Review: A Great Locked Room Mystery
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 4, 2012
I have followed Barnie Rhodenbarr for years and find him the most lovable thief around. This short story was no exception.Bernie meets with Karl Bellermann at his home. Bellermann is a book collector to end all book collectors. His book collection is more than just his pride and joy. Bellermann initially (after lunch Nero Wolfe style) shows his collection to Bernie and informs him of the great length he has gone in order to protect his magnificent collection from ruin.Then from 2:00-6:00 pm Bellermann locks himself in his room to read...alone.  It's at this time Bernie gets to know Bellermann's wife, but Bernie is not the easy push over Karl's wife believes him to be.Karl Bellermann is late coming out of his library and the panic begins.I loved this short story. It was one of the best locked room mysteries ever. In fond memory I'll mention the name of the Master of all locked room mysteries-John Dickson Carr (Carter)and his character, the fantastic Dr. Gideon Fell. Love those fantastic locked room mysteries from the hey day of the golden age of mysteries.Thank you Mr. Block for this absolutely wonderful locked room mystery...which is fully explained so that even I could understand it.I whole heartedly recommend this short story to all fans of Bernie Rhodenbarr and Lawrence Block.