Discover the Top 100 Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

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Title: The Dutch Blue Error

Author: William G. Tapply

Narrator: Stephen Hoye

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-23-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

To solve a murder, Brady must find a copy of the worlds rarest stamp. It is a small paper square with uneven edges, dark blue in color, and bearing a smudged portrait of a long-dead king. It doesnt look like much to Brady Coyne, but the stamp known as the Dutch Blue Error is one of a kind - a philatelic freak worth at least one million dollars. It is the prize possession of Ollie Weston, a wheelchair-bound Boston banker, and it is valuable enough that for its sake, several good men will die.

A fellow collector contacts Weston, claiming to have found a second copy of the Error - a claim that, if truthful, would destroy the stamps value. Weston sends his attorney, kindhearted Boston lawyer Brady Coyne, to purchase the rogue stamp for two hundred fifty thousand dollars, but just before the hand-off, the collector is killed and the stamp disappears.

Find the stamp and Brady will find the killer - but that will involve risking another one-of-a-kind item: his life.

Members Reviews:

Good second book in series

After reading and enjoying William Tapply's first book, "Death at Charity's Point," decided to try this next in the series. I was not disappointed--it was a solidly good listen. On the other hand, in "The Dutch Blue Error," I didn't see the improvements in style, character presentations, etc that I had thought might start happening after the first book (in fact, it was a little confusing, because Coyne's personal assistant, who had just been introduced in the first book, was already--if temporarily--replaced by a new assistant, Zerk.)

This is a pretty good series--the action moves, the plot is interesting and the characters believable. I intend to continue listening to these, as they hold my attention and I find myself quite involved in the story. But there could be room for improvement (in my opinion). They lack a little pizzaz somehow.

In this book, Coyne is approached by one of his clients to try to negotiate for a rare stamp (known as the Dutch Blue Error) which leads to great danger for himself and Zerk. It was interesting that Tapply brought in an element of racial prejudice, but while it validated some of the social status of 1985 when this book was first published, it doesn't seem to have a lot to do with the actual story.

What I really like about the book(s) so far is that they are good mysteries, with promise for the same going forward. Brady Coyne is a likable, laid back fellow who seems to sort of get drafted into detecting, since he prefers his actual job--being a lawyer to the very wealthy who doesn't get involved in terribly taxing assignments. The narrator gets the laid-back quality very well in his reading. While I can't say this is a block-buster, I will definitely say it is very good--and I plan to read more in the series.

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Title: Out of Turn

Subtitle: The Kathleen Turner Series, Book 4

Author: Tiffany Snow

Narrator: Angela Dawe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-17-13

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 275 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Breaking up is hard to do, as Kathleen Turner discovers. After a falling-out with her ex, high-powered attorney Blane Kirk, shes moving on the best she can. Unfortunately, someone from her past is set on revenge and nothing short of killing Kathleen will stop them. Keeping his brothers ex-girlfriend alive isnt something new to assassin-for-hire Kade Dennon, but this time can he protect her from himself? Shes a woman he cant convince himself to walk away from, no matter what it costs him. Regret is a constant companion for Blane as he realizes the truth behind the lies hes been told. Can love heal the past, or can some mistakes not be undone? Murder reunites Blane, Kade, and Kathleen as the police put Blane in their crosshairs. Blane may lose everything unless he and Kade can find the real murderer before its too late. But if they cant set aside their love for the same woman and work together, it will tear them apart. In Out of Turn, Kathleen is caught between two warring brothers, and the consequences may be fatal.

Members Reviews:

Go team Kade!!!

If you could sum up Out of Turn in three words, what would they be?

I need way more than three words to sum up Out of Turn. But if I had to try I guess it would be 'Love Them Both'. Kathleen tries so hard to not come between Blane and Kade but in the end she hurts both herself and the men who mean so much to her.

What did you like best about this story?

This story was all action. At times I wondered how Kathleen would survive. As in the other books in this series Blane was his usual pompous, arrogant, self-centred self. Still blind to the dubious intentions of some of those around him. Kane on the other hand, though still full of self-doubt was more willing to show his soft and vulnerable side.

Have you listened to any of Angela Dawes other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to many of Angela Dawe's performances and I think this series is one of my favourites. The voice of Kathleen Turner suits the character so well - the presentation is almost clinical. It is like 'well this is me and my life - I may not be much but I like who I am'. I guess if I have any negative comment if would be that Blane always sounds like he has a sore throat - but then I guess that's how I pick his voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I got so frustrated with Kathleen with her blind faith in Blane. Thank goodness she recognised her real feelings for Kane by the end of the book - saved me throwing something!

Any additional comments?

I am really enjoying this series. I see the next instalment won't be available until May 2014. Hopefully Tiffany Snow will give Kathleen a Happy Ever After - even if it is one that involves one women and the two men she loves!

OMG!!

Just wonderful. Nerve racking, stressful and scary but a MUST read. You won't be disappointed. Well worth the cost or one credit.

Love this series

Oh...Wow...just...wow! I enjoyed all the books in this series so far, but this one was an emotional roller-coaster!! It picks up months after the end of the last book, which was devastating in so many ways! I should have know to keep the box of tissues with me!!!

Kathleen in dealing with the break-up with Blane, her mixed feelings for Kade and some serious PTSD.

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Title: The Thrill of the Haunt

Subtitle: A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery

Author: E. J. Copperman

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-05-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 662 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Alison Kerby's guesthouse is already crowded with spirits. The last thing she needs is a whole new batch of haunts settling in. As Alison's reputation as "the ghost lady" grows, so does her business - and not always in a way she'd like. Tourists may be flocking to her guesthouse for a chance to glimpse her resident spirits, but her special abilities are also bringing unwanted private investigation cases to her door. And she has no choice but to take a case when the local homeless man is found murdered under mysterious circumstances, just hours after asking for help in exorcising a specter.

If that weren't enough to deal with, Alison's other PI case soon turns fatal, as the mistress she was spying on for a jealous wife turns up dead as well. The cases seem like they couldn't possibly be linked, but with a mountain of clues, motives and suspects - both living and dead - Alison will have to think fast before someone else checks out for good....

Editorial Reviews:

Supernatural mystery lovers will thrill to experience this fifth effervescent work in author E. J. Coppermans beloved Haunted Guesthouse Mystery series, which follows spunky sleuth Allison Kerby on her continuing adventures as the crime-solving owner of a genuine haunted mansion. In The Thrill of the Haunt, Kerby finds herself knee-deep in two separate cases - and shes got ghost problems to boot! Little does she know that her investigations are about to collide in a startling cataclysm of crime and (fingers crossed) punishment!

Performer Amanda Ronconi perfectly captures the cozy charm of this clever, frothy mystery, using her wry voice to bring Allisons helter-skelter personality to life!

Members Reviews:

Good series, though getting a bit drab

If you could sum up The Thrill of the Haunt in three words, what would they be?

Books 1-4 Again.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Not really surprised. If you've read any of the previous books, the author loves to have the protagonist plod along while whining and throwing out childish quips, then suddenly have a revelation that makes all the convoluted pieces fall in place. No different here.

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably the very last. It wasn't unexpected, but it was still a nice scene.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not particularly.

Any additional comments?

I like this series. I do. But Amanda keeps writing the same book with different elements.

The outline is pretty much that Allison is presented with a case that she doesn't want to investigate. She whines and mopes and eventually does it based on some silly reason that could easily be gotten around. She plods through the investigation making glaring mistakes and oversights while relying mainly on her ghosts and daughter for true insight.

Throw in a bunch of "comedic" moments worthy of a 90's sitcom and then we get to the resolution where intuitive leaps are made and a seriously convoluted plot gets (somewhat_ unraveled. This book's intertwining and resolution are particularly confusing.

The sad thing is, there's a lot to enjoy here without the silly resolution to the mysteries. These stories would be just as enjoyable with a normal whodunnit resolution. I could also do with less of Allison's whining and 2nd grade sarcasm.

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Title: Slightly Shady

Subtitle: Lake & March, Book 1

Author: Amanda Quick

Narrator: Barbara Rosenblat

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-24-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 119 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Amanda Quick, best-selling author of Regency-era romances, has won many awards for her works, including the New York Times best-selling Wicked Widow. Each work transports fans into a richly detailed world of intrigue and desire. There are now over 25 million copies of her books in print.

Besieged by gambling debts, a desperate gentleman purchases a diary as a tool for blackmail. But he does not live to carry out his plans. He is murdered, and the diary is stolen. Now Tobias March, discrete private investigator, has been hired to find the incriminating diary. Tobias is familiar with danger, but when his inquiries lead him to the beautiful entrepreneur Lavinia Lake, his emotions are sidetracked.

The attraction that grows between Tobias and Lavinia is framed in the sparkling dialog and wit that have attracted millions of fans to Amanda Quick's novels. Superbly narrated by Audie Award-winner Barbara Rosenblat, Slighty Shady is a delicious tale filled with sophistication and suspense, humor and passion.

Members Reviews:

LOVED THE BOOK

THE TWO MAIN CHARACTERS DIALOGUE WAS GREAT. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOBIAS AND LAVINIA REMINDS OF NICK AND NORA IN THE THIN MAN SET IN REGENCY ENGLAND.

AMANDA COULD MAKE THESE CHARACTER IN TO A SERIES. I LOVE THE NARRATOR AS WELL.

Saved by a great performance

The story is classic Amanda Quick formula, so much so that JAK may have used a software program to assemble the parts.

BUT Barbara Rosenblat breathes enough life and fire into the story to make it a worthy listen.

Another Good Book

I really enjoy Amanda Quick books and this was another good book by her. Story had a twist to it that I couldn't get. I Would recommend this book.

Good story horrible narration

The woman sounds like a 30 year smoker and frequently audibly swallows her spit, several times in a row.

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Title: Pagan Spring

Subtitle: A Max Tudor Novel, Book 3

Author: G. M. Malliet

Narrator: Michael Page

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-11-13

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 375 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Vicar Max Tudor, reveling in his new-found personal happiness with Awena Owen, feels that life at the moment holds no greater challenge than writing his Easter sermon. With Awena away, he looks forward to a dinner that includes newcomers to the village like West End dramatist Thaddeus Bottle and his downtrodden wife Melinda. But when one of the dinner guests is found dead in the pre-dawn hours, Max knows a poisonous atmosphere has once again enveloped his perfect village of Nether Monkslip. Connections to long-ago crimes, some sparked by the paintings of a famous local artist, help Max unravel the clues - but can he restore peace to Nether Monkslip and still manage to finish his sermon?

Critic Reviews:

"Contemporary cozies don't get much better than Agatha-winner Malliet's third Max Tudor mystery." (

Publishers Weekly, Starred Review)

Members Reviews:

Great book for Agatha Christie fans!

PAGAN SPRING returns us to the small English village of Nether Monkslip where Max Tutor is an ex MI5 agent turned Anglican priest. His love life with the controversial spiritualist, Awena Owins, continues to blossom. Max also steps into a new possible murder. Thaddeus Bottle has moved back to a hugely renovated mansion in his family's home village. But humble he is not. Everything is about him and his desires. He desire is to be the center of everything, and his recent dinner party brings some upstanding townspeople to his home so they can properly admire the "celebrity" amongst them. But perhaps everyone is not quit so enamored as he might have hoped, as he's dead by the next morning.

Malliet fills her book with wonderful dry English humor, exquisite small town cliches, lovely clues, and characters that definitely entertain the senses. In this particular book, she also deal thoughtfully with some very serious subject matter from World War 2. Must read for cozy fans who want everything a cozy promises plus some excellent commentary on serious matters. Her best one yet!

Wish there were more "seasons" in the year!

I really enjoy the Max Tudor mysteries, and this one did not disappoint in any way. The characters are well developed, and the mystery is fun to try to solve as the story progresses. This series has so far utilized Autumn and Winter--and presumably the next one will be summer. I wonder where GM Malliet will go after that? I pray there will be more Max Tudor books for a long time to come (note to author--you could go for the months, the days, the zodiac signs, --anything--just keep on writing :-) The narration is excellent! A great read!

I really wanted to like this series, but . . .

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I really wanted to like this series. It has some great characters and some interesting twists and turns, but after having read the first 3 books I am going to give up. Father Max has the potential to be a strong lead, but honestly, if the author didn't keep reminding me of his background and how much the villagers (especially the women) were impressed with him I would think of him as a shallow, mostly ineffective character. He just never seems to me to warrant the complements that the other characters continue to give him. He doesn't seem to have great sleuthing skills and his internal monologue is almost whining.

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Title: Trapped

Subtitle: Private Justice, Book 2

Author: Irene Hannon

Narrator: Celeste Ciulla

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-08-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 203 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

When librarian Laura Griffith's 16-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned PI James "Dev" Devlin to help. But the deeper he digs, the more he begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And the closer he gets to uncovering the truth, the clearer it becomes that the situation isn't just dangerous - it's deadly. Chilling and at times terrifying, Trapped is the latest thrilling listen from Irene Hannon, the queen of romantic suspense. Hannon outdoes herself with this fast-paced tale of fear, deception, and just the right dose of romance.

Members Reviews:

Contrived narration made this one difficult ...

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This review might have been different if a different narrator had done the story. I just did not like the contrived tone of the narrator.

What did you like best about this story?

I like Irene Hannon's style of writing very much. Her novels move seamlessly amongst the characters, giving the reader a real sense of what makes each character 'tick'. The character-development of the teenaged sister in this novel was interesting and moving.

How could the performance have been better?

I like Irene Hannon's books and had just finished an audio book that I thoroughly enjoyed ("Deceived") by the same author (though a different narrator). I looked forward to another fast-paced and enjoyable novel as I selected "Trapped" but I simply could not get past my frustration with the narration of the story. I am not usually very critical of narrators. I know that narration is an undervalued professional skill and I have the utmost respect for a good narrator. Ms.Ciulla's style and tone just did not do justice to this novel.

Was Trapped worth the listening time?

I cannot recommend the audio book though I would recommend the novel.

Great Story - Narration not so great...

I really enjoyed the story, but the narrator was clearly just reading lines. Not done as well as some of the others I have listened to.

But... the narration isn't so bad that I won't listen again.. the book is too good for that!

Good Story, horrible narrator!

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book in kindle edition to a friend; not in audiobook. The story is good but the narrator left too much time between sentences and the chapters that it loses your interest. I've started and stopped this book 1/2 a dozen times.

Would you be willing to try another one of Celeste Ciullas performances?

No, I would not.

Cardboard

I wanted to like this book, but it was heavy handed and predictable, even for Christian romance. There is nothing literary here, and the characters, which usually carry this genre, were cardboard. The listen was not helped by the narration, which was full of weird emphases and odd pauses in awkward places. Forgettable.

Play at 1.25 speed

I really enjoy Irene Hannons books. This is part of a trilogy. I read the first before joining Audible. Later, I bought the third book on Audible. I enjoyed the characters so much, I wondered why I hadnt purchased the second book. No sooner had I purchased it and began listening, and I knew why.

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Title: Mortal Bonds

Subtitle: Jason Stafford, Book 2

Author: Michael Sears

Narrator: John Beford Lloyd

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-01-13

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 100 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

From the author of the extraordinary Edgar-nominated debut novel Black Fridays, a sensational story of murder and financial corruption - and one man's continued search for redemption.

William von Becker ran one of the largest privately held investment banks in North America, until the bottom fell out, and the whole edifice was demonstrated to be a fraud.

After von Becker dies in prison, financial investigator Jason Stafford is hired by his family. There is still a lot of missing money out there, he's told, and they want Stafford to find it before the Feds do - and certain other parties, some of whom are nowhere near as scrupulous in their methods. Bad things start happening to the people Stafford talks to. Soon bad things are happening to him as well.

Making it worse, his treacherous ex-wife has come to town, ostensibly to visit their young son. Stafford suspects there's more to it than that, but even he has no idea how much that visit is about to change all their lives - and send him off to the next chapter of his life.

Members Reviews:

Way Beyond Terrific! But Read 'Black Fridays' 1st

Michael Sears has mastered alchemy. He's turned the lead of securities trading into precious reading. You know how a magician can do a trick right in front of you, then do it again and you're still agape? Sears has done it again in "Mortal Bonds" - this second Jason Stafford novel. "Black Fridays" was good, it worried me though that it wouldn't . no couldn't be done again. It was Even better. My only regret is that there is no third Jason Stafford book to yet download.

John Bedford Lloyd is what Scott Brick should be and he has made a masterful difference over the reader of "Black Fridays". He can do voices, creates totally believable females. He handles nuance the way grand prix drivers handle curves. But, he stays invisible In the best ensemble productions, it is a bad performer who stands out. Little wonder that Lloyd holds a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Lloyd is magnificent at allowing Michael Sears' creation to sing much like a great conductor will interpret a terrific composer. But, this seems to be the only Audible book he's read. PITY! The man is brilliant, no wonder he's appeared in scores of movies.

OK this is too long and most won't read it. So just take my advice and start with "Black Fridays" and you'll come in at the beginning of the creation of this complex and clever Jason Stafford epic. Then listen to this pair of alchemists at work in "Mortal Bonds".

FIVE STARS ALL AROUND!

Not as good as the first

I think Michael Sears is a really good writer. The narrator was good - But I liked the previous narrator in book one better - Or at least - I already have the first narrator in my head - So it is hard to say. This book was somewhere between o.k. & good. There were a lot of balls being juggled in this book and it was hard to stay focussed on all the players. I have three sons and a daughter - So when I hear Jason say "My beautiful son" It weirds me out a little. My boys are good looking - My daughter is beautiful - I think he tries to hard with the whole kid story to make us feel a connection.

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Title: Dick Francis' Refusal

Author: Felix Francis

Narrator: Martin Jarvis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-03-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 235 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Six years ago, investigator Sid Halley retired for good. He'd been harassed, beaten, shot, even lost a hand to his investigating business, and enough was enough. For the sake of his wife and new daughter he gave up that life of danger and uncertainty, and he thought nothing would ever lure him back into the game. He thought wrong.

Sir Richard Stewart, chairman of the racing authority, begs Sid to investigate a series of dodgy races. Sid adamantly refuses, but the following day, Sir Richard is found dead under suspicious circumstances. And then a man with an Irish accent contacts Sid, telling him to deliver a whitewashed report about the suspected race-fixing...or else. At first Sid ignores these warnings, knowing that once he submits to this criminal bully, he will forever be under his control. But as the intimidation tactics escalate - and Sid' s own family comes under threat - Sid realizes he must meet his enemy head-on...or he might pay the ultimate price for his refusal.

Members Reviews:

Sid Halley is back

There have been a few authors that have died and their sons have tried to carry on the writing without success. I am happy to say that Felix Francis has done a fairly good job. When Dick Franciss wife died the books lacked the polish she gave it as a master of the English language. This is the second book that Felix has written alone, and he has brought back his Fathers character Sid Halley. Sid is now retired from being a detective, is married with a 6 year old girl and is working on his investments. The head of the British racing as him to help solve a problem with someone fixing the races but he declines. Then the man is dead and a man with a Northern Ireland accent is threatening Sid. The story takes off from here with action, suspense, and humor. I like the stories with more racing action but Sid is no longer racing. Martin Jarvis does a good job with the narration. If you are a Dick Francis fan you will not be disappointed.

His Father's Son

I have to admit that up until this book I haven't been impressed with Felix Frances as a successor to his father. With this book, however, he has truly written a book in Dick Francis' unforgettable style. I found that I couldn't stop listening! I had to know what happened next. If you were a fan of Dick Francis, you will think he has come back to life and written another Sid Halley adventure!

Felix Francis pens a worthy sequel

What did you love best about Dick Francis' Refusal?

Unlike many long term series, which run out of steam, the Dick Francis franchise continues to gallop along. Francis' son, Felix, does a very credible job or bringing Sid Halley back into dectecting. Sure, there are some weak point to the plot, but it's still an enjoyable romp.

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

This is a book that I looked forward to listening to and which ended far too soon.

Same storyline

What did you like best about Dick Francis' Refusal? What did you like least?

Nothing new here. I find these stories entertaining, but they are kinda formulaic. It's hard to get caught up in suspense when you expect what is going to happen next. Well read by narrator.

Another great Sid Halley adventure

entertaining and suspenseful. has the return of many familiar characters. non-offensive PG level. great for younger readers.

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Title: Burn Marks

Subtitle: V. I. Warshawski, Book 6

Author: Sara Paretsky

Narrator: Susan Ericksen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-21-13

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 97 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

"Victoria, sweetie, you look terrific!"

With those words - and the sour yeasty smell of stale beer - Elena, V.I. Warshawskis derelict aunt, reenters her nieces life at three in the morning. Burned out of her SRO hotel, Elena has turned to V.I. for a place to stay. V.I. vows that it will be a short visit and uses some old political contacts to find Elena a room.

When V.I. is hired to investigate the fire at the hotel, her aunt disappears, and her aunts young friend is found dead at a construction site. V.I. is warned off the case by both a high-ranking police officer and a major Chicago developer - who also happens to be a close friend of the chairman of the Cook County Board. After three terrifying attempts on her life, V.I. doesnt know whether its the politicians, the police, or the developers who are after her.

As this, her sixth investigation, takes her deep into the workings of both the construction business and Cook County politics, V.I. discovers a connection between the two that brings her to a confrontation where the line between friend and enemy is redrawn to frightening effect.

Members Reviews:

way to go!!

loved It! again and again her books are addicting! Enjoy all if you can.

V. I.

As always the wonderful V.I triumphs. Tight story with satisfactory ending. Great reader. More please

Contract filler?

Let me start with the good, which is the performance by the reader is excellent. Now the not so good the story is so poor so depressing so far fetched so clichéd so tedious .

Was this done to fill a book contract or is a copy of a clinically depressed fantasist diary I don't know but this is the worst VI book I've come across. The tale of violent police an Aunt that has never been involved before the empty round of days and no real solid crime except bunched up like a Chekhov monologue.

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Title: The Beast

Subtitle: Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus, Book 21

Author: Faye Kellerman

Narrator: Mitchell Greenberg

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-06-13

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 253 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Throughout his years with the LAPD, Peter Decker has handled a number of tough cases and strange killers. But few of his previous assignments compare to his latest case. When Hobart Penny is found dead in his apartment, the cops think that his pet cat - an adult female tiger - attacked the reclusive elderly billionaire. But it soon becomes clear that the beast that killed the eccentric inventor is all too human.

Digging into the victim's life, Decker and his colleagues discover that Penny was an exceptionally peculiar man with exotic tastes, including kinky sex with call girls. Following a trail of clues that leads from a wildlife sanctuary in the San Bernardino Mountains to the wild nightlife of Las Vegas, the LAPD detectives are left juggling too many suspects and too few answers. To break open the case, Decker wrestles with a difficult choice: turning to Chris Donatti, the dangerous man who also happens to be the father of Decker's foster son, Gabriel Whitman.

As their work and intimate worlds collide, Decker and his wife, Rina, find themselves facing tough questions. And when all these shocking truths comes out, exactly how well will Decker and Rina cope, and survive?

Members Reviews:

The Times They Are a-Changin'

In the beginning Faye Kellerman created a unique detective series, heavily character-based and set in the community of ultraorthodox Judaism. Rina Lazarus was so sympathetic that I embraced her character completely, even though I found it hard to accept that a highly intelligent modern American woman would voluntarily choose such a lifestyle.

The first books in the series were great, focused on young widow Rina and LAPD Detective Peter Decker, who marries Rina and becomes a loving stepfather to her two sons. Kellerman has expanded the character base throughout the series, introducing new faces that often stuck around. The most recent two books, "Gun Games" and "The Beast," have been major disappointments, not least because the emphasis on the Decker family has pretty much dissolved. Developments in "Beast" seem to indicate that the series may move in a new direction, which if it is to continue, I think it has to do.

The "mystery"--and I use the term loosely--in "Beast" is ridiculous. If you swallow the premise that a person could keep a Bengal tiger inside a suburban LA apartment complex for 2 years and the neighbors wouldn't even notice--well, I have a bridge you might like to buy. It does allow for some nice gruesome scenes, however, and the story moves along breezily, a (very) lightweight read. The big question is, What Will Faye Kellerman Do Next?

I would be happy to see Gabe Whitman and Chris Donati carry the leads in a book of their own. And I really want to know what's happened in the life of Jacob Lazarus Decker (Rina's younger son, now 30, the only character who seemed to have serious problems with the orthodox lifestyle of his parents). There's a throwaway line in "Beast" about the possibility of Gabe and Jake traveling to India together; therein lies an interesting possibility.

And as long as things are changing, I think it's time for a new narrator, and I'd really like to ditch the Jasmine character, at least until she grows up. The two problems may be related.