How I Get Any Full Audiobook in Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective Best Sellers

Listen to this audiobook free with a 30-day trial. Go to http://audiobookspace.com/free

Title: The Axe Factor

Subtitle: Jimm Juree, Book 3

Author: Colin Cotterill

Narrator: Kim Mai Guest

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-15-14

Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 57 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Since Jimm Juree moved, under duress, with her family to a rural village on the coast of Southern Thailand, she has missed her career as a journalist. In Chiang Mai, she was covering substantial stories and major crimes. But here in Maprao, Jimm has to scrape assignments from the local online journal, the Chumphon Gazette. This time they are sending her out to interview a local farang (European) writer, Conrad Coralbank, who writes award-winning crime novels. At the same time, several local women have left town without a word to anyone, leaving their possessions behind. These include the local doctor, Dr. Sumlak, who never returned from a conference, and the Thai wife of the aforementioned Conrad Coralbank. All of which looks a little suspicious, especially to Jimmy's grandfather, an ex-cop who notices Coralbank's interest in Jimm with a very jaundiced eye. And now a major storm is brewing. Who knows what it will blow in for Jimm and her family?

Contact me for any questions: [email protected]

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Murder in the Tenderloin

Subtitle: A Peyton Brooks' Mystery, Book 2

Author: M. L. Hamilton

Narrator: Kelley Hazen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-25-14

Publisher: ML Hamilton

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

For years, Peyton has struggled to put her father's murder behind her, but her latest case brings it all back.

When two hookers are found with the mutilated body of a notorious gangbanger, Peyton and her partner, Marco, are pulled into a world of violence, sex, and drugs that might engulf all of San Francisco in a turf war.

And as Peyton comes to realize, sometimes the monsters we most fear are real.

Members Reviews:

EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST ONE

Would you consider the audio edition of Murder in the Tenderloin to be better than the print version?

Yes, it was fantastic. The tension was unbelievable and the way the storyline switches back and forth in time. And they way the characters are revealed is really dynamic.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It has to be Magdalena. The heroine. You are so aware of her change through the story, her growth, as she matures, he conviction. And the way she manages to maintain a sweetness even in all the devastation.

Have you listened to any of Kelley Hazen Storyteller Productionss other performances before? How does this one compare?

I am so thrilled to hear a mature woman, a rich voice, one with many colors. It's a pleasure to listen to. There is an intelligence that allows this wonderful story to resonate.

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

Definitely. There are so many switchbakcs in the story it really makes you want to find out what is yogin to happen.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the next one.

Good story, good characters, outstanding narration

Where does Murder in the Tenderloin rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

It's among the best.

What other book might you compare Murder in the Tenderloin to and why?

An obvious comparison could be made between this book and the previous one in the series. This is considerably better. The characters are more established and the story has more elements than on book one.

What about Kelley Hazen Storyteller Productionss performance did you like?

I love that she brings life to the book and the characters. She doesn't just read the book, she gives each character a personality, a voice, a demeanor; she gives each situation the tempo and depth needed. Wonderfully done.

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this a lot more than the previous one in the series. The story is more believable and the relationships among the characters are very dynamic. If you were not impressed by the previous book, give this one a chance. You will be surprised and may want to listen to the whole thing in one sitting.

Peyton back in action...

Book 2 in the Peyton Brooks' Mystery series is as involving as the first one. The plot evolves around a murder of a gang member so we get an insight into the brutality of life in areas where street gangs are a harsh reality.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Killing 3

Author: David Hewson

Narrator: Christian Rodska

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-13-14

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

A familly in turmoil. A country in crisis. All debts must be settled. Detective Inspector for homicide, Sarah Lund, is contacted by old flame Mathias Borch from National Intelligence. Borch fears that what first appeared to be a random killing at the docks is the beginning of an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Troels Hartmann. The murder draws attention towards the shipping and oil giant, Zeeland, run by billionaire Robert Zeuthen.

When Zeuthen's 9-year-old daughter, Emilie, is kidnapped the investigation takes on a different dimension as it soon becomes clear that her disappearance is linked to the murder of a young girl in Jutland some years earlier. Hartmann is in the middle of an election campaign, made all the more turbulent because of the mounting financial crisis. He needs Zeeland's backing. Lund needs to make sense of the clues left by Emilie's perpetrator before it's too late. And can she finally face the demons that have long haunted her?

Members Reviews:

A great series!

If you could sum up The Killing 3 in three words, what would they be?

Intense, captivating and frustrating

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Killing 3?

The ending - unexpected, frustrating and satisfying!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Hard to say, there were so many, the whole book is great. Every scene has something different to offer. The intensity of the boat scene; the frustration at the end when Sara feels there is no other way, that no one would believe her (but they do!); the anger at the government and Hartmann, who almost gains a conscience!

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

The story is about a kidnapped girl, the same age as my own daughter so there were many moving moments. The whole book is so well written and keeps you captivated and engaged throughout it is hard to pick individual moments and scenes.

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed the killing 1 and 2 and the third has certainly not disappointed. After the first book you become captivated by the character Sara Lund and her brilliant mind. She marches to the beat of her own drum which is both admirable and frustrating. All three books have great plots and the detail and complexity is compelling. The narration is great, well paced and good use of tone and expression. I have really enjoyed the series and this book is more than its credits worth!

Enjoyable listen, but now bored of the politics

Love the Sara Lund character, but fast becoming tired of the politic context. Sure it sets a background scene, but placing murders around the time of an election again is surely as far as you can take it. Lund deserves stories separate from Copenhagen political dimensions. Move on and develop Lund in a different direction! I wouldn't consider reading 'The Killing IV' should that be on the same lines!

Eagerly awaited

This book had an excellent story and characters and did not disappoint. The killing II had me gripped, but this one has a good plot and stayed with me even when I was not listening and the end although not the ending I wanted, was unexpected and good. Recommended, the narration by Christian Rodska was superb.

The Killing 3

This book is as good as the first two , tense and fast paced .

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Rosemary and Crime

Subtitle: A Mystery

Author: Gail Oust

Narrator: Tara Ochs

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-11-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 76 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Murder comes well-seasoned in this charming mystery featuring a smart and spunky new amateur sleuth, small-town Georgia spice shop owner Piper Prescott.

Piper Prescott, a transplanted Yankee living in the South, has got her sass back. She might be down, but dont count her out. Change of life? she asks. Bring it on. Recently divorced, Piper decides to pursue a dream shes secretly harbored: owning her own business, Spice it Up!, a spice shop in her adopted hometown, Brandywine Creek, Georgia. But Pipers grand opening goes awry when the local chef whos agreed to do a cooking demo is found stabbed. Not only did Piper find the body, she handled the murder weapon and doesnt have a witness to her alibi, making the case look like a slam dunk to brand new police Chief Wyatt McBride.

Desperate to uncover the truth - and prove her innocence - Piper enlists the help of her outspoken BFF Reba Mae Johnson to help track down the real culprit. The pair compiles a lengthy list of suspects and work to eliminate them using their own creative brand of sleuthing techniques including stakeouts, breaking and entering, and one very unorthodox chocolate pie. When Piper narrowly avoids being a victim of a hit-and-run, she knows shes getting closer to the truth, but can she catch the killer and clear her name before she becomes the next victim?

A captivating start to a new series featuring an unstoppably fabulous new crime-solving heroine, a colorful cast of small town characters, and more than a pinch of Georgia charm, Rosemary and Crime by Gail Oust is sure to delight fans of Diane Mott Davidson and Donna Andrews.

Members Reviews:

Good start for s new series

Good start for a new cozy series. Remains to be seen if the following books will be of the same caliber. First book was entertains with quirky characters.

Hopefully more to come from this author!

Where does Rosemary and Crime rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

It is up there with about five other authors I frequently read and / or listen to.

What other book might you compare Rosemary and Crime to and why?

Maggie Barberries and the Stiff series of books whose author slips my mind at the moment

Easy to listen to

Loved it. Wish it included a couple of recipes.Reader was easy to listen to. Great job

boring and formulaic

This book was full of cliches and followed the formula for all cozy mysteries. 1. Sleazy ex husband. 2. Best friend who blindly follows lead character into sleuthing. 3. Small town picturesque setting rich with gossip. 4. Sheriff who can't solve the murder. 5. Several suspects with flimsy motives. 6. Ex husband now has younger woman/bimbo. 7. Likeable characters. 8. The lead character has two men interested in her. The only thing this book did not have was likeable characters. The characters were stereotypical, flat and annoying. I have no problem with authors using a formula to write a book. However, when using a formula you still have to be creative. This was not a creative attempt. I will not buy the next book.

Nice first book

Nice first book for a cozy mystery with some humor set in a small southern town. Each time I thought I knew the killer, I was wrong and had to continue on just like the heroin in the story.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Buried Leads

Subtitle: A Nichelle Clarke Headlines in Heels Mystery

Author: LynDee Walker

Narrator: Reay Kaplan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-28-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 56 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

When an Armani-clad corpse turns up in the woods, crime reporter Nichelle Clarke smells a scoop. A little digging, and Nichelle uncovers a web of corruption that stretches all the way to Washington, D.C. Politics. Murder. And a dead lobbyist. It's everything Nichelle's ever dreamed of. The cops are playing it close, the feds even closer, and Nichelle's afraid her boss will assign the story to the political desk any day. Richmond's new ATF Super Cop makes an arrest before she can say "Louboutin," but Nichelle's gut says he's got the wrong guy. Her sexy Mafia boss friend warns her off the case, her TV rival is hot on her designer heels, an ambitious copy editor wants her beat, and victims are piling up faster than she can track them down. As Nichelle zeroes in on the truth, itll take some fancy footwork to nab this headline before the killer nabs her.

Members Reviews:

Holy Headlines Lois!

This is such an awesome book. A young female reporter for a Virginia newspaper, Nichelle is super smart, and I'm sure quite beautiful. She has a cute little dog at home which made me instantly like her. Nece has contacts out the kazoo and a straight forward style that makes the reader respect her and care about her. More of this series please! I want to listen to them all!

Totally addicted!

I adore these books! The narrator is great and easy to listen to and the stories have a very good plot and just enough twist. Really great listen!

Love this series!

I've read all 4 of the books and liked them so much, I got the Audible versions also -so I could listen in the car. Can't wait for a new one.

Disappointing

For the first.part of the narration it sounded like the narrator had a stuffy nose. And I HATE the f word in books. To me it means the author had limited imagination and is filling the page up with swear words. Disappointing.

Disappointing story, superb narration

The narration was wonderful! It was the only reason that I continued to read. The story was insignificant and vague. This was not a book that I would read over a weekend because I couldn't put it down. I just wanted the boredom to end. I don't think that the reasons for the initial murder was developed and had robe explained at the end.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Switchblade

Subtitle: An Original Story

Author: Michael Connelly

Narrator: Len Cariou

Format: Unabridged

Length: 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-14-14

Publisher: Orion Publishing Group

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

A brand new Harry Bosch short story from bestselling crime writer Michael Connelly.

When the department's sorter takes a call from an anonymous witness to a cold case murder, she takes it straight to Harry Bosch who finds the accused in San Quentin. He's locked away for a different murder but only a few months away from a parole hearing which is likely to see him walking free. New methods find DNA on the murder weapon but having sat in an archive for 20 years, it's not strong enough to take to court. To keep him behind bars, Bosch has no choice but to find the witness who doesn't want to be found.

Members Reviews:

Where's the rest of it?

What would have made Switchblade better?

Sadly I've been charged 1 credit for just 48 minutes!

Where's the rest of it?

Seems to be a rip off by audible.

Cariou is Bosch

Im normally a fan of the long story, where the small side plots eventually feed into the bigger narrative. This collection isnt like that and feels like a group of stories that couldnt be developed into a bigger or more dynamic story. Each short is enjoyable enough but I didnt feel as fullfilled as I do with the longer Bosch stories. Very much worth a listen and Im glad I did as a Bosch fan. Some seriels change narators or use a good performer regardless of context but for me Len Cariou is Bosch, I dont know what Bosch looks like (I have an image in my head) but I know what he sounds like and its len Cariou is performance isnt the most textured but its perfect for the old time detective.

Good

good reading switch at the end not seen coming c c c c c c

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Messenger of Athens

Subtitle: A Seven Deadly Sins Mystery

Author: Anne Zouroudi

Narrator: Gildart Jackson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-31-13

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Idyllic but remote, the Greek island of Thiminos seems untouched by the modern world. So when the battered body of a young woman is discovered at the foot of a cliff, the local police - governed more by archaic rules of honor than by the law - are quick to close the case, dismissing her death as an accident. Then a stranger arrives, uninvited, from Athens, announcing his intention to investigate further. Hermes's methods of investigation are unorthodox, and his message to the islanders is plain - tell the truth or face the consequences. But Hermes brings his own mystery into the web of dark secrets and lies. Who has sent him to Thiminos, and on whose authority is he acting?

Members Reviews:

Scales of justice slide into balance deliciously

When a young wife, who was rumored to be unfaithful, turns up dead, the local police rule it a suicide. Then a visitor from Athens comes, uninvited, to investigate her death. However, Hermes Diaktoros is even more of a mystery than the murder he is investigating, and he has a truly uncanny knack for revealing the human weaknesses that led to this tragic death.

Zouroudi's writing is gorgeous, lyrical, I would almost say ethereal, except that it pulses with every sensation. Her writing is so alive! The descriptions are fresh and vivid, almost overwhelming. I had the feeling that I was dipping into the souls of the characters rather than simply experiencing their words and emotions. Which is why I enjoyed this book so thoroughly. There is a strong mystical current to the story that is so much a part of the physical world that it cannot be separated. I read a review that said there was too much description, not enough action. I disagree. Beyond the most obvious allusions, a little knowledge of mythology and superstition will go a long, long way with these books. There seems to be no shell, no stone, no bird mentioned that does not act as a signpost.

Perhaps what I like most about these mysteries is the sense of real justice. Hermes appears at first as an almost comical creature, then he develops gravitas and brings about the kind of justice tempered with mercy most of us dream about. Nearly all murder mysteries leave us disenchanted or disgusted with humanity. The Hermes Diaktoros novels start with dark events and then give me hope for humanity. They are immensely satisfying reads.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Pistols & Pies: Sweet Bites, Book 2

Subtitle: Sweet Bites Mysteries, Volume 2

Author: Heather Justesen

Narrator: Pamela Almand (The Captain's Voice)

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-28-13

Publisher: Jelly Bean Press

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 27 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Negotiations underway with a narrator. No auditions accepted at this time. The gigantic cake for the new city rec center opening is going to be great advertising for Tess Crawford's new bakery, until she finds the city councilman who oversaw the project dead.

Tess vows to stay out of this investigation, but then the victim's troubled step-son is fingered for the murder and Tess jumps in to prove he's innocent. Trouble is, someone else wants her to leave it alone and isn't afraid to take her out to protect their identity. Tess and her growing gang of amateur sleuths scramble to catch the killer before one of them ends up dead.

Members Reviews:

Another sweet mystery!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pistols & Pies: Sweet Bites, Book 2?

I really enjoyed when Sean showed up to help Tess. It was nice to see a minor character from the first book come back. I like the relationship that is developing between Tess and Sean.

What does Pamela Almand (The Captain's Voice) bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Almand brings warmth to the story. She has a smooth rich voice that makes you feel all warm and cozy.

Any additional comments?

Book 2 in the Sweet Bites Mystery series is as good as the first. I really enjoyed following Tess into a new mystery. The characters are real and the story keeps you entertained. I recommend this book and the series to my friends and family who want to listen to a cozy mystery.

Great second book in the series

I really growing to enjoy this series. Tess is spunky and sweet at the same time. There are things in the series that are more than a touch unbelievable. Sure I always ask my baker look into murders, she is totally qualified. Yup, suspend reality a touch for this book.

I love the potential love triangle. Sean is all young player, loads of charisma, a real bad boy any gal might want to reform. Jack is the steady single dad, a little bossy but definitely husband material. Tess is going to have some serious decisions to make as this series continues.

Love the addition of her friend Lenny, he is a perfect sidekick to balance out her BFF Honey. They are all irrepressible and running head long into trouble.

The poor detective takes tons of flack, he is not only having to do his job but also look out for Tess and company. He is far from incompetent, he does very well considering the challenges he faces. I will give it that Tess can do things he can not, ie gossip and trespass.

The mystery was not a huge surprise, plenty of clues lead up to this conclusion. It was not obvious from the start, it progressed nicely and came together near the end. Very satisfying.

The small town family feel of the whole series is great. I love the whole dynamic all the characters share.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Pamela Almand, she has a great feel for the lead character. The whole book comes from Tess' POV, so her voice is most prominent. Ms Almand has a terrific flair adding just enough snark to the voice at the perfect moments. She has a great pace that keeps the book moving along steadily throughout the action. I love that little rasp she has in her voice, it's a super appealing tone.

I am eager to see what happens next in this series.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Worst Thing

Subtitle: Berkley Prime Crime

Author: Aaron Elkins

Narrator: Derek Shetterly

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-17-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

For Bryan Bennett, designing hostage negotiation programs is the perfect job - as long as he doesnt deal directly with kidnappers or their victims. Intense nightmares of his own abduction and imprisonment as a small boy still plague him thirty-some years later, and claustrophobia prevents him from attempting to travel. So when Bryans boss asks him to fly to Reykjavik to teach his corporate-level kidnapping and extortion seminar, he initially refuses. But a CEO has specifically requested Bryan - or no one else. Finally Bryan relents. For decades hes treaded gingerly around his deepest terrors. Now, on this trip, Bryans taken hostage again and must face his fears full-on. Will he realize that in this battle of will and nerve, he is his own greatest enemy? Or has this fight already been lost years ago?

Members Reviews:

Well done low-key thriller

In most thrillers, one sees the usual serial killer, murderer, molester, etc. creating havoc and generating fear among the victim(s). In "The Worst Thing" the havoc is in the mind of the protagonist, Bryan Bennett.

Bennett was 5 when he was kidnapped and held for ransom. Held in primitive conditions, he lost his toe when it was used by the kidnappers to gain the ransom. When he was released, "Doctors found two dozen ulcerating sores on my body as a result of malnutrition and poor hygiene. I had lost nine pounds - more than 20% of my body weight - I had gum abscesses, infections in both eyes and a raging case of dysentery. I was too weak to walk." This episode has left the adult Bryan with severe panic attacks and fears of cockroaches and flying. The smell of bananas or manure brings on dread.

Flash forward to his adulthood. He begins his career as a hostage negotiator but didn't like his uncomfortable involvement with kidnappers or their victims. He segues to writing curriculum and making presentations on corporate safety, extortion and kidnapping prevention for the Odysseus Institute for Corporate Protection in Seattle. Bennett writes the curriculum but has no interaction with the trainees as he does not do the presentations.

When his boss asks him to go to Iceland to make a presentation to the CEO, he at first refuses. But his wife, Lori, really wants to go and Bryan reluctantly agrees. He finds out later, however, that the CEO has recently been the victim of a prior botched kidnapping attempt.

Elkins' book is about Bryan's worst fear - being kidnapped again. In Iceland, Bryan begins conducting his seminar and soon finds himself in the hands of kidnappers, along with the CEO. His worst fear is now realized.

The book is filled with suspense from the beginning. It is written in the 1st person so one feels Bryan's terror along with him. It is a quick read and kept me in suspense throughout.

Overcoming the worst thing you can imagine.

Overcoming the worst thing you can imagine and then some was the basis of "The Worst Thing". I like all of Aaron Elkins books and this one was no exception. Elkins made you feel like you were the one having a panic attack. Plus the descriptions of Iceland made you feel like you were right there. I've never been to Iceland or had a panic attack but I sure feel like I have from reading this book.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Little Death

Author: Michael Nava

Narrator: Gregory St. John

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-22-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 36 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

In the first book of the acclaimed Henry Rios series, a lawyer doggedly pursues a murder investigation into the lions' den of San Francisco's moneyed elite

A burnt-out public defender battling alcoholism, Henry Rios has reached a crossroads in his life. While interviewing his former lover Hugh Paris in jail, Rios goes through the motions, but notices that Paris is far more polished and well off than the usual suspects arrested for drug possession. Paris is mysteriously bailed out - but a few weeks later, he turns up on Rios's doorstep. Skittish and paranoid, he admits to using heroin and says he's afraid that his wealthy grandfather wants to murder him.

Rios tries to help Paris get clean, but when Paris is found dead of an apparent heroin overdose, Rios is the only one who considers foul play. Determined to find Paris' killer, Rios knocks on San Francisco's most gilded doors, where he discovers a family tainted by jealousy, greed, and hate. They've been warped by a fortune someone's willing to kill - and kill again - to possess.

At once an atmospheric noir mystery and a scathing indictment of a legal system caught in the maws of escalating corruption, The Little Death chronicles one man's struggle to achieve true justice for all.

The Little Death is the first book in the Henry Rios mystery series, which also includes Goldenboy and Howtown.

Members Reviews:

Excellent, elegantly written, darkish mystery

I've wanted to read Nava's Henry Rios mysteries for a long time and was thrilled to see them (at least the first four of them) in audio format - and am hoping the last three are forthcoming. I'm a little shocked that this is the first review. The Little Death is the first of the series, in which Rios starts out as a burned-out public defender in, essentially, Palo Alto. It takes place in roughly the early 1980s (and was written in about 1985), but though in some ways it is clearly the product of its time, in other ways it transcends its setting and doesn't feel at all dated.

The story begins with him interviewing inmate Hugh Paris in jail. (Hugh, contrary to what the blurb says, is not his former lover; this is their first meeting.) Hugh declines his PD services but shows up on his doorstep a few weeks later, presumably having sensed a connection between them, but also convinced someone is out to kill him. Rios doesn't believe him, but when Hugh is later found dead of an apparent heroin overdose, Rios is the only one interested in seeking justice or finding the killer, and his search leads him into the twisty hidden world of San Francisco's Old Money families.

The mystery is convoluted but subtle and intelligent, without the pat and predictable twists often found in today's mystery-thrillers. No blood and gore, no graphic sex, but I didn't miss them. The plot moves along at a good pace and kept me thoroughly engaged even as it was expertly interspersed with Henry Rios's own introspection as he contemplates turbulent changes in both his professional and personal life, and his emotional journey, or start thereof, as this is just the beginning of a 7-book series.