Lawrence Block published 69 Barrow Street back in 1961 while writing as “Sheldon Lord.” He followed it up with Strange Embrace in 1962. Block, like many writers such as Robert Silverberg and Harry Whittington and Donald E. Westlake, supplemented his regular writing income with quick profits from churning out “sleaze.” But Lawrence Block’s sleaze is of a high order. Both of these novels are suspenseful and worth reading. Hard Case Crime uses the old ACE Double format of two novels bound together with two Robert McGinnis covers. For all these reasons, I found this book a must-buy! And I’m hoping for more!
I agree with you, George. I haven’t read these two yet but I’ve enjoyed Block’s earlier reprints like A DIET OF TREACLE that really give you the feel of Greenwich Village in the early ’60’s. We almost moved to Barrow Street when we were first married so I need to read this one!
I like the New York City flavor in many of Block’s books, Jeff.
My copy arrived the other day and I am really looking forward to these treats
I suspect Hard Case Crime is going to sell out all their copies of this book, Scott!
Thanks for the tip, George. I’ll have to get this one.
You’ll enjoy 69 BARROW STREET & STRANGE EMBRACE, Beth. Lawrence Block is a masterful writer even when he’s writing sleaze.
I thought I’d ordered it but apparently not. Have ordered it now.
Glad you jumped on it, Jeff. I have a feeling this book is going to sell out fast!