Review: A Drop of the Hard Stuff by Lawrence Block

Title: A Drop of he Hard Stuff {Matthew Scudder #17}

Published:Mulholland Books May 2011 {ARC courtesy Mulholland Books/NetGalley}

Synopsis: Matthew Scudder is finally on the straight and narrow when he runs into “High-Low” Jack Ellery, a childhood friend from the Bronx. In Scudder, Jack sees the moral man he might have become. In Jack, Scudder sees the hard-won sobriety he hopes to achieve. Then Ellery, following to the letter the dictates of Alcoholics Anonymous’ infamous twelve steps, is shot down while attempting to atone for past sins, and Scudder is drawn into a murder investigation that threatens to upset his path toward recovery–and get him killed in the process.

Status: Read from May 05 to 06, 2011 — I own a copy

My Thoughts:

Lawrence Block is a prolific crime/mystery writer, having published more than 50 novels since the early 1960’s, though is probably best known for his series, the Matt Scudder novels being one of them. I have only read a handful from the series and it has been nearly 6 years since the last was published, which was widely considered to be the final installment. A Drop of the Hard Stuff is the 17th novel that features ex-cop turned unofficial PI Matt Scudder. It begins with Scudder reminiscing with Mick Ballou, a long time friend, which segues into a story about an old case, the murder of Jack ‘High-Low’ Ellery, interspersed with Scudder’s personal history. About to celebrate his first year of sobriety, Scudder runs into Jack Ellery, a childhood friend who drifted to the wrong side of the law, at an AA meeting. Shortly afterwards, Ellery is murdered and his sponsor hires Scudder to investigate, concerned that Ellery’s attempts to follow the AA program and make amends was the cause of his death. As he rules out each man on Ellery’s list, Matt discovers that High Low Jack has been hiding an even bigger secret, and someone is determined in never comes to light.
In a time before google or mobile phones, Scudder’s investigation involves traipsing around the city, methodically sizing up and eliminating suspects. It’s a blast of nostalgic detective work, all about detail, experience and common sense. Block has crafted a fine mystery that unfolds unhurriedly with an ending few would expect.
Equally as absorbing is the story of Scudder’s battle to stay sober, despite the breakdown of his relationship and the none too subtle set up by Ellery’s killer. It helps to have some history with the character to know how he got to this place, but is not strictly necessary. Block knows his character well and he communicates his authenticity with every thought and action.
A bonus read for fans who thought the series had finished, and a perfect way to introduce a new generation to Lawrence Block’s classic detective fiction, A Drop of the Hard Stuff is an example of one of the genre’s best written series. I hope it’s not the last we see of Scudder but if it is, it has been a life well lived.