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Tomez Desilva

ForensicPhD

Member Since 2011

HELPFUL VOTES

7 reviews
42 ratings
163 titles in library
13 purchased in 2013

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The Last Tycoons: The Secret History of Lazard Freres & Co.

UNABRIDGED
- by William D. Cohan
- Narrated by Robertson Dean
The Last Tycoons: The Secret History of Lazard Freres & Co.

UNABRIDGED (32 hrs and 46 mins)

By William D. Cohan

Narrated By Robertson Dean

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(54)
Performance
(8)
Story
(8)

Discretion, secrecy, and subtle strategy were the weapons of choice at Wall Street investment bank Lazard Frères & Co. For more than a century, the mystique and reputation of the "Great Men" who worked there allowed the firm to garner unimaginable profits, social cachet, and outsized influence in the halls of power. But in the mid-1980s, their titanic egos started getting in the way, and the Great Men of Lazard jeopardized all they had built.
M says: "Good stuff"
"The wisdom of those who are perceived to be great"

Overall
Performance
Story

What did you like about this audiobook?

The personification of a facade that builds upon itself by convincing potential clients that Lazard had the secret sauce of which makes something out of nothing. The ability to mesmerize their clients by having underlings doing the extent of the grunt work.. Presenting the finish product with finess.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

Bruce Wasserstein comes on the scene and completely takes control of the firm and like a stealth missile gradually takes total control over Lazard. The scheme he employed was marvelous and gut wrenching.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

Bruce Wasserstein

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

The extreme reaction I had was how much money these firms were making, I was sad because it shows there are a chosen few who because of timing can become insanely wealthy.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Brain Trust: Free Excerpt

UNABRIDGED
- by Garth Sundem
- Narrated by Garth Sundem
Brain Trust: Free Excerpt

UNABRIDGED (22 mins)

By Garth Sundem

Narrated By Garth Sundem

Overall
(322)
Performance
(254)
Story
(253)

How much better would your life be if you had an army of Nobel Laureates, MacArthur ‘geniuses’ and National Medal of Science winners whispering tips in your ear about your body language, or how to resist that impulse purchase you’ll regret tomorrow, or when to sell your car - or even helping you trick your spouse into doing the dishes?
Ed says: "Not Worth The Time"
"Enjoyable and educational"

Overall
Performance
Story

Where does Brain Trust: Free Excerpt rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

At the top. The excerpt was educational and entertaining. The narrator did an excellent job.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stephen Pinker, the explanation of adverserial vs conspiratorical. The explanation regarding game theory. "The language of closeness"

Which character – as performed by Garth Sundem – was your favorite?

Panda's explanation about diabetes. controll of fire and the advent of electricity. Social shift eating.. metabolic disease as it relates to too much tv which causes one to eat too much.

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

Yes, the revelation about when you eat and the effect of nightime eating and how it affects your liver..

Any additional comments?

I will buy this book eventually..

3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA

UNABRIDGED
- by Tim Weiner
- Narrated by Stefan Rudnicki
Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA

UNABRIDGED (21 hrs and 25 mins)

By Tim Weiner

Narrated By Stefan Rudnicki

Overall
(1743)
Performance
(382)
Story
(379)

This is the book the CIA does not want you to read. For the last 60 years, the CIA has maintained a formidable reputation in spite of its terrible record, never disclosing its blunders to the American public. It spun its own truth to the nation while reality lay buried in classified archives. Now, Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter Tim Weiner offers a stunning indictment of the CIA, a deeply flawed organization that has never deserved America's confidence.
Michael says: "Flawed but Important"
"The Truth of the CIA early years"

Overall
Performance
Story

Where does Legacy of Ashes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top notch. Also enjoyed Enemies, narrated by the same person. Excellent.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Legacy of Ashes?

When they were throwing away young recruits, by sending into harms way with no real mission or backup..

Which scene was your favorite?

The changing of command

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Who knew? CIA started out as the Keystones cops agency.

Any additional comments?

The author and his narrator was great. I am so looking forward to more of the collaboration.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No One Would Listen: A True Financial Thriller

UNABRIDGED
- by Harry Markopolos
- Narrated by Scott Brick , Harry Markopolos , Frank Casey , Neil Chelo , David Kotz , Gaytri Kachroo , Michael Ocrant
No One Would Listen: A True Financial Thriller

UNABRIDGED (13 hrs)

By Harry Markopolos

Narrated By Scott Brick, Harry Markopolos, Frank Casey, and others

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(1176)
Performance
(501)
Story
(501)

No One Would Listen is the exclusive story of the Harry Markopolos-lead investigation into Bernie Madoff and his $65 billion Ponzi scheme. While a lot has been written about Madoff's scam, few actually know how Markopolos and his team - affectionately called "the Fox Hounds" by Markopolos himself - uncovered what Madoff was doing years before this financial disaster reached its pinnacle. Unfortunately, no one listened, until the damage of the world's largest financial fraud ever was irreversible.
Brendan says: "Shocking, terrific"
"The genius who would not quit."

Overall
Performance
Story

If you could sum up No One Would Listen in three words, what would they be?

Tantalizing, Educational, Fast Paced

What was one of the most memorable moments of No One Would Listen?

Harry's excellent tenaciousness.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Harry Markopolos

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

When Harry Markopolos figured out the BM was a scum bag

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York

UNABRIDGED
- by Deborah Blum
- Narrated by Coleen Marlo
The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York

UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 17 mins)

By Deborah Blum

Narrated By Coleen Marlo

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(1072)
Performance
(630)
Story
(618)

In The Poisoner's Handbook, Blum draws from highly original research to track the fascinating, perilous days when a pair of forensic scientists began their trailblazing chemical detective work, fighting to end an era when untraceable poisons offered an easy path to the perfect crime.
Reagan says: "Fascinating book marred by production errors"
"Excellent book. with a lite chemistry lesson."

Overall
Performance
Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would suggest this book to a friend, I found the subject matter enjoyable and educating.

What did you like best about this story?

The chemistry education.

Have you listened to any of Coleen Marlo’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Rough Job

Any additional comments?

The narrator was disappointing.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Fifth Witness: Free First Chapter

UNABRIDGED
- by Michael Connelly
- Narrated by Peter Giles
The Fifth Witness: Free First Chapter

UNABRIDGED (15 mins)

By Michael Connelly

Narrated By Peter Giles

Overall
(35)
Performance
(26)
Story
(26)

Mickey Haller has fallen on tough times. He expands his business into foreclosure defense, only to see one of his clients accused of killing the banker she blames for trying to take away her home. Mickey puts his team into high gear to exonerate Lisa Trammel, even though the evidence and his own suspicions tell him his client is guilty. Soon after he learns that the victim had black market dealings of his own, Haller is assaulted, too - and he's certain he's on the right trail. Despite the danger and uncertainty, Haller mounts the best defense of his career in a trial where the last surprise comes after the verdict is in.
Tomez Desilva says: "Lincoln Lawyer copycat"
"Lincoln Lawyer copycat"

Overall
Performance
Story

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

no, this sounds exactly like Lincoln lawyer. I would suggest reading/listening to Lincoln Lawyer.

What was most disappointing about Michael Connelly’s story?

the story line reminded me to the automobile of Lincoln Lawyer.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Peter Giles?

Maybe

Could you see The Fifth Witness: Free First Chapter being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

Any additional comments?

This book was so close to Lincoln Lawyer, it feels like someone plagiarized someone?

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Sociopath Next Door

UNABRIDGED
- by Martha Stout
- Narrated by Shelly Frasier
The Sociopath Next Door

UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 26 mins)

By Martha Stout

Narrated By Shelly Frasier

Overall
(2156)
Performance
(1199)
Story
(1194)

We are accustomed to think of sociopaths as violent criminals, but in The Sociopath Next Door, Harvard psychologist Martha Stout reveals that a shocking 4 percent of ordinary people, one in 25, has an often undetected mental disorder, the chief symptom of which is that that person possesses no conscience. He or she has no ability whatsoever to feel shame, guilt, or remorse. One in 25 everyday Americans, therefore, is secretly a sociopath.
Lesley says: "Gripping! A fascinating/scary look at human nature"
"Eye opening"

Overall
Performance
Story

Would you listen to The Sociopath Next Door again? Why?

yes.

What did you like best about this story?

the makeup of a sociopath

Which scene was your favorite?

introduction

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

chapter 8 would be my opening. Do you know this person?

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. I may listen to other books on this subject.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful