Michael

I'm a guy, so I didn't mind the sexism as much as much as a woman might. The protagonist is a cliche, but if you can accept him for the arrogant pig that he seems to be, then you might start to actually like him by the end of the story. Even the names of the characters are "tongue in cheek"- an indication that they represent stereotypes- but they are all interesting. I'm sure there is some "deeper meaning" in the story that could be explored by a college Literature class, but I'm not "that deep" and just enjoyed them all at face value.

It was narrated very well and the story kept my interest- it is an action/mystery more than a romance. This one might be enjoyed more by a "guy" than a woman... I don't think easily offended feminists will like the main character very much. There definately IS much commentary on society in general and, if you "get" the satire, it will make you smile.

This is my first Finder book and, were the "Buried Secrets" not on sale, this would probably be my last. After reading comments by others, I find that I agree with some and disagree with others as follows:
- I was not as annoyed with the narrator as others... in fact, I found the "whiny" mom and "cracking, high" voice of Gabe really funny!
- I liked the way Finder described the "reasoning" behind the actions of his "hero" protagonist, but like another person mentioned... he AIN'T no "Mitch Rapp".
- Regarding character development, I agree with another that said they didn't really "care" about the characters... I didn't really get close enough to any of them to cheer them on.
- Regarding length, I do agree with the person that said there was too much filler/detail and that the action didn't move along fast enough... this could have been a "better" short story.
- Plausibility... pretty weak (but it IS fiction!), and silly how none of the bad guys can seem to shoot straight whatsoever. I didn't mind the references to "gadgets" like another reviewer mentioned.

In summary, if I had know how I'd feel about this book prior to having listened to it, I would not have purchased it... but I didn't strongly dislike it enough to be remorseful about having spent the credit. I hope "Buried Secrets" is better.

If you enjoyed the first book of the series, then it is pretty likely that you'll like this one as well. However, I do recommend reading the first book prior to this one to get the backdrop for this story, though the author does a good job reminding of events in that book.

The reason for 3 stars rather than 5 is that I found this story very "dark"... there was not as much "hope" for other than a "grim" conclusion to this chapter, lots of slaughter not only in the games this time but in the districts. and much pessimism. Also, I didn't like the direction that Katniss was heading... not so much "fight and anger", but "acceptance of fate (death?)", sadness, resignation. Was it me, or did she seem to be whining as times?

I hope the author keeps Katniss "strong" for the final book... I fear the scales are tipping, and that is a shame. I want a "leader" and "hero" from her character... not an overly sensitive crybaby resigned to doom.

The Good: I liked the personalities of the characters... their quirkiness, comaradarie, and interactions. While some were not entirely "believable", that was OK with me (its FICTION!). Also good was some of the background and research regarding the practice of Islam and their views of we infidels.

The Bad: The infiltration and dishonor conducted within and between members our NSA, CIA, FBI and Executive office makes our government seem like a bunch of bufoons. The author also seems to be making a statement that we are at as much fault for poor relations between USA and Muslin countries- argument seemed silly.

The Ugly: The quick decision by the US to launch a nuclear strike without an imminint threat and to simply just "sent a message" was utterly ridiculous.

Perhaps I'll try another book including the Camel Club again... but ONLY if the story is not as utterly ridiculous as this one was.

This is the third that I have listened to in the "in Death" series. So far, this seems to be the story with the fewest "steamy" blah-blahs between Roarke and Eve... which is fine with me. >;-) I also liked the increased roles of other characters surrounding the main ones and the development of the "evil" bad girl. Some of the futuristic technology (remember, this is 50 years into the future) was a bit too "convenient" to bolster the storyline, but it was forgivable. I thought the over and over "cannonizing" of cops was a bit over the top but, again, not overly annoying.

Regarding Susan's read... as always, I think she is really good and I love the different voices- especially Peabody and the chief. However, it was absolutely noticable how much slower she read this story... why?? I tried to use the player's faster playback mode, but made her sound like a chipmonk. It didn't "drive me crazy", but I agree with others that she should speed it up to her pace of the others.

I'm a "guy" and this is the first I've ever listened from Garwood... my WIFE selected this one.

The story was ok and easy to follow... though I'm not much into the "steamy" love stuff as much as some might be. This is definately a "romance" story. I liked the different "points of view" of the characters and felt they were well-enough developed. The ending was reasonable and I didn't mind that an "epilogue" was used to wrap it up.

I enjoyed the narrator's different voices for characters and found the listening "easy". I probably WOULD listen to another by this author... but only if my wife selects it. I wouldn't say this is a "guy's guy" type of story but, then, I'm just SO in touch with my sensitive (feminine?) side!

This is a good mystery/investigation story which moves at a mostly reasonable pace. What I liked most were the characters and their relationships/interactions with each other, though some were given great detail but didn't seem necessary to the plot line.

There were two main storylines... one of which was fully developed and a good mystery, but the other seemed "rushed" at the end, though it WAS wrapped up satisfactorily. The final conclusion of the relationship between the two main characters was disappointing to me, but WAS reasonable.

All in all, I would recommend this one if you have the patience to listen for 15 hours. I do wish Larson had other books available for download, but I suppose they would have to be translated first. Finally, I enjoyed the voice and accent of the reader... as well as his "impressions" of different characters.

A reader should probably read the first book written about this character and place before this one, but it isn't absolutely necessary. I liked the characters in this book a lot and "cared" about what happened to them. As a result, the action was "edge of your seat" hoping that bad things wouldn't happen to them.

This was classic Koontz- clever dialog and always the understated humor in the midst of chaos and danger. The story moved at a good pace and all the action seemed relevant. This story was more toward science-fiction, so be prepared to just accept certain premises without nit-picking the details.

If you are a Koontz fan, then you will be satisfied with this one. If you never read the first book about Moonlight Bay, then the story may seem a bit "out-there", but the characters and action are really good so I'd recommend it.

I was lead, via the main character, through a series of events and thoughts that ultimately were pointless with regard to the fairly predictable ending. Ultimately, I couldn't identify with the main character just didn't care what happened to him... I just wanted this story to be OVER and for SOMETHING to happen.

I gave two stars rather than one because I do enjoy Koontz's sense of humor and the clever way he writes. However... there were just too many overly-developed, insignificant characters and plot lines that ultimately served no purpose to the story, leaving me to question "Why?" too many times without answers.

As a love story, I'm left unfulfilled. As a mystery, it was too long. As for action, too much pointless fluff and no real meat on the story's bones.