Download Popular Authors Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

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Title: Lucy

Author: Laurence Gonzales

Narrator: Abby Craden, Kim Mai Guest

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-13-10

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 61 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Laurence Gonzaless electrifying adventure opens in the jungles of the Congo. Jenny Lowe, a primatologist studying chimpanzeesthe bonobosis running for her life. A civil war has exploded and Jenny is trapped in its crosshairs.

She runs to the camp of a fellow primatologist, but the rebels have already been there. Everyone is dead except a young girl, the daughter of Jennys brutally murdered fellow scientistand competitor.

Jenny and the child flee, Jenny grabbing the notebooks of the primatologist whos been killed. She brings the girl to Chicago to await the discovery of her relatives. The girl is 15 and lovelyher name is Lucy.

Realizing that the child has no living relatives, Jenny begins to care for her as her own. When she reads the notebooks written by Lucys father, she discovers that the adorable, lovely, magical Lucy is the result of an experiment: she is part human, part apea hybrid human being.

Laurence Gonzaless novel grabs you from its opening pages and you stay with it, mesmerized by the shy but fierce, wonderfully winning Lucy.

Critic Reviews:

Masterful. . . utterly memorable. (Kirkus)

A fast-paced Crichtonesque thriller. . . (Entertainment Weekly)

"An imaginative leap in a nail-biting story....Gonzales raises profound questions about identity, family, animal and human rights, and genetic engineering without compromising the ever-escalating suspense. Lucy is irresistible, her predicament wrenching, and Gonzales imaginative, sweet-natured, hard-charging, and deeply inquisitive thriller will be a catalyst for serious thought and debate." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Wasted Potential :(

The book's premise immediately fascinated me. The author has enough ideas/material for at least 3 books, yet he forces it into a single, cursory book. I was extremely disappointed by how little the scientific, philosophical, and ethical issues were discussed.

The lack of character depth surprised me. The author frequently states that character X felt emotion Y, as opposed to allowing characters' actions to speak for themselves. For example, look at Lucy's first human friend, Amanda. Other than being a "teenager", Amanda's only other character trait is "having an alcoholic/absent, possibly abusive, mom". Ultimately, very little happens as conflicts seldom arise, and when they do, they are resolved a few paragraphs or a chapter later, creating no real suspense. I did enjoy the few character vignettes when they actually appeared.

The narrator's point of view is all over the place: mostly Jenny, sometimes Lucy, and once a boardroom full of evil scientists. The omniscient perspective is jumbled, yet limited and topical. A better approach might be for Jenny to narrate a chapter, then Lucy to narrate the next one, reflecting on their shared experiences.

If I had written this book, excepts from Professor Stone's (Lucy's father's) journals would have appeared liberally throughout the entire book, giving insights into Lucy's early life and her relationship with her father. This would have also kept the deceased Prof. Stone active/present in the story.

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Title: Typhoon

Author: Joseph Conrad

Narrator: Roger Allam

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-26-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 51 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Typhoon is the story of a steamship and her crew beset by a tempest and of the captain whose dogged courage is tested to the limit.

Captain MacWhirr was an ordinary man. However, when his steamer Nan-Shan blunders into a hurricane, he and his crew must pull together to survive. The steadfast courage of an undemonstrative captain and the imaginative readiness of his young first mate becomes a partnership vital to human survival as they are challenged from without by the elements, and from within by human doubts and fears.

Members Reviews:

A great classic, very well narrated

I have wanted to read this book for a long time and finally downloaded it. I loved it and had a hard time putting this story aside. The outcome of the ship and crew are never certain and the captain is an interesting character with depth. The assortment of characters that are on this ship adds to the drama and seems to be well picked from experience the author had at sea. The description of the storm is as good as it gets bringing the reader into the horrible situation of the ship and her crew. The narration is stupendous and earned the already great story an extra star. There is no reason not to listen to this classic, highly recommended.

Great story, great prose, great reading

While Typhoon may not be one of Conrad's deepest works, the story of the typhoon and the Captain who gets the ship through it and the demoralized crew he rallies, is hold your breath exciting. The descriptions of the storm tossed ship are fantastic. If this book were on the best-seller list today it should be number 0. I mean better than first. The narrator understands this story and it shows in his reading. As you can tell, I really like this book.

Incredible experience, masterful performance.

After listening to this book narrated by Roger Allam my body and mind feel like I had actually been there. I'm still wrung out and stunned. What an experience! ...And I am still alive to tell the tale.

Literature Disguised as Adventure Tale

There are passages in Conrad's novels that should no longer be so stunningly beautiful to me, since they are so frequent they should be expected. But they are. They are worth rewinding (a tricky task in the digital age). Allam's narration is flawless-picks the spirited prose of Conrad right off the pages.

Gripping narrative

One of the best readers ever brings to life a dramatic tale of a ship's survival of a massive storm

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Title: The Shadow of Your Smile

Author: Mary Higgins Clark

Narrator: Jan Maxwell

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-13-10

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

In The Shadow of Your Smile, worldwide best-selling author Mary Higgins Clark weaves a spellbinding thriller revolving around a long-held family secret that threatens to emerge and take the life of an unsuspecting heiress.

At age 82 and in failing health, Olivia Morrow knows she has little time left. The last of her line, she faces a momentous choice: expose a long-held family secret, or take it with her to her grave.

Olivia has in her possession letters from her deceased cousin Catherine, a nun, now being considered for beatification by the Catholic Church - the final step before sainthood. In her lifetime, Sister Catherine had founded seven hospitals for disabled children. Now the cure of a four-year-old boy dying of brain cancer is being attributed to her. After his case was pronounced medically hopeless, the boy's desperate mother had organized a prayer crusade to Sister Catherine, leading to his miraculous recovery.

The letters Olivia holds are the evidence that Catherine gave birth at age 17 to a child, a son, and gave him up for adoption. Olivia knows the identity of the young man who fathered Catherine's child: Alex Gannon, who went on to become a world-famous doctor, scientist, and inventor holding medical patents.

Now, two generations later, 31-year-old pediatrician Dr. Monica Farrell, Catherine's granddaughter, stands as the rightful heir to what remains of the family fortune. But in telling Monica who she really is, Olivia would have to betray Catherine's wishes and reveal the story behind Monica's ancestry.

The only people aware of Olivia's impending choice are those exploiting the Gannon inheritance. To silence Olivia and prevent Monica from learning the secret, some of them will stop at nothing....even murder.

Clark's riveting new novel explores the juxtaposition of medical science and religious faith, and the search for identity by the daughter of a man adopted at birth.

Members Reviews:

Good but go unabridged

Good but go unabridged. I think it would have been better with all of the details.

Loved it!

Would you listen to The Shadow of Your Smile again? Why?

I am a read it once kind of person, but I was engrossed in this book.

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Title: A Secret Rage

Author: Charlaine Harris

Narrator: Johanna Parker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-02-10

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 279 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Former New York City model Nickie Callahan is looking forward to the easy life when she moves to the sleepy college town of Knolls, Tennessee. But the women of Knolls are not safe. And as Nickie gets swept up in a string of brutally violent crimes, she must take matters of justice into her own hands.

Members Reviews:

Trademark Charlaine Harris

There is something about the way Charlaine Harris develops the character, and Johanna Parker's delivery, that quickly endears the character to the reader. No wonder, then, that when the drama and the tragedy unfold, you cannot help but empathize with the heroine. It pierced my soul.

My only complaint is that this was never made into a series. Oh, and the references to Jane Austen were a welcome touch!

Brave, unflinching, confrontation of rape

Charlaine Harris wrote " A Secret Rage" back in the mid-80's, long before she became famous for her mysteries and her vampire series.

It can be read as a short, well-constructed mystery that keeps the reader guessing while giving an insight into life in a small college town in the South, but it is much more than that.

At its core, " A Secret Rage" is a hard hitting, unflinching look at what rape is, what it does to the people it is inflicted on and to the people around them.

The rape scene is brutal and vivid without being exploitative. The descriptions of the impact of the rape, of the rage it produces, of the scars it leaves, of the bravery needed to face it and the love needed to respond to it are emotionally hard hitting because they feel authentic and unfiltered.

This is a novel with an agenda: no woman deserves to be raped and no rapist should be allowed to go unpunished.

It is also a story about how women can help and support each other or how they can inflict more pain through shame and blame.

Recorded Books produced "A Secret Rage" as part of the "Southern Voices" series. Johanna Parker's performance brings these voices to life and anchors the story in an authentic setting that makes it harder for the reader to distance themselves from the story.

This is not a light read. If you aren't in tears, if your rage isn't stirred, if your revulsion is not awakened, then you weren't listening to the same book I was.

Much as I love the Sookie Stackhous books (so much better than the TV series) and the Harper Connelly books, I think this is the book of hers that I will remember the longest.

Not up to her other work

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

If you want to read everything written by Charlaine Harris then go for it. But it is not as charming and engrossing as her Sookie Stackhouse or Harper Connelly series, which are the only other books by her I have read. I couldn't put those down while I had to push to finish listening to this one.

Has A Secret Rage turned you off from other books in this genre?

Not at all.

What about Johanna Parkers performance did you like?

She was fine, the material was not.

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

No

Any additional comments?

I'll keep reading Ms. Harris, but not her earlier works.

A SECRET RAGE

THIS BOOK MUST BE AN EARLY DRAFT FOR CHARLAINE HARRIS -

IT DRAGGED AND WAS SLOW IN KEY AREAS IN THE BOOK WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE POPPED OUT WITH EXCITMENT.

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Title: Felicias Journey

Author: William Trevor

Narrator: Simon Prebble

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-23-10

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

A stunning, rich novel of suspense from one of Irelands most distinguished writers.

In Felicias Journey, Trevor gently explores the intricate relationship between a predator and his intended victim.

Felicia is young and pregnant, having stolen away from a small Irish town to search for her boyfriend in the industrial sprawl of the English Midlands. Fat, 50ish, and unfailingly reasonable, Mr. Hilditch is looking for a new friend to join the five other girls he has befriended. Under Trevors master hand, both characters become startlingly sympathetic in their tragic dance from which only one of them will emerge victoriousand alive.

Critic Reviews:

"Felicia's Journey is a simple tale told with a subtle complexity. Felicia is an Irish country girl who has come to England to look for her jilted lover. Hilditch is a mild-mannered, gentle psychopath who lures the helpless Felicia into his trap. Interestingly, we see the story from each character's eyes when they are separate, but from Hilditch's view when they are together. It is an unusual and effective device that distorts the perspective and adds texture to a classic story. Trevor won a Whitbread Prize in 1994 for Felicia's Journey." (Amazon.com review)

Members Reviews:

Literary

I discovered Mr. Trevor's short fiction by purchasing a used library book, so I wanted to read a novella by him. He is a master of the short story, as good as Chekov, and I wasn't disappointed by Felicia's Journey. This novel is beautifully written, never gratuitously violent, and written by a man with a finely tuned ear to the English language. Amazingly, he says so very much in such a short work. I highly recommend this novel.

sad, disturbing

A well written, quick, but provocative read. The characters are complicated, sad, disturbing.

nice

a delightful find of a 20th century author.

Enjoyable if you like serial killers

Really enjoyed the novel. Saw the movie and that wasn't bad. I enjoy William Trevor's writing style and this provided an interesting take on the psyche of a serial killer.

A LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT...

This is an intriguing book of psychological suspense for which its author was the recipient of the 1994 Whitbread Award. Written by a master storyteller, it tells the story of two people whose lives interconnect, only to have repercussions for both in the most unexpected ways.

Felicia is a seventeen year old motherless and naive Irish girl, who has become intimate with an Irish boy named Johnny. Of course, the expected ensues, and after Johnny has left Ireland and returned to England where he ostensibly works, Felicia is left holding the bag. Her disapproving father suspects Johnny of actually being in the British Army and, thus, a traitor to his own. He also has a few choice words for his daughter, now that she is in the family way, and none of it is flattering. So, Felicia leaves her rural village and her family and goes off in search of Johnny, having nothing more than the vaguest of ideas where he might be.

She crosses the Irish Sea and arrives in the English Midlands in the industrial city of Birmingham, as she believes Johnny to be working in a lawn mower factory there. In her search for Johnny, she runs into the portly catering manager for one of the local factories.

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Title: Popped

Subtitle: A Regan Reilly Mystery

Author: Carol Higgins Clark

Narrator: Carol Higgins Clark

Format: Abridged

Length: 4 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-19-10

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

It's up, up and away with sleuth Regan Reilly -- in a lively new caper from beloved New York Times best-selling author Carol Higgins Clark.

L.A.-based private detective Regan Reilly flies to Las Vegas to help an old school chum, Danny Madley. Danny is producing the pilot of a reality TV show, "Love Above Sea Level." But someone is trying to sabotage Danny's show before he can shoot the final scene at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Is the culprit one of the contestants on Danny's show? Could it be the advice columnists Danny has hired who are there to help rekindle the sparks between the husbands and wives? Is it Danny's right hand man Victor, a local Vegas boy Danny met while gambling? Or his cameraman Sam, who would much rather be surfing than working? There is no shortage of suspects and no shortage of mishaps.

From their base in The Fuzzy Dice Hotel, Regan tries to help Danny keep his production on an even keel. Jealousy among the "Love Above Sea Level" contestants escalates. Mysterious, inexplicable events keep occurring. But Regan is determined to keep Danny's show on schedule and she'll do whatever it takes.

Popped is written with Clark's expert light touch and filled with the richly drawn quirky characters so relished by her fans. As Nelson DeMille says, "Clark keeps her readers entranced and entertained from cover to cover."

Members Reviews:

Up Up And Away

I have read many of her books but this one took me the longest. OK plot but sort of hokey.

Four Stars

Excellent Product and Service. Thank you

Preposterous

Not up to par with other Regan Reilly mysteries by Carol Higgins Clark. Dismal setting in two low class Lad Vegas hotels. Characters were beyond weird and story line was preposterous. Forced myself to finish. Big disappointment.

:: It was not as exciting or interesting ...

::It was not as exciting or interesting as the other Regan Reilly mysteries.

Too darn slow

I felt like the book just really drug on. The dialogue between the characters was really sappy. I think it needed a lot more action. Don't think I would recommend the book to anybody

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Title: Devils in Exile

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Chuck Hogan

Narrator: Jim Frangione

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-09-10

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 51 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Neal Maven returns to Boston from his tour in Iraq only to discover that the country he vowed to protect has little use for him now. Armed with a highly specialized set of skills he can't use and bitter toward the rest of his generation -- the men and women who remained stateside, and are therefore years ahead of him both personally and professionally -- Maven fears he is near his breaking point.

And then he meets Brad Royce. Royce is everything Maven wants to be: a fellow vet, charismatic and confident, principled, wealthy, and with a beautiful woman on his arm. Not just any beautiful woman, but Danielle Vetti -- the most stunning girl from Maven's high school. Literally the girl of his dreams.

Royce offers Maven a much-needed job, and Maven soon finds himself a part of Royce's team of "sugar bandits," a group of fellow veterans who use their military skills to intercept major drug deals, taking the dirty money while destroying the product -- a get-rich scheme with a clear moral imperative. Though exceedingly dangerous and certainly illegal, the efforts of these modern-day Robin Hoods provide Maven with the adrenaline charge he's craved since his decommission. Besides, Maven can't resist the chance to be in Danielle's orbit once again.

Suddenly, Maven's life is better than he ever thought possible: a soldier in a civilian's world, he is once again able to do something he excels at, and rediscovers the camaraderie he's sorely lacked since his return. He can get into any club, eat at any restaurant, be with any woman he wants -- except, of course, his dream girl.

It's almost too good to be true.

Members Reviews:

Good book, but feels rushed.

Would you listen to Devils in Exile again? Why?

I started to listen for a second time, but then I realized it wasn't so heavily detailed that I'd enjoy it again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Devils in Exile?

I related to the main character very well, it was easy for me to imagine the situations and emotions the author described, minus the criminal activity...

Have you listened to any of Jim Frangiones other performances before? How does this one compare?

First listen for me, but he did a great job.

Any additional comments?

This book intrigued me. If it were to be made into a movie like 'Prince of Thieves', I'd definitely see it. However, the screenplay adaptation would have potential to be better. Parts of the book needed more detail. Some of the relationships between the characters needed better development. The beginning, character development, main parts of the plot, and the ending were well built, but the buildup was light, the suspense-driven juicy stuff wasn't juicy enough. That's the stuff that makes you crave the end just to see what happens.

Thrilling and Fantastic

I found this book on a whim and thought I'd try it out. I am so glad I did. The story was so compelling and exciting. The only thing that could have helped the story any more is if it was told from first person of the main character. Other than that, I'd recommend it! They should definitely make a movie out of it!

Full of action

I really enjoyed this book. Love the main character Maven. Torn between right and wrong after coming back from the sandbox, he's lost and looking for something to fill what he lost when leaving the military and his job, a spec operator.

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Title: Pirate Latitudes

Author: Michael Crichton

Narrator: John Bedford Lloyd

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-16-09

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 33 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Following on from the best-selling Next, Michael Crichton's new novel will repeat the winning formula established with novels such as Jurassic Park: to identify future trends in science and imagine the most astonishing - and terrifying - possibilities that they hold for Mankind.

Always interesting, often controversial, Next and State of Fear put him straight back in the headlines - and best-seller charts - and reaffirmed his position as the thriller master. Nothing less is expected of the next book from the man who managed to make subjects such as DNA, nanotechnology, and global warming both enormously popular and hugely exciting.

Members Reviews:

An Absolute Must Read

When I first decided on this book I was a bit skeptical. Being a big pirate-genre as well as historical-genre fan I'm always on the lookout for a great fiction read which still contains the historic details that make the era which one is reading about so much more interesting. This book does just that. Michael Crichton has once again written a book which will become a permanent fixture on many book shelves. Intrigue, suspense, action, adventure, amazing depth of personality in each of the characters made this book a 5 star read for me.

The narration by John Bedford Lloyd deserves a further 5 stars. His amazing talent at defining each and every character in this book left me truly amazed, especially when it came to the swift yet smooth changed between both characters and the various accents required.

If you enjoy a good adventure read, something as good as Jurassic Park, then this is the book for you!

A real surprise!

I'm a big fan of Michael Crichton but I was a bit apprehensive about this title - seemed to be another 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. However I was very impressed with it, a very compelling and factual novel with lots of action. Well worth a download.

I'm not sure?

Really, this is Michael Chrichton writing this? I think he would turn in his grave if he knew it was published. Its just a swashbuckling pirate yarn, like Johnny Depp on steroids.

An easy listen

I'd been looking forward to reading this, and did enjoy it, but felt that the ending was a little rushed. I didn't feel it was as fascinating and enthralling as other Michael Crichton books. On the positive side, it was easy listening and a good yarn.

ok

Was good.

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Title: Reap the Wind

Author: Iris Johansen

Narrator: Laural Merlington

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-08-09

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 52 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Some would kill to know what Caitlin Vasaro knows. For the secrets she's kept hidden all her life are the kind the rich and powerful will do anything to possess. But not even Caitlin knows how much danger she is in - or how far someone will go to hunt her down. But she is about to find out when she enters a business deal with the mysterious and charismatic Alex Karazov and joins the hunt for one of the world's most coveted treasures, the Wind Dancer, an ancient statue of legendary beauty and power. But Karazov is a dangerous man who has an even more dangerous enemy and suddenly Caitlin is thrust into a shadowy world of intrigue and deception, unable to trust anyone, not even the one man who can help. Now she must outsmart the cleverest of killers, a psychopath obsessed with the Wind Dancer whose ruthless plan spans continents and whose lethal rampage won't stop at one death...or two...or even three - not until he finally gets what he wants: the secret Caitlin will die to keep.

©2002 Iris Johansen; (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Members Reviews:

Loved this book when I read it!

I enjoyed it even more having it read to me! I will look for the continued story of Marissa and Kamal!

great book

Would you listen to Reap the Wind again? Why?

yes, read the book when it first came out and have reread it many times.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Reap the Wind?

when they were able to get the Wind Dancer for the campain

Which character as performed by Laural Merlington was your favorite?

Caitlin

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

yes, very hard to put down

Any additional comments?

very very disappointed the first two books are not in audio. would love to have them in my collection also. This the very best trilogy written by Iris Johansen. I love her books.

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Title: Envy the Night

Author: Michael Koryta

Narrator: Mark Boyett

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-28-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 256 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

It has been seven years since Frank Temple III joined the rest of the world in learning his father's bloody secret: The U.S. marshal maintained a covert career as a contract killer, a double-life that ended in suicide to avoid prosecution and prison. The shocking revelation triggered years of anonymous drifting for Frank, time spent running from his legacy and struggling to believe that the father he'd loved so dearly was entirely in the wrong. After all, the victims hadn't been innocents. And Devin Matteson, the man who'd lured his father into the killing game only to later give him up to the FBI, is probably the darkest of the lot.

Those are troubling thoughts, and Frank tries to stay away from them. But when an old family friend calls to say that Matteson is returning to the isolated Wisconsin lake that was once sacred ground for their families, it's a homecoming Frank knows he can't allow.

His arrival in town reveals a situation far from the expected, though. While Matteson is nowhere to be found, his old cabin is indeed occupied - by a strange, beautiful woman and a nervous man with a gun. When a pair of assassins from Miami arrive on their heels, Frank knows Matteson can't be far behind. And while the wise move would be to call in the police and get out of town fast, that just doesn't feel right. After all, contract killer or not, Frank's father was at heart a teacher. And his son excelled at the lessons.

Family secrets, mob hit-men, and a father's shadowy legacy combine to make this Koryta's most compelling thriller yet.

Critic Reviews:

"Koryta is one of the best of the best, plain and simple." (Michael Connelly)

"This thriller places Koryta solidly in the company of the genre's most powerful voices." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Wow. Really good suspense thriller.

Good ending. Good lines. I didnt want to stop reading.

I liked Frank. His hit man father trained him with guns and fighting. When faced with violence, hes lightning fast and tough. Its fun that bad guys have no idea what theyre up against. But Frank does not want a violent profession. He has been wandering for several years, trying different colleges. He thought about writing.

I liked the character Ezra. He came from Detroit where he was around too much violence - killing and maiming for dollars. To get away he volunteered for Vietnam, which wasnt as bad. Then he moved to northern Wisconsin and became a hunting and fishing guide. I liked his thought that the lake and forest drained away the violence. It had healed him. I loved that Ezra was an unknown threat. Thugs had no idea what they were up against.

I liked the end of the book. The main characters survive. They are kind of lost, yet they want to stay in the area. Its as if they will be healed by staying there - kind of the way Ezra was healed. I liked the way the author described a neediness in the eyes.

Throughout the book, I was smiling. - smiling at the joy of a good writer. There were some great action scenes. Some hit men come to the area. They attack Nora who owns an auto body shop. Frank coincidentally arrives in time to save her. More attacks and violence come later.

I liked the logic and reasons for characters put in harms way. I didnt feel the author was using stupidity except one time. Nora did something stupid which put her in danger.