A Ticket to the Boneyard (Matthew Scudder Mysteries Book 8)

In Lawrence Block's "A Ticket to the Boneyard", our man Matthew Scudder is tackling many things: a sociopathic bloodthirsty killer, his responsibilities toward three of his women, a restraining order, his alcoholism... But the one thing that he really has a hard time tackling is the philosophy of Roman emperor and sage, Marcus Aurelius. Specifically, the idea of seeing things as they are, without prejudice, without influence, without context (almost) is the hardest thing for Scudder to get his mind around. As an alcoholic, he has heard a hundred times that when it comes to alcoholism, "It is what it is." The serenity prayer, recited at the end of every meeting, weighs acceptance as equally as change and wisdom. However, as an ex-cop and unofficial investigator, he has to work with patterns, priors, and precedents constantly. Acceptance, when it comes to this killer, becomes a dangerously passive act. And, yet, the time Scudder did act against this criminal a dozen years previously, it led to death and disaster. No wonder he is in such a quandary.This is not a murder mystery; it is a "we know whodunnit, but how do we catch him?" novel. This gives Block a little flexibility. Instead of trying to piece together clues, Scudder has to seek and destroy. This gives Block plenty of time to have his investigator seek out allies, and Block seems to relish in this. I had the feeling that he enjoyed writing "A Ticket to the Boneyard". There are several long passages of dialogue--much of it personal to Scudder--which Block savors: Scudder with Elaine, Scudder with Danny Boy, Scudder with Durkin, Scudder with Ballou... and even Scudder with himself. This novel had a much deeper feel than some of the others. The high level of psychological credibilty was unexpected--and appreciated by me. All this makes for one of the best Block had put out there in this series.

This book is the real deal. By the end of chapter two, the world class writing skills of Mr Block have glued your hands to the covers of your book, and your eyes to the screen of your kindle like fast setting super glue. In this glorious example of the modern day detective story / psycho thriller, a declared mortal enemy from the past has dared to show his face in an attempt to intimidate the Scud and his part time girlfriend Elaine. Death threats are very intimidating to all of us, but generally speaking, people don't take on Matthew Scudder or his friends unless you want a fight. The bad guy in A TICKET TO THE BONEYARD, James Leo Mötley, doesn't have a fight wish. He must have a death wish.The book opens with a gruesome murder suicide. The local police close the case on its (all too obvious) obvious elements, but on the receipt of a newspaper clipping of the case, which is mailed directly to Elaine and then another copy to the Scud, he races down to the crime scene to search for more clues. More clues are found and the hunt is on. Suspense dominates this book like no other volume of this fantastic series. Characterisation is awesome, with the main three characters in question - Scudder, Elaine and Motley all standing out but they are superbly supported by a well drawn cast.The writing style of Mr Block is well known for being world class but this book, together with the beautifully dark and mournful WHEN THE SACRED GINMILL CLOSES - is another highlight of the series. It is dark, it is gritty, it is realistic, depressing, frightening, but most of all it is a book greater than the sum of its parts. It is an unequivocal classic work of literature.

Scudder didn’t think much about the courtroom, revenge threat directed to him by convicted psychopath James Motley some twelve years prior. But all of a sudden his girlfriend Elaine and he both get a newspaper clipping from Ohio of a supposed mass murder and suicide. One of the victims, a woman, testified against Motley at his trial. They know he is out of prison intent on carrying out his threats.Ordinarily, ex-cop Scudder leads a pretty laid back life, roaming his favorite NYC haunts, while working on low-profile cases. Now, the tension is ratcheted up; he knows his life and others’ are in danger. He’s been a regular at AA meetings for several years, but he is close to being driven over the edge of sobriety.Eventually, Scudder’s street smarts and connections, whether with policemen or those operating outside the law, lead him to a final showdown with Motley, but not without a good bit of collateral damage. It takes people with Scudder’s grit to deal with murderous psychopaths.

This is one of the weaker entries in the series in my opinion. Scudder spends a lot of time dwelling on life issues which is great in moderation but that moderation is lacking here. Add to that that the mystery element and cop procedure is sorely lacking. This is a thriller that isn’t all that thrilling. I still like Matt but this is the book where the series starts to decline a tad. Elaine and Muck are fine but the constant dwelling conversation and analysis of their relationship with Scudder gets a bit boring. Still the main character manages to hold your interest and empathy.

Recovery from a psychopath "Beating the Brakes" off of you or recovery from alcoholism which one is most intense. This book rolls it all up. All you have to do is lite it then smoke it.

Excellent as always, but with a creepy nemesis on the prowl. I wish this was made into film. Would be tense!

I've read several Matthew Scudder books, but not in consecutive order and it's been a while ago. This time I decided to start at the beginning, reading each one... Every time I'm on the edge of my seat.. And this time was no different... Except, now, I have a relationship with Matt, Elaine, and the butcher... Wow!!! I'm really struggling to get anything else done!! Love 'em!!!!

Read any Scudder novel - they are all brilliantly plotted, with Matt chipping away slowly but unflaggingly until he discovers the truth. Often there are interlinked stories, often the result is not court but justice is done. And beyond all this the dialogue is just exquisite, pitch perfect.I do strongly recommend you read them in order so as to follow Scudder's path as he tries to move forward in his life. You will see friends and habits changing as he moves on from the event that led to his separation and his resignation from the police. He is the same man from book to book at his core but he grows and changes.However you read these novels, you will have a great time.

This is another good installment about Scudder. The story this time is a lot more personal and helps to fill in the blanks about what he was like as a charactor before the series started. It is perhaps possible to think there were too many coincidences, or that for a villian as resourceful and efficient as this one the end is a little bit disappointing. But i found the story atmospheric, easy to read and overall i was very entertained by it.Not the best in the series, but very entertaining nonetheless

I have bought more books by Lawrence Block now, than any other author. My clumsy review rates him alongside Peter Temple, Walter Mosley and Elmore Leonard. In my eyes one of the masters. I am saving my 3 unread books in the Matthew Scudder series to read in a long haul flight to New Zealand next month, and provided I can keep my hands off them until then, I look forward to it hugely. I love him like a dear old friend, warts and all.My husband told me I would like him, but I only started last year with one of the Keller(?) series that I found in a second hand book shop. So I am in that enviable state, an author I love with about 40 books stretching out in front of me. I'm not sure 5 stars are adequate.

Working my way through the Matthew Scudder books and this one doesn't disappoint. An excellent read!

very good