Resume Speed and Other Stories

By: Lawrence Block

Narrated by: Theo Holland

Lawrence Block's new collection assembles seven works of fiction produced over a period of 60 years.

"Hard Sell", a story ghost-written under Craig Rice's name, appeared in the first issue of Ed McBain's Mystery Magazine in 1960. It features Rice's hard-drinking yet clear-thinking lawyer, John J.Malone.

"Dead to the World", which appeared under a one-shot pen name in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, has been lost for years, and the story of how it was lost and found is as interesting as the story itself.

The same is true of "Whatever It Takes", created over a quarter of a century ago and never submitted anywhere, because the author filed it away and forgot about it; he came upon it, dusted it off, and sent it to AHMM where it was published.

"I Know How to Pick 'Em" was created for Dangerous Women, the George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois anthology, and a holdback clause in the contract kept it out of LB's previous collections.

"Autumn at the Automat" was also created for an anthology, LB's own In Sunlight or in Shadow, and won an Edgar Allan Poe award as "Best Story of the Year".

"Gym Rat" has never appeared in print; it was ePublished as part of a Center for Fiction project. While fans have suggested the protagonist might return for further appearances, LB is doubtful. Still, he's been mistaken before.

"Resume Speed", the title novella, was published in hardcover (by the stellar Subterranean Press) and as a Kindle single (by the author). Subterranean's edition is out-of-print and hard to come by, and the story now appears in paperback for the first time. While it was created only a couple of years ago, it has its roots in a story the author overheard perhaps 40 years ago. All of the circumstances of its origin, and a good deal more about each of these stories, may be found in LB's foreword. But, if you don't care, you can just skip it and go straight to the stories!

©2018 Lawrence Block (P)2018 Lawrence Block

GREAT COLLECTION OF NOIR AND MORE!

This is a great collection of short stories and novellas showcasing Lawrence Block's writing talent. These stories range from straight-up noir to stories that would be at home on "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" or "The Twilight Zone".

I enjoyed them all but was especially fond of "I Know How to Pick 'Em", "Gym Rat", & "Autumn at the Automat".

Theo Holland's voices and accents fit the characters in each story superbly. I especially enjoyed his voice for the old woman in "Autumn At the Automat".

A highly recommended listen!

deceptively simple insights into human nature

I had read "Resume Speed" before, so I knew it would be good. Excellent narration as well. Really captured the mood. A nice selection of other stories were included as well.

Note-- I received a free review copy from the author but a review was not required.

Excellent collection of stories

Lawrence Block’s Resume Speed and Other Stories is excellent. His deceptively simple style and casual, engrossing prose make for compulsive reading and, particularly in the case of the title story (which I had read twice before listening to the audiobook), can be easily read time and again with no less enjoyment. The stories here are all solid with
Resume Speed as the stand out, along with Autumn at the Automat and I Know How to Pick ‘em. You’ll find seemingly relatable characters who aren’t actually relatable at all, twists that never feel gratuitous or forced, and a cool writing style that is beyond inviting. Theo Holland has a good voice for the material and is a fine choice for Mr. Block’s work.

Strongly recommended.

Please note that an audio copy of this book was provided by the author, though a review was not insisted upon or required.

A mostly wonderful collection

This collection of stories by author Lawrence Block delivers what one might expect if one is familiar with the author. For those not, you are in for a treat. The stories within run the gamut of what the author is good at. Decent stories with excellent characters and fun twists.

Though there was one entry in this collection that I did not care for, it was short, and the rest were excellent. Theo Holland who voiced other Bloch audiobooks brings his narrating and character voicing gifts to this group of tales.

Clever and eclectic

Different twists keep you guessing in each story.

Theo Holland does a good job at narrating.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Resume speed

here is a few short stories quick to listen to. easy to follow. perfect for driving to work or home . Theo Holland does an amazing job narraiting this book. it's fun to listen to what all he can do with his voice. If my review was any help will you please click the helpful link. Thank you

Good.

A good collection to enjoy and into one psychic enjoyable and with good narration. Given audio for my voluntary review