long, I’d have taken better care of him.)

Time to Murder and Create

Shortlisted for the Edgar Award. Scudder’s client is dead; he was hired in advance by a blackmailer who expected to be murdered.

In the Midst of Death

Scudder’s client is a crooked cop who’s getting death threats because he’s cooperating with an investigation. So Scudder takes his case and sleeps with his wife. What a guy!

A Stab in the Dark

Shortlisted for the Shamus. Scudder returns after four years off – in hardcover for the first time – and we meet Jan Keane.

Eight Million Ways to Die

The book in which Scudder confronts his alcoholism. (Surprised the hell out of me – I never knew he had a problem.) Edgar nominee, Shamus winner.

When the Sacred Ginmill Closes

Shamus nominee, Maltese Falcon winner. Scudder in 1985 recalls the summer of ’75. Richard Snow in American Heritage called it an historical novel, and a lot of readers say it’s their favorite.

Out on the Cutting Edge

In which we first meet Mick Ballou, Matt’s hoodlum friend, and discover a fresh method of disposing of a corpse.

A Ticket to the Boneyard

Maltese Falcon winner. Scudder is reunited with Elaine, and faces a really creepy bad guy from the past. This always struck me as the most cinematic of the books; it was optioned some years back and a screenplay written, but nothing came of it.

A Dance at the Slaughterhouse

Matt meets TJ on Times Square. This one won the Edgar.

A Walk Among the Tombstones

The drug traffickers are the good guys in this one. Currently in development at Jersey Films/Universal, and the prospects are pleasing.

The Devil Knows You’re Dead

A Shamus winner. Some readers, who had no problem with Scudder’s alcoholism, vigilantism, and violence, went absolutely nuts when he had an affair with a client. Go figure...

A Long Line of Dead Men

Scudder’s clients are the surviving members of a thirty-one-man club that meets once a year until only one man’s still alive. I understand the book has inspired the creation of several such clubs; I just hope the members aren’t killing each other. An Edgar nominee.

Even the Wicked

One killer’s calling his shots with letters to a newspaper columnist, while another’s killing strangers for their insurance.

Everybody Dies

People have asked if the title is philosophical or descriptive. Both, I tell them. A lot of blood’s spilled here, and some of the victims were ongoing characters.

Hope to Die

Those who’ve read it say it’s the best of the series. I hope they’re right.

September 2001