THE SINS OF THE FATHERS by Lawrence Block

My Book- Finished Mo 10/8/12 Columbus Day.    The first in the series of Mathew Scudder (1976)  Read in two days.

My post at Good Reads-


This is the first novel in the Mathew Scudder series, and introduces the moody, depressed, and conflicted former NYC detective by means of a compelling murder mystery. Scudder's back-story is revealed in that he quit the police department because he accidentally shot a young girl, Estrillita Rivera, while in a gunfight during a robbery. Although, he was absolved of any wrong doing, he blamed himself, and this becomes the driving force of his character. He becomes an alcoholic, but generally follows cups of coffee with his shots of bourbon, and scrupulously tithes ten percent of his earnings to various churches. And, like John D. MacDonald's fictional sleuth, Travis McGee, Scudder is not fully licensed and only does 'favors' for his clients for which he is receives a fee.

This is a great read, and very much a character driven novel within the framework of a fascinating murder mystery. Also, all of the Mathew Scudder novels present a nostalgic look at the New York of the late 1970's.


Link to Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Scudder

Amazon Link
http://www.amazon.com/Sins-Fathers-Matthew-Scudder-Mysteries/dp/038076363X

Richard Vanderpoel murders Wendy Hanniford, and then commits suicide in The Tombs. They were roommates; he was gay and she was a prostitute. Richard's father is a minister, and slashed Wendy to death. She was subconsciously searching for a 'missing' father. He was killed in Korea, and older men appealed to her. Richard was raised in a loveless home, and his mother committed suicide when he was a small child.
Scudder is approached by Wendy's father to find out why the murder occured, and what was his daughter really like. Matt cracks the case, and forces the minister to take his life (Richard's Seconal).

Scudder's relationship with clients. He is not licensed, and only does 'favors'.
Alcoholic, but controls the drinking by using coffee and bourbon.
Scudder explains the shouting that causes his alcoholism. Estrillita Rivera