ABOUT THE BOOK

It was ridiculous really - there was Bernie Rhodenbarr, professional burglar, locked in a clothes cupboard of a smart New York apartment while he was thieving it. And there was his stash of jewels, all neatly packed, not in hand or at hand but on the opposite side of the bedroom. So by the time Bernie finally picked his way out he wasn't too pleased to find the rocks gone and the beautiful ex-owner of them, Crystal Sheldrake, lying dead on the mat , with a gleaming steel instrument embedded in her heart. The cops weren't too impressed either...

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

"Fast, Funny, Terrific" - Ed McBain

"Wonderfully detailed and inspiring writing" - The London Guardian

"An incorrigibly adorable thief" - New York Times

"Excellent N.Y. background and unusual characters make Block a detective writer to savour" - London Daily Mirror