S. Ferguson

Just awful

Revisado: 05-26-23

I have no problem putting up with a thriller author’s take on geopolitics , and I’ve been ok with his previous books. But this one is beyond the pale. Every second chapter is an author’s rant coming through the mouth or mind of an enemy of the US about how stupid we are, how easily our enemies exploit our stupidity, and how the only ones who benefit are our enemies and American defense contractors — who apparently are FAR more evil than Russians or Arab terrorists on their worst days. One rant was ok, a second run through was a little exasperating — OK, OK, we get it! — but the third time through it became clear that this is a boring polemic that Carr has tried to dress up as thriller so people will sit through his rants. Enough, already — I couldn’t get through it. Too bad, because the plot was promising, but I just couldn’t sit through any more of Carr’s lectures about US policy run through the mouth of a Russian or Arab official. It has nothing to do with whether one agrees or disagrees (for the record I agree on some points and not on others); it’s about not wanting to be bludgeoned by repetitive rants from the author when I just wanted an action thriller. A total waste of a credit.

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A superb listen

Revisado: 06-03-22

A wonderful, witty, exciting retelling of the Iliad, as week read as it is well written. One of the most enjoyable audio books I’ve Weber listened to. It would still be a terrific tale in book form, but then the reader would miss the pleasure of Fry’s superb reading and acting skills.

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I wanted to read about Fauci, not Trump

Revisado: 02-08-21

This book is simply an excuse for the author to rage about Donald Trump. The problems with Trump are obvious and undeniable. But I downloaded this to find out about Fauci, not read another Trump diatribe. A total waste of time.

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Fun and fascinating

Revisado: 12-05-20

I can’t think of a better way to spend 90 minutes than in the company of Smoky Robinson as he talks about his life and sing his hits. His feeling of being blessed and lucky comes though throughout. He’s upbeat and inspiring, and the stories of his life and the early days of Motown are fascinating. He has great stories about his encounters with other Motown immortals — Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, the Supremes, etc. I’m still trying to get my mind around Smoky and Marvin Gaye playing golf together — now THAT would be a foursome to join. His canon of songs matches that of anyone this side of Lennon/McCartney, and you get to hear him sing each of them during this story, although with a backup band that isn’t up to the rest of the production. A great listen, the story of a wonderful man — I only wish it had been longer.

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Best Reacher in a while, almost ruined by narrator

Revisado: 11-29-18

This is the most interesting Reacher book in some time, with a story that provides the expected action but also provides emotional depth to the character. The various strands of the story (and there is a LOT going on) come together in a very satisfying way. Unfortunately, some brain-dead editor on auto-pilot selected Scott Brick to narrate it. I try to avoid Brick’s books, but I enjoy Reacher so I made an exception. I can’t imagine a worse choice to read a book about the tough, violent, unyielding Reacher. Brick’s predictably effete, soporific, sing-song delivery (talk about a guy with one speed!) robs a great story of its menace and intensity. It is as if he is actuallly trying to render the action sequences as dull as possible. Brick might be ok for some books, but for God’s sake find someone who is not a wimp to read Reacher.

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Even better than the first two

Revisado: 03-12-18

This trilogy was one of my favorite listens ever. Terrific characters, endlessly fascinating plot and tradecraft, and an outstanding narrator. I hated to see it end but it was a satisfying conclusion – if bittersweet. But I knew it would be.

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Another great listen

Revisado: 04-16-17

The best combination of writer and narrator with another riveting audio book. There is a sense of closure in this one that makes me wonder whether McKinty is done with Duffy. I hope not – I would miss Crabby too much!

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Fantastic sequel

Revisado: 10-08-15

I loved Red Sparrow and amazingly, this is just as good if not even better. This guy can really write — hated to leave my car and stop listening. Terrific narrator too. Only one criticism: enough with the recipes! It's silly filler.

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Best in several years

Revisado: 06-01-14

Would you consider the audio edition of Field of Prey to be better than the print version?

Not necessarily. The narrator is ok but not great — doesn't add much. The strength is the plot and the dialogue, as usual.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lucas Davenport is one of my favorite characters in hard boiled fiction. Edgy enough to be interesting and realistic.

What about Richard Ferrone’s performance did you like?

Not much, frankly. He does a pretty good job at varying his voice for the characters, but his voice for the villain in this book is inappropriate.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes — couldn't wait to get into my car to continue listening.

Any additional comments?

The last Davenport book had a lame plot but this one hurtled along. The best Prey in a long time.

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Best combination in hard boiled fiction

Revisado: 07-12-13

What made the experience of listening to I Hear the Sirens in the Street the most enjoyable?

There is no better audiobook experience than an Adrian McKinty novel read by the incomparable Gerard Doyle.

What did you like best about this story?

Sean Duffy is a classic, terrific protagonist in the hard-boiled mode -- quick witted, fearless, tough but with a heart of gold, resolute in his desire to see justice done regardless of the personal consequences, etc etc. He seems improbably irresistible to gorgeous women who he seems to encounter with shocking regularity for a town like Belfast -- but that's OK for this type of book.

Which scene was your favorite?

Noble but bemused Sean faces down the neighborhood IRA thugs defending a lady in distress. The neighborhood hooligans are priceless.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Started a bit slowly, but I could listen to Gerard Doyle read Adrian McKinty all day.

Any additional comments?

Terrific re-creation of Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Including John DeLorean as a character was a nice touch.

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