Jonathan

Respectful? Not quite.

Revisado: 04-01-25

Before the book begins, a note is read by the author; explaining that it was her intention to bring light to the tragedies of mass shootings in a way that was respectful. While she does focus on the aftermath and trauma endured by the shootings victims and families, I fail to see or understand the need to include (what amounts to) soft porn between those survivors. The story of people coming together, building relationships, and even allowing romance to bloom to bring hope to the future is, of course, what we can desire for those who have faced such unimaginable tragedy. However, lengthy and explicit descriptions of sexual encounters cheapens the story.

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Total disappointment

Revisado: 03-26-25

I’ve truly enjoyed the last several releases by Sandford; different combinations of favorite characters coming together - each enhancing the personalities and styles of the other, providing depth and a wonderful complexity that make for great storytelling. Due to Sandford’s talent, as well as the string of really good stories via each series, he provided a platform for the depth of character development which keep readers engaged and looking forward to the next release. While I understand that those same characters must change and grow in the same ways we do in real life, Lucas and Virgil seem to have lost not only their edge, but the passion each of them held which made them both terrific at what they do, but truly entertaining to follow. It’s clear Standford is setting the stage to put them out to pasture, probably providing the opportunity to shift to a focus on Ray and Letti. I get it - to a point. I just wish the author would have given them the send off deserving of two intelligent, edgy, charismatic, talented, and unique characters that brought so much life to the page. Retiring with one last action packed mystery, full of great humor and a few good twists. Instead — this was barely a whimper - and an incomplete one at that. Very disappointing for a release I’ve been anticipating for months, and a sad realization regarding a dim future for two of my favorite heroes.

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

Fast paced, solid storyline, great narration

Revisado: 01-20-25

Fast read, no-nonsense, a combination of the right mix of thriller/personal relationship development.

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Just wasn’t for me…

Revisado: 11-17-21

I was excited when I saw this — and downloaded it right away. I listened to it in its entirety while deep cleaning the house for upcoming guests. I typically love releases such as these; reminiscent of the old radio shows. Unfortunately, although I agree with many readers who can be put off by predictable plot lines, I feel that if the writer does their work in creating good character development: providing relatable and interesting personalities with depth, so much can be forgiven regarding a fair amount of predictability. My love of enjoying a good book greatly depends on how vested I become in the personalities, lives, back stories, etc. of the “players”. Don’t get me wrong… who doesn’t love an unexpected twist - especially when its done well, and doesn’t feel too contrived. Sadly, that’s where this one lost me. Perhaps not on the first twist, and maybe not even the second, but by the fifth, sixth, seventh… I’m trying to understand the writer’s intent. I guess the best way to describe my own experience and reactions while listening to this …. ummm… “program” is: by the time I was about 1/2 way through it, I was ready for it to wrap up. I stuck in there, in the hopes the weirdness would stop, but it didn’t. In fact, it got worse. I won’t go into detail as to not spoil it for anyone interested in listening for their own purposes, but I will go so far as to say: It feels as if there was no initial organization of the plot, characters, or what the whole thing was supposed to get across, which I guess is ironic, considering what is the one very clear motive of the lead character. It felt scrambled, and more than just a little “manic”. Then… it ends. Which, yes, I stated I was ready for 1/2 way through…. But the second half was so odd and convoluted in its telling, the ending fell desperately flat. All of a sudden it’s over, and although you’re not disappointed in that fact, you do stop and think “Ummmm… what? That’s the end?” Okay… moving on….

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Ugh! I want part 3 *now*!!

Revisado: 02-08-21

I’m loving this trilogy.. I just finished “Unseen”, and now I’m impatiently waiting for the third and final book of the trilogy. These will be ones I listen to repeatedly... unless; the final ending is *bad*. I admit that I’m old fashioned — and I don’t care. I read fiction for pure escapism. These 2 characters are strong, interesting, and the chemistry is terrific. I can tell how much I’m enjoying the read by how vested I become in the characters and plot line... and I’m really rooting for these two. No doubt labeled as “anti-heroes”, they’ve caught my attention and I’m anxiously awaiting the telling of their remaining journey in part 3. I’m just praying it ends well. I can turn on the news and get depressed, sad, or outraged for free... and although some people define me as simplistic or somewhat shallow by my need for a positive outcome, again, I don’t care. I absolutely loathe depressing endings, or worse, the endings which aren’t really endings - just taking the reader right up to the final battle, choice, etc., and then leaving it up to them to decide what plight the characters endure or celebrate. Oh, and pleeeeeaase, don’t allow Boudin to let Carrie (that spelling may not be accurate as I’m reading via audiobook) down! That would really suck for Carrie, her daughter, Heather, and Boudin himself.

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esto le resultó útil a 8 personas

Ugh!! What was *that*?!?!

Revisado: 11-05-20

I’ve been waiting 2 years now (considering “Book of Bones” was the same sort of let down) for this year’s Parker release. What happened to the story line? Why aren’t we progressing? Has Connolly effectively written himself into a corner he ant navigate his way out of? I’m so disappointed. And during a time when stress relief is **so** imperative right now, it would be wonderful to get lost in a new, yet *real Charlie Parker* read. PLEASE bring back the Parker novels that resemble the first 15-16 books. Where’s Sam? How is Angel? What has become of “the backers”? Are we ever going to find out the mystery of all that is “Charlie and Sam”? And there wasn’t nearly enough of Angel and Louis... I’m sad.... I don’t suppose Mr. Connolly has anything in the “can” he can quickly whip into shape and release it in December or January? 🙏🏻

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esto le resultó útil a 9 personas

You have got to be kidding

Revisado: 10-28-20

There are a handful of authors that I mark my calendar each and every year for, since I became an Audible member 20 years ago. Sandford, Kellerman, Rosenfelt, Baldacci, Grisham, Burke, Michael Connolly, Patterson, King, Deaver, John Connolly, and of course - Lee Child. Also, this year has been ridiculously difficult for so very many reasons. I do my best to keep occupied so it doesn’t overwhelm me. I was thrilled when I downloaded my yearly fix of Reacher today, looking forward to putting a good book in my ear while I check things off my “to do list”. So excited to go on mental vacation and truly enjoy the day. Well, didn’t *that* fantasy turn to crap!! Seriously? First of all, I’m disappointed in the laziness of Child regarding the story line. He couldn’t have mustered up at least a little originality? Secondly, I support everyone’s right to their own opinion, but to spend either a credit or $22 bucks just to listen to Lee Child’s fictionalization of all I’m trying to get a break from - so he can oh so subtly convey which side of the fence he’s on, is beyond disappointing. And yes, I would feel this way about this “book” even if we did share a common viewpoint. I think that 95% of Americans would benefit from the opportunity just to “turn it all off” for awhile. The constant rehashing it all over and over and over, all day, every day, no matter where you turn. We’re all living with raw nerves that are just simmering, and it’s far from healthy. It’s making it almost impossible for anyone to step back, hit a mental “reset” button, and perhaps then be able to see things more clearly, or at least take the edge off so everyone isn’t so damn defensive and agitated all the time. For crying out loud — is it possible for any celebrity just to entertain? Ugh.. I truly expected more from Mr. Child... to provide a story , with a decent - and at least somewhat original - plot line, so readers can take solace from all this turmoil and enjoy a little escapism in a good read? So disappointed...

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esto le resultó útil a 18 personas

Couldn't finish it

Revisado: 09-07-20

I don't know if it's due to the author's style or the tempor and tone of the narrator that annoyed me almost immediately. Sarcastic, sing-song childlike taunting tone that begins 1/3rd of the way through the first chapter had the effect as does nails on a chalkboard. I love to listen to audiobooks throughout my work days. To get caught up in a story is very enjoyable, improves my day, and makes any task or project just fly by. However, within 10 minutes of beginning this book, my nerves were on edge and I wanted to slap someone silly - not due to the storyline itself - but rather due to how it was written and narrated. Before giving up altogether, I jumped ahead several chapters just to see if things improved... Nope. I then skipped to the epilogue to once again test out whether this would be worth barreling through. Ugh. Although I believe the convicted perpetrator of this crime is right where he should be, and is a terrific example of the term "abhorrent human being", the arrogance of the author permeates the writings in the worst way. This guy is truly full of himself. Save the $$ or the credit, and keep shopping. Yuck!

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Ummmm... Are you there John Sanford?

Revisado: 10-07-19

As with the Davenport thrillers, I anxiously await the new Flowers installment immediately upon finishing the last. Ive been counting down the days for this one for the past month. Yuck. Where is the Virgil we all know and love? This character is not “him”. As another reviewer observed, *all* the characters are flat. The book jumps all over the place, which would have been fine if they would have followed up on any of the directions it turned. Yes, he discovers the culprit, but you’re left hanging on the several other plot lines he opens in the process, including stumbling across another murderer and his reaction is to say “meh, it’s not the one I’m personally pursuing, so screw it.” That is not Virgil’s style. And where is Johnson Johnson? Also, (***spoiler alert**) ——- is Frankie going to be pregnant for 2 years? Highly annoyed that it wasn’t included in this book... they announced it a year ago in last years Flowers novel, and “checked in” on the situation during April’s release of the Davenport installment, soooo... What gives? Anticlimactic, flat, missing the old Virgil - the depth of relationships he always develops with the characters around him, his nightly thoughts of God and “what it all means and why”, and .. well.. he’s cranky. Will the real John Sandford please stand up? Oh, and bring the real Virgil back upon your return.

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esto le resultó útil a 11 personas

My opinion might be slightly skewed...

Revisado: 06-08-13

Would you try another book from Stephen King and/or Michael Kelly?

Not sure anymore...

Any additional comments?

My opinion might be skewed here as I just finished re-reading The Stand last week. Giving that Joyland too has high religious overtones, it was strange for me. I love Mr. Kings writing.. his character develpment is amazing. The version of The Stand that I own is the most recently released "uncut" version. In the preface, Mr. King speaks a little about the book, what you should expect, and warns that this is not a "new version" of The Stand, but simply included many of the things left on the cutting room floor from the first version. He also says that The Stand is one of his most asked about books from his fans.. They ask how "so-and-so" is doing, or "whatever happend to whats-his-name".. Although I am perfectly aware that The Stand is a work of fiction, I'm not totally surprised by this reaction. As I said, Mr. Kings character develpment is what sucks me into his writing each and every time. He is the King of the story tellers.. no pun intended.. well, maybe a little... Anyway... Well, with as much as I love his stories, I have to admit that the combination of just finishing The Stand, and then being dropped right into Joyland, left me a tad bit sour. Especially the ending of Joyland... I respect that we all have our opinions regarding Christianity and the belief in God.. But Mr. Kings writings have become quite "anti-Christian"... I understand that my views aren't everyones.. and I respect that. I also understand that Mr. King is obviously not a believer in the sense that he "follows God" or conforms to any organized religion. That's perfectly fine. However, he seems to be making it a point to not only "deny", but to "mock". I don't see a reason for this in "fiction".. It's to the point that it's clouding the story for me. I spend so much of my time "dismissing" this or that, or "ignoring" this or that, that it's hard to concentrate on the story line itself. I'm not one that is easily offended, and I'm certainly not a "bible thumper".. Yes, I am a Christian. I follow Christ. I have my faith. But I still enjoy all kinds of stories.. movies, books, articles, short stories, whatever I can get my hands on. I run across things in stories all the time which conflict with my own belief system. That's okay. It usually lends itself someway necessary to the storyline, and I accept it and am not offended in the least. But as I said.. this has become to a point where it's almost "mocking", and that confuses me, as I don't see it's necessary. *sigh*... Oh well...

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas