Discover Most Popular Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

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Title: Break In

Author: Dick Francis

Narrator: Simon Prebble

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-16-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1046 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Dick Francis was a jockey and horse trainer for many years. His experience gives his questrian mysteries an authenticity that has attracted fans around the globe. To honor him, the Mystery Writers of America named Dick Francis a Grand Master for his impeccably crafted contributions to the genre. Jockey Kit Fielding has been riding the de Brescous horses in a succession of triumphs on the race course. But this winning streak is about to end. Kits twin sister, Holly, has come to him in desperation. Threatened by financial scandal, she and her husband may lose their training stables. Kit soon finds, though, that a greater danger lurks behind the threat - one that could be fatal.

Narrator Simon Prebble has received enthusiastic praise for his superb performances of the Dick Francis novels. His sophisticated British voice is perfect for Kit Fielding, the elegant duchess who employs him, and the other polished residents of the horse racing world.

Members Reviews:

One of the Best Audio Books Ever!

Would you consider the audio edition of Break In to be better than the print version?

I read all of Dick Francis's books as a youth, but now because I loved them so much I'm listening to all of them and loving them. This particular book is one of the best narrated (and written) books I've experienced, and I'm going to miss it dreadfully now that it's over! I love Simon Prebble's interpretation of all the British voices - each is distinct and so well-rendered. Outstanding, simply outstanding!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kit Fielding, without a doubt!

Which scene was your favorite?

That's a tough one to pick... there were SO many great scenes. I guess if pushed I'd pick the scene where Kit and Bobby find Jay Erskin and the other guy trying to remove the wire tap device from the Allardeck's roof. Great action!

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

Absolutely. I had to tear myself away from it every time I ran up against a deadline.

Any additional comments?

The rendering of the various British accents, handling of youth vs. elderly ages, women vs. men's voices... beautifully done! Kudos to an outstanding narrator, and of course, to the amazing talent of the late Dick Francis.

Read this one First

This is the first of two mysteries that feature Kit Fielding. The second is "Bolt." As ever, Francis writes great and Prebble reads great. There's really not much more to say....

Really very good!

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. When I bought it, I didn't have high expectations, but I quickly realized, that I'd found a gem!

The story is great. I suspected the culprit once or twice, but the ending came as a big surprise. But, it wasn't the ending so much, as following our hero's journey as he came to his conclusions that was the best part of this story. His thoughts and deductions were logical and methodical.. It was great fun to tag along with him.

The narrator was excellent. I never had to rewind.. to go over a part again.

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Title: Spellman Files

Author: Lisa Lutz

Narrator: Christina Moore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-25-11

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 360 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Isabel Spellman may have a checkered past littered with romantic mistakes, excessive drinking, and creative vandalism - but she's good at her job as a licensed P.I. with her family's firm, Spellman Investigations. Invading people's privacy comes naturally to Izzy and all the Spellmans. If only they could leave their work at the office. Izzy walks an indistinguishable line between Spellman family member and Spellman employee. But when Izzy decides to get out of the family business in search of normalcy, she ends up taking on the most important case of her life. The Spellman Files is an unforgettable introduction to the Spellman family in all its lovable chaos.

Critic Reviews:

"Fast-paced, irreverent, and very funny, The Spellman Files is like Harriet the Spy for grown-ups." (Curtis Sittenfeld, author of The Man of My Dreams and Prep)

"Hilarious. My enjoyment of The Spellman Files was only slightly undercut by my irritation that I hadn't written it myself. The funniest book I've read in years!" (Lauren Weisberger, author of The Devil Wears Prada and Everyone Worth Knowing)

"The Spellman Files is hilarious, outrageous, and hip. Izzy Spellman, P.I., is a total original, with a voice so fresh and real, you want more, more, more. At long last, we know what Nancy Drew would have been like had she come from a family of lovable crackpots. Lisa Lutz has created a delicious comedy with skill and truth. I loved it." (Adriana Trigiani, author of Lucia, Lucia and Big Stone Gap)

Members Reviews:

The Spellman Files (Unabridged)

I love this book and this version of the audiobook (unabridged narrated by Christina Moore) is THE version to get. The other narrator isn't bad but Moore captures the snark amazingly well. I had first heard this from my local library and was frustrated that I was unable to purchase it until now. I had purchased book 3 in the series and just couldn't get into the narration so was thrilled to find book 4 narrated by Moore. I have already listened to this version twice since purchasing (and if I hadn't had a credit available I would have purchased it outright my need for this version is that great).

The book itself is a wonderful storyline reminding me of a Stephanie Plum distant relative. The book treads into the mystery genre while wallowing in the comedy and dips a toe into the romance arena. I hear its being made into a tv series and I cannot wait!

Addams family gone PI

For the first hour and a half getting to know the Spellmans was fun, but at the three hour mark I had to speed things up. At the very end it dawns that without the painful lists, meticulous character descriptions, and seemingly random anecdotes, it wouldn't be so touching. The best way to describe this wacky bunch is if you took the spook out of the Addams Family and gave them all PI badges.

PS - The narration is not bad, but in no way matches the main character.

Light and entertaining

Would you listen to Spellman Files again? Why?

I have read (print version) the Spellman Files in the past and enjoy the second book even more than the first. I thought the narrator portrayed the characters well and the story was still a fun listen.

What other book might you compare Spellman Files to and why?

If you like the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series you might enjoy Spellman Files.

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Title: The Kills

Author: Linda Fairstein

Narrator: Barbara Rosenblat

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-21-11

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 152 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Date rape is always difficult to prove, and the case against New York consultant Andrew Tripping is no exception. Tripping and 36-year-old investment banker Paige Vallis had had dinner together three times before the March evening when he invited her to his apartment and attacked her. Or so she says. Manhattan Sex Crimes Prosecutor Alexandra Cooper needs to know all the facts if she is to find justice for Paige Vallis, but Paige seems to have something to hide.

Critic Reviews:

"Seamless...razor sharp." (John Sandford)

"A superior piece of entertainment." (The Washington Post)

"Fairstein...makes the legal issues more exciting than any high-speed chase." (Marylin Stasio, The New York Times)

Members Reviews:

Wonderful novel!

This book kept my interest throughout the reading. I really enjoyed every word. Excellent and interesting.

Another great Fairstein

Nice plot. Something a different. Thanks everyone. Always enjoy the NYC team! Bring on the next one.

The Kills was a great book

Where does The Kills rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Linda Fairstein writes a great book. Each book ranks right up at the top of my list

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes

Would you listen to another book narrated by Barbara Rosenblat?

I usually love Barbara Rosenblats readings of Fairstein books, but this time, it sounded like she was chewing gum during at least the last half of the book. Very distracting. Almost stopped listening because of it.

Poor sound quality on this one.

I've listened to the previous books in this series narrated by Barbara Rosenblat, and they were good. However, this one had VERY poor sound quality - I could hear every time she swallowed or re-positioned her mouth. Also, at the end of each chapter, she can be heard taking a deep breath 2 or 3 seconds before announcing the next chapter. I'm hopeful the next books will have better sound quality & won't be as distracting as this one was.

Solid story. Terrible recording.

What did you like best about The Kills? What did you like least?

Plot is great. I love the characters and the accuracy of the legal details.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mike Chapman. His knowledge of military history is fun, and his approach to his work reminds me of many of the detectives with whom I used to work...

How did the narrator detract from the book?

She didn't. The recording values did. I could hear her swallow, I could hear her lips smack between words.... It was disgusting and distracting.

Then, at the end of each chapter, there was a 1.5 - 3 second break of silence, then often you would hear the first 1/2 of a huge inhalation from the narrator. THEN it would break, and you would hear the intro to the next chapter.

It's like there was no one in charge of the recording at all. I already purchased additional Fairstein books to listen to. If I hadn't, I wouldn't. I would just buy the books themselves and READ them.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes.

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Title: The Lies That Bind

Subtitle: A Bibliophile Mystery

Author: Kate Carlisle

Narrator: Eileen Stevens

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-02-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 200 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Book restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright returns home to San Francisco to teach a bookbinding class. Unfortunately, the program director, Layla Fontaine, is a horrendous host who pitches fits and lords over her subordinates. But when Layla is found shot dead, Brooklyn is bound and determined to investigate - even as the killer tries to close the book on her for good.

Members Reviews:

Disappointed

I was very excited to find a mystery series about someone who binds books. I enjoyed the sections where the author detailed the intricacies involved in the process. Then the storyline plummeted from there. I made myself listen to 21/4 of the 3 books I had downloaded. My husband listened to the 3rd one with me and commented on how terrible it was. Perhaps we are too old (in our 50's) to enjoy the humour & plots. Perhaps if the reader had been more animated and had read in a more fluent manner, it may have been less brutal to listen to the story. Derrick (main love interest through out the series) rendering was terrible.

Reminds me why I don't Read Mysteries

I downloaded three mysteries in the 3-for-2 deal. The plot is trite, lite and goes on for far too long. The reader has a limited vocal range and her characterizations are weak.

A lesser entry

This is not one of the best in the series, but part of that is the irritating mispronunciations and, occasionally, the use of the wrong voice, by the narrator.

Great Series

I have been reading and listening to each of the books in this series and have not been disappointed in any of them. They seem to get better as the author goes along, but maybe that is true of most writers. When I am reading or listening to a book with an involved plot, a moving subject or just bogging down, I stop and pick up one of the bibliophile mysteries and instantly feel lighter and more entertained. I hope Kate Carlisle never stops writing this series!!

Booklovers, dive in!

If you've every wondered about the world of collectible books, you will really love all the info that's tucked inside this little gem of a mystery. The main character is clever and talented and gets into all kinds of scrapes. It's a fun listen and sometimes that's all I'm looking for.

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Title: Riding the Rap

Author: Elmore Leonard

Narrator: Frank Muller

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-12-10

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 428 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Now that his mom's gravy train has derailed, gambling, debt-ridden Palm Beach playboy Warren "Chip" Ganz has decided to take somebody rich hostage - with the help of a Bahamian ex-con, a psycho gardener/enforcer, and the beautiful, if underfed, psychic Reverend Dawn. The trouble is, they choose bookmaker Harry Arno as their victim, and Harry can scam with the best.

The BIG trouble is ace manhunter U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is sleeping with Harry's ex-exotic dancer ex-girlfriend, and Joyce wants Harry found. And since nearly everyone has guns, locating and springing the captive bookie most probably can't happen without some measure of lethal difficulty.

Members Reviews:

Really, really fun mystery for listening.

I loved every character in this novel, or at least I loved getting to know each character. US Marshall Raylan is a great hero, a cool, smart lawman. The story revolves around three kidnappers, each from different backgrounds and different motivations.

Few writers develope charachters as fun to watch as Elmore Leonard. This one is not only worth a credit, its worth a second listen.

TV's JUSTIFIED, Raylan Givens returns in book two

This is Leonard's second Raylan Givens novel, that the show 'Justified' is based on. Once again, Raylan seems to spend most of his time going off on his own, rather than sticking purely with his US Marshall services job.

Harry, from 'Pronto' , the first Raylan Givens' book, is a retired bookie who returns In this book. After running from the mob in book one, he is kidnapped by a trio of truly strange characters in this book. Raylan gets involved with a beautiful young psychic; an old woman whose memory has gone, and her druggie son who is selling everything out of her mansion; a brash you man who dreams of killing situations that make him look macho; and a truly crazy enforcer.

Raylan continues to be his own man. This quality makes him, and his stories, uniquely interesting. Sometimes I wish Elmore Leonard wasn't so stereotypically racist with every group one could possible think about in his books. The saving grace with this, I believe, is to show the stupidity of these attitudes. Gently macho is definitely in, as Raylan determines his own means of justice!!

Once again, Leonard and Muller rock.

This book is one of the series of books, including Pronto, Raylan and others, which follow one of Leonard's most compelling characters. The character is the focus of the TV series Justified, and he is played by Timothy Olyphant. Once again the material sparkles, even though it may not be the absolute best of Leonard. Most other thriller writers would give an arm and a leg to be able to write something this good. The plot turns around and makes you guess something you can't possibly guess, other than the good bet that Raylan will still be standing at the end. Frank Muller continues to simply overwhelm me with his skills. His command of so many voices is dazzling. How does he manage to keep them all separated in his mind? There is a sequence of dialogue here in which he has to switch rapidly between two characters, a man and a woman, and it is hard to see how he does it. Lesser mortals can only listen in awe.

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Title: Painted Ladies

Subtitle: A Spenser Novel

Author: Robert B. Parker

Narrator: Joe Mantegna

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-05-10

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 209 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The brilliant new Spenser novel from the beloved New York Times-best-selling author Robert B. Parker.

Called upon by The Hammond Museum and renowned art scholar Dr. Ashton Prince, Spenser accepts his latest case: to provide protection during a ransom exchange-money for a stolen painting.

The case becomes personal when Spenser fails to protect his client and the valuable painting remains stolen. Convinced that Ashton Prince played a bigger role than just ransom delivery boy, Spenser enters into a daring game of cat-and-mouse with the thieves. But this is a game he might not come out of alive....

Completed the year before he passed away, Painted Ladies is Spenser and Robert B. Parker at their electrifying best.

Members Reviews:

Highly recommend

Classic Spenser. This one is all good...plot, characterizations, etc...and no one but Mantegna should ever narrate a Spenser novel. I like the Jesse Stone novels better, but this is really an enjoyable listen. Highly recommend!

Another classic Spenser

Montegna is my favorite of the Spencer narrators. This is a fairly typical Spencer plot which makes it a good listen in my mind.

Always pleasant

I love RBP's Spenser, Joe Mantegna brings him to life for me. Thanks for such a great listen.

Spenser to the rescue

I enjoyed this novel--good action and mystery. Learned more about Susan & Spenser's relationship. A good listen!

Enough Said

This book as horrible. Every other word was "said". I love Joe Mantegna but it was painful to hear him reading this poorly written book.

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Title: The Postcard Killers

Author: James Patterson, Liza Marklund

Narrator: Katherine Kellgren, Reg Rogers, Erik Singer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-16-10

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 921 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Paris is stunning in the summer.

NYPD detective Jacob Kanon is on a tour of Europe's most gorgeous cities. But the sights aren't what draw him - he sees each museum, each cathedral, and each cafe through the eyes of his daughter's killer.

The killing is simply marvelous.

Kanon's daughter, Kimmy, and her boyfriend were murdered while on vacation in Rome. Since then, young couples in Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and Stockholm have been found dead. Little connects the murders other than a postcard to the local newspaper that precedes each new victim.

Wish you were here.

Now Kanon teams up with the Swedish reporter Dessie Larsson, who has just received a postcard in Stockholm - and they think they know where the next victims will be. With relentless logic and unstoppable action, The Postcard Killers may be James Patterson's most vivid and compelling thriller yet.

Members Reviews:

Come on, James, Can you think of some new material

Attention writers, please stop writing abridged books and selling them at unabridged prices!!! $18.00 for 7:23 hour book? Same with "Private". I almost didn't buy them, however I enjoy James Patterson. Then, after I read this, I bought "Private". Basically the same storyline. Come on! Anyway, I enjoyed the story. Very well written. Would have given it 5 stars, however i am so tired of these guys taking advantage of we buyers, throwing out short stories and selling them at novel prices, just so they can pay for their homes in Newport Coast (Oh, wait, that's Dean Koontz), or wherever! Sorry, I'm venting.....

Cardboard characters, so-so plot

This book was a real disappointment. The ending was telegraphed about two thirds of the way through the book and, while it had an interesting twist, the writing provided little support for the story. Worst of all, the characters were cardboard representations of conventional stereotypes--particularly the hero, who was depicted as the typical hostile, aggressive but highly competent NYC cop. The villian (or villians--don't want to spoil the plot) had no real motivation at all, at least none that rang true.

So, this novel filled up about 9 hours (part listened to as an audiobook, part read as an eBook at bedtime along the way) of dead time on a long driving trip, thus serving its primary purpose. Beyond that, however, it has little redeeming literary or social importance.

If reading co-authored James Patterson novels, I think I'll stick to the ones co-authored by either Maxine Paetro or Michael Ledgewick.

Another abridged, unabridged book that was OK.

There seems to be a pattern forming with some of the popular authors. They are getting unabridged prices for books that should really be sold as abridged. I also agree that Patterson does better by himself. At first I was upset that there are three readers, each reading a couple sections but I got over it and decided that it is, what it is. So many "chapters" are so short they seem like they are only a couple paragraphs long. With that being said, overall I enjoyed the book. It was fairly predictable but then what isn't. Clive Cussler's newest book is being released in a couple days, so maybe he'll have a totally entertaining book that isn't so predictable.

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Title: A Dedicated Man

Subtitle: An Inspector Banks Novel

Author: Peter Robinson

Narrator: James Langton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-30-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 211 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

A dedicated man is dead in the Yorkshire dales - a former university professor, wealthy historian, and archaeologist who loved his adopted village. It is a particularly heinous slaying, considering the esteem in which the victim, Harry Steadman, was held by his neighbors and colleagues---by everyone, it seems, except the one person who bludgeoned the life out of the respected scholar and left him half-buried in a farmer's field.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks left the violence of London behind for what he hoped would be the peaceful life of a country policeman. But the brutality of Steadman's murder only reinforces one ugly, indisputable truth: that evil can flourish in even the most bucolic of settings. There are dangerous secrets hidden in the history of this remote Yorkshire community that have already led to one death. And Banks will have to plumb a dark and shocking local past to find his way to a killer...before yesterday's sins cause more blood to be shed.

Critic Reviews:

Robinson's profound sense of place and reflective study of human nature give fine depth to his mystery. (

The New York Times Book Review)

Members Reviews:

As good as the first

If you could sum up A Dedicated Man in three words, what would they be?

The past matters.

What did you like best about this story?

I like the build up, the way the author layered the story, slowly exposing you the characters surrounding the murder was very nice. I like this author work, because it takes the time to paint a local picture.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene at the bar, when Banks and his wife went to hear Penny sing. I could really relate to Banks annoyance with Barkette (might be the wrong name).

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Shadows from the past

Any additional comments?

I really liked the first narrator, Mark Honan, and I did not hate the new author, but I felt like he struggled with the gruff voices he tried to portray. He sounded hoarse and strained, which tended to distract me from the story.

A better read

Peters writing and my imagination gives a better visual of the English country side than having it read to me. I got a better enjoyment in dwelling on the complete story at my pace then on the speed of the narration. Mr Langtons performance was outstanding throughout the book. I will look for his name on other books.

Poor narrator

My first DCI Banks book and I was a bit disappointed. The story was good enough but I found it difficult to stay engaged. I think it may have been the narrator. He was too bland for me; rather monotonous.

The main characters are interesting and I think the books must be good since there are so many of them. I will definitely give the next one in the series a listen hoping things improve.

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Title: The Heat Islands

Subtitle: Doc Ford #2

Author: Randy Wayne White

Narrator: Dick Hill

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-17-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 318 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Marine biologist and former secret operative Doc Ford is lazily poling his skiff along Southwest Florida's flat copper sea in search of sea anemones when he runs into the body of the most hated man on Sanibel Island: Marvin Rios. And when the Island's simplest and sweetest resident is arrested for the murder, Doc heads straight into the heart of the sunshine state's dark side - to save his friend from being framed, and to save Sanibel Island from a rising tide of land-grab schemes, blood money, and violence.

Critic Reviews:

"Politics and land development are pivotal elements in this taut, suspenseful tale as White makes the lure of the sea understandable to landlubbers and presents a panoramic view of southwest Florida." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

CANNOT finish this one!!

Would you try another book from Randy Wayne White and/or Dick Hill?

No. I can't get through the second one I've tried so will not waste time/money on more.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something in the Historical Fiction genre - - probably WW-II or something from Bernard Cornwell or, perhaps, Leon Uris.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

As was once said in a parody of the old TV show "Friday", he is guilty of a "409" - OVER-Acting. Corny accents, poorly rendered.

Was The Heat Islands worth the listening time?

NO. I wish I had not invested the time it took me to get half-way through.

Any additional comments?

Wandering main plot (if there, indeed, was one). Too many seemingly unrelated sub-plots. Most characters are pretty shallow and uninteresting. I have NO idea what my wife finds attracting in this author.

living in southwest Florida

They story was interesting do me especially since I live in the area. Good ending

The Heat Islands

This is first time to read from this series - will definitely look for more!

Doc is a pretty cool guy

What a character, the story and narrator were fun and enjoyable listen. Doc is quite the guy to have around. The nerdier version of Jack Reacher?

Enjoyable listen.

Enjoyed the reader, like the fact that it makes me smile while listening. Kept my attention.

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Title: 212

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Alafair Burke

Narrator: Eliza Foss

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-09-10

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 176 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

The daughter of legendary author James Lee Burke, Alafair Burke has built a considerable reputation for crafting taut mysteries herself. With 212, this former deputy district attorney pens a haunting tale investigating the terrifying realities of Internet anonymity.

When a student is murdered following a series of threatening messages posted on a college gossip site, NYPD detectives Ellie Hatcher and J. J. Rogan are assigned the case. As they dig deeper, however, they discover the victim was only one of manyand the killer isnt finished.

Critic Reviews:

"Burke expertly weaves real-life headlines into her plotparticularly the Craig's List Killer and the slew of recent political scandalswithout ever sacrificing originality." (Publisher's Weekly)

Members Reviews:

I don't get it

I got this book because the reviews were so glowing. After listening to it I have to wonder if I'm listening to the same book everyone else did.

The writer is just plain awful in my opinion. I read series where the author reviews things that happened in previous books that intersect with the current book, but this author does this for things that happened in previous chapters. I'm not so dense that I can't remember what happened two chapters ago.

The rest was so forgettable that 3 weeks after listening to it I can't even tell you what the book was about. I just remember being bored and thinking about what I wanted to listen to next that would keep me entertained.

Good twist at the end.......But

Do not misunderstand I liked the story and it has an unexpected twist at the end, it just took to long to get there. It could have been about one hour shorter if the author had moved things along between the murders a little faster.

Great Book

Great twists and turns. Well written, the narrator was very good.

My first Alafair Burke novel

It seems that James Lee Burke's daughter can write a decent cop thriller! 212 is not great but it is quite good. The novel is set in New York city. The plot is complex and the killer is a surprise. Character development is weak.

Was it the writing or the narrator?

I was disappointed listening to this book and couldn't help but wonder if I would have enjoyed the book more just reading it, or if a different person had narrated it. This is my first book by the author (someone else selected it) and I wasn't sure who the main character was for quite some time. The narrator was a little too melodramatic and syrupy much of the time. I received a Kindle for Christmas so I will get a Kindle book by the author to see if reading it myself makes a difference. I'm a fan of James Lee Burke and I'm sure in some way, I compare Alafair to her father, which isn't fair and I'm willing to give her another chance.