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Mike

CORONA, CA, United States | Member Since 2006

30
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 21 reviews
  • 91 ratings
  • 247 titles in library
  • 12 purchased in 2013
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  • The Tourist: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs)
    • By Olen Steinhauer
    • Narrated By Tom Weiner
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (592)
    Performance
    (151)
    Story
    (152)

    In the vein of John le Carré and Graham Greene, this contemporary international thriller follows Milo Weaver as he is drawn into a conspiracy that links riots in the Sudan, an assassin committing suicide, and an old friend who's been accused of selling secrets to the Chinese. Once the CIA and Homeland Security are after him, the only way for him to survive is to return, headfirst, into Tourism.

    Derek says: "I loved this book"
    "Boring listen"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    The story is marginally interesting, but I found my mind constantly wandering off while istening. The narrator is extremely boring and monotonous, its hard to stay interested.

    6 of 8 people found this review helpful
  • The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element of Security

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 41 mins)
    • By Kevin Mitnick
    • Narrated By Nick Sullivan
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (274)
    Performance
    (155)
    Story
    (159)

    The world's most infamous hacker offers an insider's view of the low-tech threats to high-tech security. Kevin Mitnick's exploits as a cyber-desperado and fugitive form one of the most exhaustive FBI manhunts in history and have spawned dozens of articles, books, films, and documentaries. Since his release from federal prison, in 1998, Mitnick has turned his life around and established himself as one of the most sought-after computer security experts worldwide.

    Dan says: "memory lane"
    "Poor Narrator - ZZZZZzzzzzzz!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

    This is the first book I have ever stopped listening to before finishing. The narrator was just soooo boring - it was like he was reading a text book.


    Would you be willing to try another book from Kevin Mitnick? Why or why not?

    I did read his other book Ghost in the Wires and it was fantastic - in fact that's the reason I decided to buy this book.


    How did the narrator detract from the book?

    He was very, very monotone and boring. No excitement or inflection in his voice at points where there clearly should have been.


    Did The Art of Deception inspire you to do anything?

    Yes - listen to a different book - any other book.


    Any additional comments?

    It's too bad they didn't use the same narrator from Ghost in the Wires - that narrator really had Mitnick down pat.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Black Cross

    • UNABRIDGED (21 hrs and 14 mins)
    • By Greg Iles
    • Narrated By Dick Hill
    Overall
    (655)
    Performance
    (345)
    Story
    (340)

    It is January 1944 - and as Allied troops prepare for D day, Nazi scientists develop a toxic nerve gas that will repel and wipe out any invasion force. To salvage the planned assault, two vastly different but equally determined men are sent to infiltrate the secret concentration camp where the poison gas is being perfected on human subjects. Their only objective: destroy all traces of the gas and the men who created it - no matter how many lives may be lost...including their own.

    Corinne says: "Feels real"
    "Fantastic story - hard to put down"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Black Cross rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    It's one of the top 20


    Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

    Yes - it was a roller coaster ride almost from the beginning,


    Which scene was your favorite?

    When our hero descends into the concentration camp.


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

    James Bond before James Bond!


    Any additional comments?

    Even though I pretty much knew the outcome - the story was fantastically written and had a great sense of anticipation.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Black Ice: Harry Bosch Series, Book 2: Harry Bosch, Book 2

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 38 mins)
    • By Michael Connelly
    • Narrated By Dick Hill
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1961)
    Performance
    (922)
    Story
    (924)

    Narcotics officer Cal Moore's orders were to look into the city's latest drug killing. Instead, he ends up in a motel room with his head in several pieces and a suicide note stuffed in his back pocket.

    Daniel Mcafee says: "Good Listen"
    "A solid Bosch installment"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to The Black Ice: Harry Bosch Series, Book 2 again? Why?

    No - I don't listen to books twice - I already knows whats going to happen.


    What did you like best about this story?

    The plot twists and surprises.


    Which character – as performed by Dick Hill – was your favorite?

    Bosch


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    Some of the descriptions of torture and murder can be a bit disturbing.


    Any additional comments?

    Dick Hill is fantastic

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Whiplash: FBI Thriller #14

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 30 mins)
    • By Catherine Coulter
    • Narrated By Paul Costanzo, Renee Raudman
    Overall
    (191)
    Performance
    (67)
    Story
    (70)

    Yale professor Dr. Edward Kender’s father is undergoing chemotherapy when the supply of a critical accompanying drug, Culovort, suddenly runs out. Unwilling to accept the drug manufacturer’s disingenuous excuse of production line problems, Dr. Kender hires private investigator Erin Pulaski to prove that something more sinister is going on at Schiffer Hartwin.

    T. Rathbone says: "Quit, couldn't stand it any more"
    "Not the best - Terrible narration!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    The story line of this book was not very compelling. The previous books seemed to have a lot more tension and crime solving. So as a book it wasn't that great, but as an audio listen it was horrible.

    The male narrator was just terrible. It sounded as though he were reading the book for the first time. He put the emphasis on the wrong words and he enunciated each and every word - almost like listening to a group of first graders sitting around a circle learning to read. It - was - a - nice - warm - day - out - side - and me - and - my - friends - were - playing. Nothing flowed, it was just a bunch of disjointed words.

    The narration was so bad that it completely took me out of the story on numerous occasions, so I'm not sure if the book was really that bad or just the reading.

    Like an earlier reviewer said - it might be better to read this one rather than listen.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • The Glass Rainbow: A Dave Robicheaux Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 7 mins)
    • By James Lee Burke
    • Narrated By Will Patton
    Overall
    (1905)
    Performance
    (556)
    Story
    (559)

    Why we think it’s a great listen: When it comes to author/narrator pairings, nobody tops James Lee Burke and Will Patton in the Robicheaux thrillers. Beloved Burke hero Detective Dave Robicheaux here returns to New Iberia to solve a series of grisly murders. Seven young women in neighboring Jefferson Davis Parish have been brutally murdered. While the crimes have all the telltale signs of a serial killer, the death of Bernadette Latiolais, a high-school honor student, doesn’t fit.

    Gardner says: "Best Yet... Almost"
    "Slooooow read"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This is my first Dave Robicheaux novel, the series gets such high ratings I just had to try it.

    Much like the setting, I found the book very laid back and slow. Most books are like roller coasters, they have ups and downs throughout, but not this one. Like the long, slow, boring climb at the beginning of a roller coaster this book spent the first 3/4 getting to the top of the hill. The ride down the other side very mildly exciting but not worth the wait.

    A earlier reviewer had commented about the narrator, no doubt Will Patton is good narrator, but during the descriptive sequences I found his voice almost hypnotic. And what's with the marathon descriptive sequences, I know the author is trying to give us a picture of the setting but come on. There seems to be 5-6 paragraphs of description for one little sentence of action. Between the long narratives and sleepy voice of Patton, is was very difficult to stay focused on the story and easy to fall asleep.

    After listening the John Corey (Nelson DeMille) and Jack Reacher (Lee Child) series, which are full of action - this was a bit difficult.

    As far as another reviewer banging on Scot Brick, I dare you to fall asleep listening to his excellent work.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Spandau Phoenix

    • UNABRIDGED (26 hrs and 31 mins)
    • By Greg Iles
    • Narrated By Dick Hill
    Overall
    (260)
    Performance
    (113)
    Story
    (109)

    The Spandau Diary -- what was in it? Why did the secret intelligence agencies of every major power want it? Why was a brave and beautiful woman kidnapped to get it? Why did a chain of deception and violent death lash out across the globe, from survivors of the Nazi past to warriors in this new conflict about to explode? Why did the world's entire history of World War II have to be rewritten as the future hung over a nightmare abyss?

    Corinne says: "Excellent and intense"
    "Good Story, Good action, Excellent narrator"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This book is filled with excellent action, has a lot of interesting characters and a bit of history.

    It does manage to drag in a few spots, but not too much.

    I can't understand other reviewer's complaints about the narrator. Granted he's not Rich Little, but without his accents and voices, the book would not have been nearly as enjoyable.

    Good read - recommended.

    4 of 4 people found this review helpful
  • Wild Fire

    • UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 51 mins)
    • By Nelson DeMille
    • Narrated By Scott Brick
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2067)
    Performance
    (566)
    Story
    (573)

    The Executive Board of an exclusive men's club meets to talk about 9/11 and finalize a retaliation plan, known by a code name: Wild Fire. That weekend, a member of the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force is found dead. It's up to Detective John Corey and his wife, FBI Agent Kate Mayfield, to unravel a terrifying plot that starts with the Custer Hill Club and ends with American cities locked in the crosshairs of a nuclear device.

    Steven says: "Great Listen"
    "Riveting, Exciting and hard to put down"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Well, it's John Corey, our favorite wise cracking detective.

    This time instead of battling foreign terrorists, he finds a villain much closer to home. It's not a typical terrorist, one that you easily hate and want to kill, but someone who is actually charismatic and somewhat likable. This presents Corey with a problem, on one level he actually likes the guy, on the other, he's an insane idiot. When it comes to Patriotism and dedication, I think Corey sees a bit of himself in this guy and that idea forces John to take a closer look at himself.

    The story itself is based on many truths, so its not that far fetched and while the some reviewers have suggested that the billionaire-reshaping-the-world is a bit cliche, I think we only need to look as far as Osama Bin Laden to see that it isn't!

    The story was gripping, many surprises, people die unexpectedly and we're kept guessing. The tension built very nicely and when story peaked, unlike DeMille's previous book Night Fall, this one actually delivered a worthy, very satisfying conclusion.

    The only negative comments I have, are regarding Kate Mayfield - Corey's wife. She was kinda of a whiner throughout, looking for the easy way out, always wanting to quit. Not exactly the traits you'd like to see in an FBI agent. But when the time came, she stepped up.

    I look forward to John's next adventure.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Night Fall

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 45 mins)
    • By Nelson DeMille
    • Narrated By Scott Brick
    Overall
    (2069)
    Performance
    (593)
    Story
    (594)

    Five years after the crashof TWA Flight 800, the government has declared it a result of mechanical failure. But John Corey, an ex-NYPD detective who is now a contract agent with the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force, is persuaded by Kate Mayfield, his wife and task force partner, that the case deserves a second look.

    Ms Discus "aka Jo Barista" says: "Addictive mix of fact & intriguing storyline"
    "Great story - Disappointing ending"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Love the story - it's Detective John Corey, who doesn't love him.

    The cat and mouse game was great and the story built to a really exciting crescendo - then like TWA 800 - it blew up.

    As the book drew to a close, the author telegraphed the ending. I was hoping badly, that DeMille didn't go there, but he did.

    It ended in a very disappointing fashion. The author admitted in the interview that followed the book, that he had "painted himself into a corner" with this story and this was his way out.

    I think that's a bit of a cop out - he should have thought about that earlier.

    Still very much enjoyed the story.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Fidelity

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 7 mins)
    • By Thomas Perry
    • Narrated By Michael Kramer
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (287)
    Performance
    (79)
    Story
    (83)

    When Phil Kramer is shot dead on a deserted suburban street in the middle of the night, his wife, Emily, is left with an emptied bank account and a lot of questions. How could Phil leave her penniless? What was he going to do with the money? And, most of all, who was he if he wasn't the man she thought she married?

    Jerry Hobart has some questions of his own. It's none of his business why he was hired to kill Phil Kramer. But now that he's been ordered to take out Kramer's widow, he figures there's a bigger secret at work - and maybe a bigger payoff.

    richard says: "Thomas Perry is, quite simply, brilliant."
    "Great read"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This is the first Thomas Perry book I've read. At first I thought the narrator's bland tone was distracting, but after a while I realized it fit perfect with Jerry Hobart's personality.

    The story was very good, very satisfying and I would highly recommend it.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • The Lion

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 45 mins)
    • By Nelson DeMille
    • Narrated By Scott Brick
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2588)
    Performance
    (856)
    Story
    (850)

    Detective John Corey now faces his toughest assignment yet: the pursuit and capture of the world's most dangerous terrorist -- a young Arab known as "The Lion" who has baffled a federal task force and shows no sign of stopping in his quest for revenge against the American pilots who bombed Libya and killed his family.

    Christina says: "Totally satisfying"
    "Absolutely stunning!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This is my first Nelson DeMille book and all I can say is WOW. John Correy is an awesome character. His sarcastic tone is hilarious, but his intensity and competence are equally brilliant. If you like thrillers, you'll love this.

    I wish I had read the prequel to this book - The Lions Game, but the author does a great job of bringing the you up to date if you haven't.

    Very satisfying!

    2 of 3 people found this review helpful

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