Out the Window cover art

Out the Window

A Matthew Scudder Story, Book 1

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Out the Window

Written by: Lawrence Block
Narrated by: Lawrence Block
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Matthew Scudder, a down-but-not-out-detective, is shocked by the apparent suicide of Paula, a waitress at Armstrong’s, one of Scudder’s hangouts. When Paula’s sister shows up and asks Matt to investigate what she believes to be a murder, Scudder agrees to take on the case. A number of clues don’t add up to suicide, and Scudder’s investigation leads him to the dark corners of Paula’s world.

©2011 Lawrence Block (P)2012 AudioGO Crime Crime Fiction Fiction Hard-Boiled Mystery Thriller Suspense
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Fun little novella, narrated for Audible by the author himself…and Block has the perfect voice to bring a disgruntled hard-boiled PI to life on the gritty streets of an old school New York. Matthew Scudder learns a waitress at his favourite watering hole has jumped to her death, but the victim’s sister is adamant it was murder. Scudder asks all the right questions and pushes all the right buttons; and while the mystery has a rushed (but 100% plausible) ending, the dialogue and atmosphere of this one is superb.

Scudder and Block: what a combo!

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This is a fun one-off case where ex-NYPD Detective Matthew Scudder is hired to look into an apparent suicide. Lawrence Block writes a surprisingly gritty short story worthy of a 1950s 'True Detective' magazine. 'Out The Window' compares favorably to a Donald Westlake story. It's not terribly challenging but free of gore/expletives (your older kids could consume this one) and captivating enough to keep listeners interested.

Unfortunately, the story is let down somewhat by the narration. Mr. Block decides to read his own work (which often works out okay) and has great pacing, tone, diction, and timbre.. but his cadence is staccato and his voice-acting is nonexistent (every character - male or female - sounds identical). A professional reader would have improved the product.

I got this 8.5/10 star story for free as part of the 'Plus' catalogue and it was well worth the time investment.. but if they ask for money on top of your subscription, I can't recommend the output. You could definitely find better options for your Credit.

Entertaining Old-School-styled P.I. Tale

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