Get Best Sellers Audiobooks in Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

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Title: The Master Sniper

Author: Stephen Hunter

Narrator: Christopher Lane

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-29-10

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 118 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

With a snipers rifle he has calmly executed hundreds of enemy soldiers in a single battle, and gunned down thousands of innocent civilians in a single day, waiting patiently for the barrel of his gun to cool before resuming his craft

It is the spring of 1945. And Repp, the master sniper, is about to carry out his final mission even as Germanys enemies overrun it, even while a tired, disorganized team of American and British agents tries everything in its power to stop him. Because for Repp, this is the job at which he cannot fail. For this time, he possesses the ultimate killing tool. And with it, he will commit the ultimate crime.

Critic Reviews:

"Mesmerizing suspense (Kirkus Reviews)

>Hunter is a deft craftsman with a sure sense of pace and scene. He also knows about irony and sprinkles just a bit over every corpse. (The Washington Post)

Stephen Hunter is the best writer of straight-out thrillers working today. (Rocky Mountain News)

Members Reviews:

Great cure for insomnia

Stephen Hunter has been on my required reading list since the release of the movie Shooter. I was less than impressed with the movie, and since it's always been said the book is better than the movie I decided to see if this was again the case. After the first read, I was hooked. I've been through each of the Swagger series since then. Having run out of Swagger adventures to get me through my days as an over the road truck driver, I decided I'd give his other novels a shot, and The Master Sniper was my first purchase.

I regret to say that I am not impressed. The commentor above me remarked that this novel is "fast paced." Perhaps it is...after the first three or four hours. I wouldn't know, as that's as far as I could safely listen. After an incredibly long, and mind-numbingly boring bout of character introductions, I was left wondering if there would be time for the story itself to develop before the end. Two times within the first hour I found myself nodding off. As I mentioned, I drive a commercial vehicle for a living, NOT a good place to be nodding off. I turned the Ipod off and went back to music. However, I've known many novels to start off boring but eventually turn into a masterpiece so I decided to give this one a second shot. BIG mistake. The most exciting scene I came across was that of the fellow prisoners being sniped while "the jew" manages to escape. I'd hoped that this scene would be the redemption, but the ensuing chase and eventual, lackadaisical calling off of the pursuit were the final straw.

I'd hoped I could say that the duldrum was merely due to the monotous drone of the narrator, for that would somewhat redeem Mr. Hunter's writing, but sadly this is not the case. The narrator was indeed incompetent...I felt like I was listening to someone who was contemplating suicide with each syllable. His "german" accent was more difficult to understand than that guy from the Micro Machines commercials of the 90's. Horrible purchase. DO NOT BUY.

The Master Sniper

This was a great story about a German Sniper. Enjoyed the scene in the battle in Russia. The story was fast paced and moved through a brutal time in World War II history. The development of the night scope was interesting. The ending was interesting. (won't give it away) This was in many ways a cat and mouse story with the allies hunting down the sniper.

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Title: Shadow Zone

Author: Iris Johansen, Roy Johansen

Narrator: Jennifer Van Dyck

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-20-10

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 170 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

While mapping the ancient underwater city of Marinth in the Atlantic Ocean, submersible designer Hannah Bryson makes a shocking discovery: she may have finally uncovered the truth about the once-glorious citys mysterious demise. Long ago, it was a thriving metropolis bursting with culture and life Marinths sudden disappearance has puzzled scientists for years. But now, with her unexpected new findings, Hannah realizes that the ancient citys explosive secret could have dire consequences for the modern-day world.

But Hannah isnt the only one who realizes it. When her key artifact is hijacked en route to a research lab, she is thrust into an adventure in which she must match wits against a terrifying enemy who will kill anyone who stands in his way. And when Hannah becomes his target, she knows that her best hope for survival lies with Kirov, a mysterious and deadly man from her past. Together they will race to unravel Marinths last great secret in order to prevent a catastrophe of global proportions. Before the lethal game is over, however, Hannah will realize that no one is above suspicion.

Critic Reviews:

"In this adrenalin-accelerating tale of a high-stakes, high-seas conspiracy, the Johansens adeptly juggle multiple points of intrigue, smoothly balancing the prerequisite whirlwind pacing with plausible, even restrained, personal relationships. And Hannah emerges as a prepossessing, determined heroine who is more than capable of sustaining this absorbing series." (

Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Got this book on a whim

Any additional comments?

I bought this one almost a year ago. My wife likes to point out I stick with the same authors, and I need to expand my horizons. So to prove that my horizons are just fine, and I'm not afraid to expand them, I spend a few hours looking for a new author and book to read/listen to. This was the book I came up with. I even started reading the book, but after the trellis is taken out of the depths of underwater city, the story got really boring. I put it down, as it couldn't hold my interest.

So this month, I went through my monthly book before the fifth of the October. Wanting to stick to my budget, I decided to give this book another try. Once again, I found the opening few chapters fascinating, but the book's character changes from one of discovery of an ancient civilization (Super interesting) to a plot to develop a bio-terrorist weapon and sell it to the highest bidder. I did finish the book but there was a lot of unanswered questions and a failure to tie up some of the loose strings.

Character development was a bit weak. The main protagonist was a too smart and too rigidly tied to a moral and values system to be a real character. In reality, we are all dichotomous creatures, containing both good and bad impulses and characteristics. These characters were either good or bad, not a mix of both. Perhaps I have been spoiled by reading too many George R. R. Martin books, where the characters are complex.

The narrator was very good. So, I am a guy, and one of the problems of being a guy is we tend to visualize women. If your a guy you know what I am talking about. I can't tell you how many times I want to see the woman on the other side of the phone, just on the basis that the person "sounds cute." The narrator's voice for Eugenia, is such a character.

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Title: The Day of the Jack Russell

Author: Colin Bateman

Narrator: Stephen Armstrong

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-02-10

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 36 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

The Small Shop Keeper With No Name is back. Hired to find the vandals responsible for spraying graffiti on an insurance magnate's advertising hoarding, he soon finds himself battling to solve murders that echo in the corridors of power.

With MI5 involved and everyone on the hunt for a missing Jack Russell, can our hero stay alive as well as keep his world renowned bookshop afloat?

Members Reviews:

Quirky, funny worthwile suspense novel

Bateman has a talent for writing and describing odd, fun characters in his stories. The situations are comical even though there is danger lurking in the shadows, and Bateman pulls off the story and makes it work. I like his stories and have enjoyed the two books in this series. The main character is an odd duck an one wonders what Colin Bateman must be like in real life to be able to describe him so well - but the stories are fun and the dialog moves along and is well written. This book is a good time and worth a read.

I smiled and laughed a lot

I found this the funniest book I have listened to in a long time and also the one I have enjoyed the most. The plot was improbable as was the main character. The narrator was very good. A dog in the plot always improves a book. I would strongly recommend this book.

Mystery Man's Back

First off, this was a great title, and secondly we finally meet the dreaded mother. It's no wonder he's the shell of a man he is, the mother is AWFUL (in a great, Thank God she's not my maw way!).

A new assignment involving You Tube, kidnapping and a stuffed Jack Russell interferes with love and parenthood. A good listen.

Something missing...

I enjoyed the first in the series (Mystery Man) so much, it was a tough act to follow. The story here wasn't quite as good, but I might change my mind about this on subsequent listens - I often do. Some audiobooks need time to bed in. I really enjoyed the narration - just the right tone to round out the protagonist I imagine the Mystery Man to be.

absolute classic

The whole of this series is possibly the best I have listened to ever. very clever and very very funny. Worth starting at the begining with colin batemans " mystery man" and going through all four books.

A definate credit worthy book

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Title: Rogue Warrior: Designation Gold

Author: Richard Marcinko, John Weisman

Narrator: Richard Marcinko

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-10-10

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 38 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

The Rogue Warrior has come to Moscow to investigate the assassination of Paul Mahon, U.S. Defense attach in Russia. Marcinko knows who killed him -- Andrei Yudin, a godfather in the Russian Mafia -- and he wants to know why. Instead, he finds a cabal of corrupt, mob-linked russian politicians. The revelation gets him yanked back to Washington, where orders come down to disband his elite team of SEALs.

But even as the Pentagon's chain of command becomes a noose around his neck, Marcinko begins to cut and slash his way to the truth behind Mahon's death. More about survival than revenge, his mission soon leads him to a black-market network peddling terrorism in Paris, sinister trading in the Middle East, and a devil of a deal that puts American's safety up for sale.

Members Reviews:

awesome

I love this author he makes everything seem so real. I feel like I'm actually in battle with him

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Title: Every Dead Thing

Author: John Connolly

Narrator: Titus Welliver

Format: Abridged

Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-27-10

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 26 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Former NYPD detective Charlie "Bird" Parker is on the verge of madness. Tortured by the unsolved slayings of his wife and young daughter, he is a man consumed by guilt, regret, and the desire for revenge.

When his former partner asks him to track down a missing girl, Parker finds himself drawn into a world beyond his imagining -- one where thirty year old killings remain shrouded in fear and lies, a world where the ghosts of the dead torment the living, a world haunted by the murderer responsible for the deaths in his family, a serial killer unlike any other, a monster who uses the human body to create works of art and takes faces as his prize. But the search awakens buried instincts in Parker: instincts for survival, for compassion, for love, and, ultimately, for killing.

Aided by a beautiful young psychologist and a pair of career criminals, he becomes the bait in a trap set in the humid bayous of Louisiana, a trap that threatens the lives of everyone in its reach. Driven by visions of the dead and the voice of an old black psychic who met a terrible end, Parker must seek a final, brutal confrontation with a murderer who has moved beyond all notions of humanity, who has set out to create a hell on earth: the serial killer known only as the Travelling Man.

In the tradition of classic American detective fiction, Every Dead Thing is a tense, richly-plotted thriller, filled with memorable characters and gripping action. It is also a profoundly moving novel, concerned with the nature of loyalty, of love, and of forgiveness. Lyrical and terrifying, it is an ambitious debut, triumphantly realized.

Members Reviews:

abridged may be the problem

I love murder mysteries, I enjoy novels with macabre or scarey parts, but this book left me cold. (I think it may be because it was abridged. I have to look more carefully when I order from Audible.) I never felt connected to these characters, and parts of the story were confusing. And I was never scared.

Love Titus. Too many characters for a crime novel.

I'm a Titus fan and was drawn too this novel after finishing the Michael Connolly series. I felt that the character development was a little weaker than I'm used to, while there were more characters. I'm sure the author intended this to enrich and even obfuscate who the killer was. Unfortunately, it also took away from the immersion I experienced while listening to the story.

The pace of the story was a appropriate, considering the content; however, the chapter divisions and blank content in the middle of chapters was distracting and a bit disorienting. I'm not sure if this was done for impact or were editing errors.

Overall, 4 stars.

What happened here?

This story was tough to follow as though pieces of the narrative had been chopped out. There also was two totally silent areas. I guess Titus had gone for a bathroom break. As usual Titus Welliver was terrific and I believe the unabridged version would have been much more enjoyable.

Story all over the place

Thought I'd try this author. Chose the Titus Welliver version because I love him on Amazon original "Bosch" was expecting similar to Michael Connelly. Sadly for me it was not. Way too gory and the plot so unbelievable and all over the place. It's his first so maybe they'll get better. I always start first in the series.

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Titre: Shutter Island

Auteur: Dennis Lehane

Narrateur: Antoine Tomé

Format: Unabridged

Durée: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Langue: Français

Date de publication: 01-25-10

Éditeur: Audiolib

Evaluation: 4 sur 5 sur 3 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Résumé de l'éditeur:

Nous sommes dans les années cinquante. Au large de Boston, sur un îlot nommé Shutter Island, se dresse un groupe de bâtiments à l'allure sinistre. C'est un hôpital psychiatrique dont les patients, tous gravement atteints, ont commis des meurtres.

Deux marshals arrivent, à la demande des autorités, pour enquêter sur la disparition de l'une des patientes. Comment a-t-elle pu sortir d'une celle fermée à clé de l'extérieur? Le seul indice est une feuille de papier sur laquelle on peut lire une suite de chiffres et de lettres sans signification apparente. Au fur et à mesure que le temps passe, les deux policiers s'enfoncent dans un monde de plus en plus opaque et angoissant, jusqu'au choc final de la vérité.

Par son sens aigu du dialogue, le narrateur saura jouer avec vos nerfs et vous transportera à mille lieues de ce que vous avez imaginé.

L'auteur

est né en 1966 à Dorchester dans le Massachusetts. Après des études à Boston, il suit un cursus à l'université internationale de Floride. Tout en écrivant son premier livre

, il vit de métiers divers (livreur, libraire, chauffeur). Ancien éducateur dans le secteur de l'enfance maltraitée, il reprendra ce thème dans la majorité de ses oeuvres. Ses livres sont des succès mondiaux. Ils ont déjà donné lieu à trois films: Mystic River ; Gone, baby, gone et Shutter Island.

Le narrateur

, comédien récompensé par un 1er prix de Conservatoire est aussi musicien (auteur, compositeur, interprète). Il est la voix française de John Travolta, Dennis Quaid et bien d'autres... Il a déjà enregistré pour Audiolib

.

© Editions Payot & Rivages pour la traduction française. Traduit de l'anglais (Etats-Unis) par Isabelle Maillet

© et (P) Audiolib 2009

Revues par les critiques:

A propos de ce titre

Grand Prix des lectrices ELLE policier 2004.

La presse en parle

"Shutter Island est avant tout un thriller diaboliquement intelligent, qui ramène la condition humaine à sa plus misérable et douloureuse vanité."

Cédric Fabre, Le Figaro littéraire

Avis des membres:

Psychological thriller better than the movie

Having watched and loved the movie version, I was curious to see how the book would be... and let me tell you, it's better.

Got it in French to practice the language since I already know the story, and the narrator did not disappoint. His pronunciation is clear, and his narration is impeccable.

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Title: Arctic Drift

Subtitle: A Dirk Pitt Novel

Author: Clive Cussler, Dirk Cussler

Narrator: Richard Ferrone

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-28-09

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 40 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Their only real clue might just be a mysterious silvery mineral traced to a long-ago expedition in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. But no one survived from that doomed mission; captain and crew perished to a man - and if Pitt and his colleague Al Giordino aren't careful, the very same fate may await them.

Filled with the breathtaking suspense and audacious imagination that have become his hallmarks, this is a tour de force - further proof that when it comes to adventure writing, nobody beats Clive Cussler.

Members Reviews:

Not his best

Very average story line, slow to develop. Audio performance was loudness challenged....lots of variation in audio sound level made for a difficult listen in a car.

Good action but....

The action was excellent, but obviously the Cusslers are proponents of Global Warming and too much time was taken up with their professorial instruction about GW. The book could have come to a satisfying end several times- but instead dragged on considerably to "preach" and then ended with the girl & the guy going off into the sunset. Ho hum.

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Title: The Tiger in the Well

Author: Philip Pullman

Narrator: Anton Lesser

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-09-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 16 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Sally is 25, and somebody wants to destroy her. She receives divorce papers from a man she has never met, let alone married - yet this trap is so well laid that she is powerless to prove otherwise.

When custody of her precious daughter is awarded to this evil stranger, it is the beginning of a terrifying struggle in which Sally will have to fight, with a gun if necessary, for the freedom of her family.

The third instalment of the quartet. Sally is a surprising and modern heroine, and her fight against unknown and relentless evil in Victorian London makes an exhilarating and unforgettable novel.

An unabridged reading of Philip Pullman's nerve-shattering thriller.

Members Reviews:

Wonderful book, great narrator

Philip Pullman writes beautifully! A well researched period mystery, full of suspense and drama. Anton Lesser narrates magnificently.

Thrills and suspense, Victorian style.

Sally Lockhart is no ordinary Victorian heroine and Philip Pullman's series of four books will keep you enthralled as you follow her adventures in Victorian London and beyond. This is the third book in the series but I strongly recommend that you read the books in order (Ruby in the Smoke, Shadow in the North, Tiger in the Well and the Tin Princess) to keep the characters and plot developments in order. Each book moves at a cracking pace with the action hurrying you along yet never losing the chance to paint a convincing picture of Victorian life and the restrictions on women. Highly recommended.

Outstanding narration

Anton Lesser brings this book to life. I'll be looking out for more with him. Pullman's writing wonderful as always, lots of twists and turns.

Disappointing

What would have made The Tiger in the Well better?

Lesser's performance was good, but the book itself compared to first two in the series is just plain boring. I regret buying it and would not recommend to anyone. Enjoy Sally's previous adventures and leave it at Shadow in the North.

Darker than the previous books

The story was still gripping though this one had darker undertones. The author also used the opportunity to explore social and political issues of the day. Well narrated. Overall, this was a good listen though some bits were slow and I missed the lighthearted interludes in the previous books.

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Title: Just Take My Heart

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Mary Higgins Clark

Narrator: Jan Maxwell

Format: Abridged

Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-07-09

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Natalie Raines, one of Broadway's brightest stars, accidentally discovers who killed her former roommate and sets in motion a series of shocking events that puts more than one life in extreme peril. While Natalie and her roommate, Jamie Evans, were both struggling young actresses, Jamie had been involved with a mysterious married man to whom she referred only by nickname. Natalie comes face to face with him years later and inadvertently addresses him by the nickname Jamie had used.

A few days later, Natalie is found in her home in Closter, New Jersey, dying from a gunshot wound. Immediately the police suspect Natalie's theatrical agent and soon-to-be-ex-husband, Gregg Aldrich. He had long been a "person of interest" and was known to have stalked Natalie to find out if she was seeing another man. But no charges are brought against him until two years later, when Jimmy Easton, a career criminal, suddenly comes forward to claim that Aldrich had tried to hire him to kill his wife. Easton knows details about the Aldrich home that only someone who had been there -- to plan a murder, for instance -- could possibly know.

The case is a plum assignment for Emily Wallace, an attractive 32-year-old assistant prosecutor. As she spends increasingly long hours preparing for the trial, a seemingly well-meaning neighbor offers to take care of her dog in her absence. Unaware of his violent past, she gives him a key to her home....

Members Reviews:

Super fast pace & just a touch of romance.

Mary Higgins Clark is one of my favorite suspense writers and this novel will keep me buying more yet. While I did figure out the whodunit, it wasn't until right before it was revealed. I was kept in suspense and I love that. It's why it's my favorite genre. Without giving much away, one thing I did figure out pretty quickly was the heart (it's in the title after all). However, it seems that just when the romance may start, the book ends. Although most loose ends were tied, it kind of seemed an abrupt ending. Could there possibly be a series in this? MHC doesn't usually do that but who knows? It wouldn't be a bad idea.

Another great suspenseful story by a great author

How can I explain the emotions that I have after finishing a novel by Mary Higgins Clark? I start reading knowing that the tension and suspense will carry through the whole novel. I thoroughly enjoyed every word and can't wait to start her next novel.

Worthy of every minute reading

Mary Higgins Clark is in a class all of her own! Wonderfully written the books recommend themselves! This story is very intriguing and captivating. A great read for teens and o l Der readers alike.

Her Novels Bring Joy to People!

I bought this paperback for my closest friend, who is wheelchair-bound with MS. She collects all of the Mary Higgins Clark novels and re-reads them. The plot of this story was catching and entertaining as well as the sub plots. Her face always lights up when I bring her a new book by this prolific author. As this author is an expert storyteller, she, of course, has a lot to live up to when a new book comes out. Compared to other stories, such as Love Music, Loves to Dance, or Little Girls in Blue, it is not as intriguing.

Double plot lines converge for extra suspense

Very enjoyable reading. It is one of the few books l've felt like the ending wasn't rushed, it was logical.

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Title: The Quiet American

Author: Graham Greene

Narrator: Simon Cadell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-19-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Suspense

Publisher's Summary:

Into the intrigue and violence of Indo-China comes Pyle, a young idealistic American sent to promote democracy through a mysterious 'Third Force'. As his naive optimism starts to cause bloodshed, his friend Fowler finds it hard to stand and watch.

©1955 Graham Greene (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Members Reviews:

Brilliantly read, brilliantly poignant

The best audiobook narrators, PARTICULARLY in stories written in the 1st person such as this, walk that fine line of an engaging clear read and an actual PERFORMANCE that isn't distracting, or doesn't betray the text. And Simon Cadell's tired & cynical tone as Fowler is absolutely pitch perfect. 'The Quiet American' is a modern classic. You'll learn more about why Afghanistan & Iraq have become quagmires for us in the West by listening to Fowler & Pyle hiding out one night in a watch-tower in the Vietnamese jungle than you will listening to any pundit on cable TV :) Highly recommended.

Foreshadowed the US involvement in Vietnam

Thomas Fowler is a middle-aged British journalist who has been living in Saigon for a number of years to report on the French Indochina War. He's left behind a wife in England from whom he's been separated for a long time, though she refuses him a divorce on religious grounds. This shouldn't be a problem for his current lover, twenty-year-old Phuong, who doesn't ask for anything and is content to live with Fowler and prepare his opium pipes, but Phuong's older sister wants her to get married to secure her future. Then a young idealistic American called Alden Pyle appears on the scene, makes friends with Fowler, and also falls in love with Phuong and decides to ask her in marriage. When the novel opens, Pyle has been found murdered, and Fowler proceeds to recount his relationship with the young man and their conflicts, both political and personal, which have somehow led to the young man's death. I can't say I was taken with this novel. It's tone was very serious and it had quite a plodding pace. The love story, such as it was, was obviously on the forefront of the narrator's mind, but the real story was about the war and the conflict between the French colonists, the communists who wanted to oust them, and the foreigners who were either there to report the war and bent on not getting involved, like Fowler, or on the contrary, invested in bringing about change according to their own agenda, like Pyle. My own disinterest in politics is to blame for my lack of appreciation here, as I can objectively say it's a very good novel, but it didn't quite satisfy this reader.

This tidbit from wikipedia was quite interesting: "The book draws on Greene's experiences as a war correspondent for The Times and Le Figaro in French Indochina 1951-1954. He was apparently inspired to write The Quiet American in October 1951 while driving back to Saigon from the Ben Tre province. He was accompanied by an American aid worker who lectured him about finding a third force in Vietnam. Greene spent three years writing the novel, which foreshadowed US involvement in Vietnam long before it became publicly known.