The Life of Bernie Rhodenbarr

Bernie Rhodenbarr, the central figure in the Burglar series, has endeavored to lead an honest life by purchasing a cozy used bookstore nestled in Manhattan. Each tranquil day unfurls with his feline companion, Raffles, who sports a unique tailless look. Raffles, named after E. W. Hornung’s notorious rogue, mirrors Bernie’s own thieving past as an adept safe-cracker. As the sun reaches its zenith, Bernie and his confidante Carolyn gather for lunch, weaving tales of their daily escapades. Carolyn, navigating the complexities of her love life as a lesbian, shares her victories and struggles in romance. Meanwhile, Bernie recounts his own amorous exploits, tales of rare book sales, or the occasional burglary. Raffles, ever the playful spirit, darts after crumpled notes and earns his keep by hunting mice in the bookstore. Throughout the series, Bernie, often the underdog beset by worldly villains, finds himself dragged back into the shadows of crime by either coercion or temptation. Yet, his endearing wit—self-mocking and clever—renders him a non-violent rogue, a charming and humorous companion in his laid-back misadventures.

Enter Lettice Runcible

Another intriguing presence in this tale is Lettice Runcible, the beguiling lover who abruptly left Bernie to wed another. Her return to Cuttleford House during her honeymoon, where she crosses paths with Bernie, unveils her shockingly liberal morals as she seduces him. Her undeniable allure might suggest Bernie’s irresistible charm, though numerous women in the series remain untempted by his advances. Lettice embodies the archetypal femme fatale from hard-boiled mysteries—a siren of both seduction and deceit, luring the hero with promises of passion and wealth. As the story draws to a close, Bernie and Carolyn find themselves back in the city, with the mystery reverting to the gritty allure of a traditional hard-boiled narrative.

The Ensemble of Suspects

In the realm of English country house mysteries, intricate puzzles and sharp detectives often outshine character development. Here, the cast is sketched with light strokes, their personalities largely emblematic. Nigel Eglantine, a boozily warm innkeeper, and his wife Cissy, who dreams of niceties and transient killers, set the scene. The unremarkable Mr. Greg and Mrs. Leona Savage, parents of the precocious Millicent, allow her too much freedom, enabling her nocturnal wanderings to weave new narrative threads. The stereotypical country folk, Orris the handyman, and the Cobbet cousins, Molly and Earlene, serve as the rustic backdrop. Dakin Littlefield, Lettice’s husband, is marked by his "cruel mouth" and derisive tone, yet remains otherwise undefined.

Colonel Blount-Buller, the quintessential military man, exudes a blustering presence akin to a Colonel Blimp. Miss Dinmont, confined to her wheelchair, finds companionship in Miss Hardesty, whom Carolyn suspects of sharing a romantic bond. Gordon Wolpert, in his fifties, fusses over his meals, while Jonathan Rathburn exudes an air of intensity. Rufus Quilp stands out with his ample frame, and Mrs. Colibri fiercely guards her solitude despite the lurking threat. The Cook, nameless yet ever-present, rounds out the cast. Each character, aside from Bernie and Carolyn, exists as potential culprits or victims, their depth sacrificed for the humor-laden parody of a classic English country house mystery, reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s tales.