By: Jake Walsh

Mr. Block, I was introduced to your work by my father when I was just a kid and every new release was occasion for a call to my Dad announcing a new Block book was coming out, and hopefully it was a Scudder story. My father was a recovering alcoholic and intellectual thug from South Boston and he identified with Scudder on many levels. He passed away not long ago and when "A Drop of the Hard Stuff " came out I felt that familiar urge to call him and discuss our two favorite subjects, your books and boxing. While "A Drop" had some bittersweet elements for me it had one enduring joy, Matt Scudder's voice has always been and remains to be my father's voice in my head. Thanks for letting him tell me another great story and please keep them coming.