DEATH PULLS A DOUBLECROSS

In my estimation, Lawrence Block is simpy incapable of writing a bad book. I've read many of his novels over the last several years and each one was a winner. And the amazing thing is that he started out as a very good writer and has only become better over time to the point where he now ranks as a true master of the mystery/crime genre. 

Case in point, DEATH PULLS A DOUBLE CROSS, a 1961 paperback original published by Fawcett Gold Medal. The cover photograph evokes a strong detective magazine vibe and what's behind the cover is a first rate mystery novel starring New York City private eye Ed London who has a soft spot for pipes (the tobacco kind), cognac and beautiful women.

London is called to the aid of his brother-in-law when the man's mistress is found murdered in her apartment. She's been shot in the head and is found wearing only a garter belt and stockings. The brother-in-law is innocent but can't afford to be connected to the dead woman so London agrees to remove the corpse and dump her in Central Park to take the heat off.  Before long, London is up to his neck in a twisty case that involves a missing briefcase, a fortune in jewels, an ex-Nazi, a mob boss and his gorillas and other assorted dangers.

London handles everything with aplomb and hardly breaks a sweat while solving the case. DEATH PULLS A DOUBLECROSS is a fast paced, tightly plotted, "quick and dirty" crime novel, the kind I love. It shows Block in solid form early in his career and provides a couple of hours of great escapist entertainment.

Thumbs up.