You no longer follow Pat

You will no longer see updates from this user when they write new reviews, or suggestions based on their library or recommendations.

You can re-follow a user if you change your mind.

You now follow Pat

You will receive updates from this user when they write new reviews, or suggestions based on their library or recommendations.

You can unfollow a user if you change your mind.

Pat

La Mesa, CA, United States | Member Since 2003

HELPFUL VOTES

38 reviews
315 ratings
365 titles in library
17 purchased in 2013

FOLLOWING

FOLLOWERS

Echo Burning

UNABRIDGED
- by Lee Child
- Narrated by Dick Hill
Echo Burning

UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 21 mins)

By Lee Child

Narrated By Dick Hill

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(1562)
Performance
(776)
Story
(779)

Reacher is hitching through the heat of West Texas and getting desperate for a ride. The last thing he's worried about is exactly who picks him up.
She's called Carmen. She's a good-looking young woman, she has a beautiful little girl...and she has married into the wrong family. They're called the Greers. They're a bitter and miserly clan, and they've made her life a living hell. Worse, her monster of a husband is soon due out of prison. So she needs protection, and she needs it now.
Lawyers can't help. Cops can't be trusted. So Reacher goes home with her to the lonely ranch where nothing is as it seems, and where evil swirls around them like dust in a storm. Within days, Carmen's husband is dead - and simmering secrets send Echo, Texas, up in flames.
Shirley says: "My "Burning" Question Answered"
"Whining Women"

Overall
Performance
Story

I am a big fan of Reacher, and Dick Hill as a narrator. But this book was very annoying. The two main women characters whined. Reacher would say something, and they would ignore what he said and just whine. The story was, as usual, compelling. I just wasn't crazy about the women characters and their inability to listen.

9 of 10 people found this review helpful
The Bat: A Harry Hole Thriller, Book 1

UNABRIDGED
- by Jo Nesbo
- Narrated by Sean Barrett
The Bat: A Harry Hole Thriller, Book 1

UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 43 mins)

By Jo Nesbo

Narrated By Sean Barrett

Overall
(712)
Performance
(618)
Story
(608)

Harry is out of his depth. Detective Harry Hole is meant to keep out of trouble. A young Norwegian girl taking a gap year in Sydney has been murdered, and Harry has been sent to Australia to assist in any way he can. He's not supposed to get too involved. When the team unearths a string of unsolved murders and disappearances, nothing will stop Harry from finding out the truth. The hunt for a serial killer is on, but the murderer will talk only to Harry. He might just be the next victim.
Charles says: "Probably the best of this remarkable series."
"Australian adventure"

Overall
Performance
Story

Harry Hole is sent to Australia to help solve the mystery of a Norwegian girl. The mystery was there to the end, and Hole's ongoing struggle with alcoholism made his efforts all the more heroic. I enjoyed how the Aborigine legends were woven into the story to guide Hole in solving the crimes. I really liked this book--and the narration, as always with Sean Barrett, was outstanding.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ivanhoe

UNABRIDGED
- by Sir Walter Scott
- Narrated by Michael Page
Ivanhoe

UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 22 mins)

By Sir Walter Scott

Narrated By Michael Page

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(136)
Performance
(67)
Story
(68)

Wilfred, knight of Ivanhoe, the son of Cedric the Saxon, is in love with his father's ward, Rowena. Cedric, however, wishes her to marry Athelstane, a descendant of the royal Saxon line, whom Cedric hopes will restore the Saxon succession. With a colorful cast of chivalric knights and fair ladies, this action-filled novel comes complete with feats of derring-do, the pageantry of a tournament, and a great flame-engulfed castle - all of which makes it the most enthralling of Scott's creations.
Bill Dewey/Reclaiming Quarterly says: "Great Adventure, Good Rendition"
"The Real Robin Hood"

Overall
Performance
Story

I LOVED this book. It probably is due in large part to the terrific narration. Yes, it's Robin Hood, and it's King Richard, and Prince John and all the usual characters. But this is so much more. The description of the terrible treatment of the Jews at this time in England, and the hypocrisy surrounding them (they were needed for loans, because Christians weren't allowed to earn usury) is palpable. The resentment the Saxons felt toward the Normans comes to life. The characters are heroic and humorous. The language of the times (thee's, thou's, etc.) is easy to follow because the narrator is so good. I wouldn't have selected it at Audible if it hadn't been free at the time, so what a wonderful surprise when I found it so thoroughly enjoyable.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A Fatal Grace

UNABRIDGED
- by Louise Penny
- Narrated by Ralph Cosham
A Fatal Grace

UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 30 mins)

By Louise Penny

Narrated By Ralph Cosham

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(726)
Performance
(407)
Story
(404)

No one liked CC de Poitiers - certainly none of the residents of the village of Three Pines, each of whom CC had managed to offend. Therein lies the challenge for the Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Quebec, called in once again from Montreal to investigate murder in this hamlet. CC has been killed in an apparent electrical accident, and everyone in town has a motive, even the inspector's good friends.
Amazon Fan says: "I was disappointed in the story."
"A Civilized Murder"

Overall
Performance
Story

How does a woman sitting on a frozen lake get electrocuted? She was mean, a horrible mother, and an all around waste of space. But Chief Inspector Gamache's duty is to find the killer. I enjoy the characters and the setting. A very good mystery.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Fallen Angel

UNABRIDGED
- by Daniel Silva
- Narrated by George Guidall
The Fallen Angel

UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 25 mins)

By Daniel Silva

Narrated By George Guidall

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(1039)
Performance
(861)
Story
(854)

After narrowly surviving his last operation, Gabriel Allon, the wayward son of Israeli intelligence, has taken refuge behind the walls of the Vatican, where he is restoring one of Caravaggio's greatest masterpieces. But early one morning he is summoned to St. Peter's Basilica by Monsignor Luigi Donati, the all-powerful private secretary to his Holiness Pope Paul VII. The body of a beautiful woman lies broken beneath Michelangelo's magnificent dome.
Robert says: "When will Gabriel retire?"
"Hidden Agenda"

Overall
Performance
Story

I've read a couple of other books in the Gabriel Allon series and enjoyed them. This mystery started with a death at the Vatican, progressed to a hunt for the killer, and then, ultimately, a resolution to the mystery. But then there is a completely additional challenge for Allon regarding the Pope's visit to Israel. This last part seemed to be tacked on, and, from my perspective, slightly polemic. Just not my favorite book.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Two

UNABRIDGED
- by Will Carver
- Narrated by Richard Aspel , Nicki Paull
The Two

UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 8 mins)

By Will Carver

Narrated By Richard Aspel, Nicki Paull

Overall
(50)
Performance
(40)
Story
(40)

They kill without mercy. Disappear without trace. They are The Two. And now the stakes are raised once more for Detective January David. 5 lie dead, brutally murdered - the first taken on the night of Halloween and as autumn bleeds into winter more ritualistic murders are discovered. January must battle his demons, for in his mind lies the clue to stopping a ruthless murderer. But his worst nightmares have literally come true when he discovers there's not one, but two twisted killers on the loose.
Pat says: "Scattered Story"
"Scattered Story"

Overall
Performance
Story

I'm not sure how I came across this book and decided to use one of my credits at Audible for it, but it is definitely not my cup of tea. I don't like the constant visions the detective is having. They are drawn out and unhelpful. I thought the description of the main character waking up after a long night and responding to a knock on his door while retching three times was especially annoying. This author is a talented wordsmith. He's just terrific in some of his descriptions of places and people. It's just that the premise is not one I buy into (visions, good and evil, etc.). The switching between the different characters is not clever. I don't find the view of the victim knowing that his/her death is going to occur moves the story along at all. The book is tedious. That said, this is a smart author, and I think I'll look for other books he's written--just not any where he slogs through the supernatural.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

UNABRIDGED
- by Jack Weatherford
- Narrated by Jonathan Davis , Jack Weatherford
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 19 mins)

By Jack Weatherford

Narrated By Jonathan Davis, Jack Weatherford

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(2569)
Performance
(1284)
Story
(1296)

The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in 25 years than the Romans did in 400. In nearly every country the Mongols conquered, they brought an unprecedented rise in cultural communication, expanded trade, and a blossoming of civilization.
Peter says: "Brilliant, insightful, intriguing."
"The Mongol History Update"

Overall
Performance
Story

When putting our modern history in context, I used to say that at least we're not being overrun by Mongol hordes. After listening to this book, I'm going to jettison that comparison.

I'm not really sure why I chose this book to read, but I'm very glad I did. The author compares the Mongols to European, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures, and they certainly were at least as "advanced" as the others. They did not live in cities, but beginning with Genghis Khan, they contributed an astonishing number of innovations to the world's expanding civilization.

I loved this book!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The End of the Affair

UNABRIDGED
- by Graham Greene
- Narrated by Colin Firth
The End of the Affair

UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 32 mins)

By Graham Greene

Narrated By Colin Firth

Overall
(70)
Performance
(60)
Story
(61)

Graham Greene’s evocative analysis of the love of self, the love of another, and the love of God is an English classic that has been translated for the stage, the screen, and even the opera house. Academy Award-winning actor Colin Firth (The King’s Speech, A Single Man) turns in an authentic and stirring performance for this distinguished audio release.
Judy says: "So good I might have to listen again"
"Graham Green made accessible"

Overall
Performance
Story

Years ago I conceded that I was not up to reading Graham Greene. The books were wordy and in my brain convoluted. And then came Colin Firth. This story of love and loss set in London before, during and after World War II is gently woven. It goes between time periods, and beckons the reader to hang on in order to discover what will finally ultimately to the main character. With Colin Firth reading the book, lending subtle changes of voice to the different characters, a minimal expression to the characters' feelings, and just enough pause in the story's progression to hold you, I could listen to this book again and again. I can only hope Firth will narrate more books.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Bones of Avalon

UNABRIDGED
- by Phil Rickman
- Narrated by Seán Barrett
The Bones of Avalon

UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 57 mins)

By Phil Rickman

Narrated By Seán Barrett

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(31)
Performance
(30)
Story
(29)

It is 1560, and Elizabeth Tudor has been on the throne for a year. Dr John Dee is her astrologer and consultant in the hidden arts…a controversial appointment in these days of superstition. Now the bookish Dee has been sent to Glastonbury to find the missing bones of King Arthur. With him is his Robert Dudley, a wild card…and possibly the Queen’s secret lover. The town is still mourning the gruesome execution of its abbot, Richard Whiting. But why was he killed?
Madeleine says: "Historical Fiction with a Wicked Hint of Evil"
"On the Trail of King Arthur's Bones"

Overall
Performance
Story

Queen Elizabeth has recently been crowned, and she's anxious to get help anywhere she can. That means sending a faithful scholar into the hinterlands to locate and retrieve the bones of King Arthur. This is a unique and clever story. The characters are well developed, and for the most part use language that gave a touch of the past without hindering the story. And Sean Barrett's narration was, as always, brilliant.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Creole Belle: A Dave Robicheaux Novel, Book 19

UNABRIDGED
- by James Lee Burke
- Narrated by Will Patton
Creole Belle: A Dave Robicheaux Novel, Book 19

UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 11 mins)

By James Lee Burke

Narrated By Will Patton

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(1229)
Performance
(1057)
Story
(1020)

Creole Belle begins where the last book in the Dave Robicheaux series, The Glass Rainbow, ended. Dave is in a recovery unit in New Orleans, where a Creole girl named Tee Jolie Melton visits him and leaves him an iPod with the country blues song “Creole Belle” on it. Then she disappears. Dave becomes obsessed with the song and the memory of Tee Jolie and goes in search of her sister, who later turns up inside a block of ice floating in the Gulf.
Melinda says: "Burke & Patton -- Synergistic Phenomenon"
"Tenacity in the face of all odds"

Overall
Performance
Story

This is yet another wonderful addition to the life of Dave Robicheaux. Burke doesn't stray from his formula of tremendous odds, moral clarity, and righteous actions. The other worldliness of his conversations with a missing girl only adds to the unique voice Burke has given Robicheaux. But I just don't think I would enjoy these books half as much if it weren't for Will Patton's narration. What a tremendous actor. His slight changes of accent and tenor make you see the various people in all walks of life that are the backdrop for Burke's story.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bleed for Me

UNABRIDGED
- by Michael Robotham
- Narrated by Sean Barrett
Bleed for Me

UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 49 mins)

By Michael Robotham

Narrated By Sean Barrett

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(155)
Performance
(134)
Story
(128)

A teenage girl - Sienna, a troubled friend of his daughter - comes to Joe O'Loughlin's door one night. She is terrorized, incoherent-and covered in blood. The police find Sienna's father, a celebrated former cop, murdered in the home he shared with Sienna. Tests confirm that it's his blood on Sienna. She says she remembers nothing....
Beverly says: "Outstanding Thriller"
"Following His Instinct"

Overall
Performance
Story

A psychologist suffering from Parkinson's doesn't believe his teenaged daughter's friend killed her father. He works to clear her name. I loved the characters and plot development. And Sean Barratt's narration is terrific.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful