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Joel

I have listened to over 250 books in the last 10 years. I tend to listen to certain authors and try to read all their books. I listen while exercising and driving which makes the time past enjoyable.

Dallas | Member Since 2001

40
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 31 reviews
  • 237 ratings
  • 547 titles in library
  • 10 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
4
FOLLOWERS
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  • The Expats: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 27 mins)
    • By Chris Pavone
    • Narrated By Mozhan Marno
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (286)
    Performance
    (235)
    Story
    (235)

    Kate Moore is a working mother, struggling to make ends meet, to raise children, to keep a spark in her marriage... and to maintain an increasingly unbearable life-defining secret. So when her husband is offered a lucrative job in Luxembourg, she jumps at the chance to leave behind her double-life, to start anew. She begins to reinvent herself as an expat, finding her way in a language she doesn’t speak, doing the housewifely things she’s never before done - playdates and coffee mornings, daily cooking and never-ending laundry....

    Ariel says: "You Will Need to Pay Attention"
    "Difficult listen"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

    The Expats was a difficult listening in that the time element of the story changes frequently without acknowledging a change in time period, The only time reference was to the present. Maybe in print there is a break in the type to signify a previous time period. To complicate the listening, Mozhan Marno , the narrator voice is not adequate enough to identify characters and the male voice is very false.The story plot is intriguing if you can focus on the right time line, but the ending leave one holding on for more explanation.


    Did Mozhan Marno do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

    Very poor job


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Shadow Patrol

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 13 mins)
    • By Alex Berenson
    • Narrated By George Guidall
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (364)
    Performance
    (299)
    Story
    (299)

    In 2009, the CIA's Kabul Station fell for a source who promised to lead it to Bin Laden, but instead he blew himself up, taking the station's most senior officers with him. Now, more than two years later, the station is still floundering, agents are dying, and at Langley the CIA's chiefs wonder if the unthinkable has happened, if somehow the Taliban has infiltrated the station.

    Bonnie-Ann says: "John Wells -- A new American Hero"
    "Not up to par"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Any additional comments?

    First the only saving grace it the reading of George Guidall, which as usual is superb. The plot is slow and boring, in that it has so many minutias, that I could not keep focus. Most of the time it did not matter, as these small details were not necessary in the whole picture. When you are listening, the minutia only detract from the plot.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Coup d'Etat: Dewey Andreas, Book 2

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 14 mins)
    • By Ben Coes
    • Narrated By David de Vries
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (532)
    Performance
    (455)
    Story
    (449)

    When a fragile peace breaks down and promptly devolves into a rapidly escalating shooting war between Pakistan and India, the U.S. must intervene. With only hours remaining before the conflict reaches a deadly point of no return, the White House must find a way to shut it down immediately or risk the likelihood of a new global war. A radical cleric has become the democratically elected president of Pakistan and uses a brutal incident in the Kashmir region as an opportunity to ignite war with India. The highly lethal conventional war spins out of control when Pakistan initiates a nuclear attack.

    Susan says: "Dewey Andreas Saves the Day ... Again!"
    "Frighten scenario"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to Coup d'Etat again? Why?

    NO, I do not listen or read any book twice


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


    Yes, it kept your interest. I had listened to Power Down by Ben Coes and it was equally as gripping. You should listen to Power Down first as “Coup d'Eta” is a continuation of most of the characters.


    Which scene was your favorite?

    Nearly everyone scene when Dewey Andreas get his revenge.


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

    NO, but proud to be an American


    Any additional comments?

    David de Vries did an excellent job of narration.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Suspect

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 30 mins)
    • By Robert Crais
    • Narrated By MacLeod Andrews
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1606)
    Performance
    (1426)
    Story
    (1421)

    LAPD cop Scott James is not doing so well, not since a shocking nighttime assault by unidentified men killed his partner, Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty - until he meets his new partner. Maggie is not doing so well, either. The German shepherd survived three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan sniffing explosives before she lost her handler to an IED and sniper attack, and her PTSD is as bad as Scott’s. They are each other’s last chance.

    Jacqueline says: "Gripping Page Turner!!"
    "One for the dog"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you consider the audio edition of Suspect to be better than the print version?

    Since I did not read the print edition I can not compare, but it was very easy to follow the audio edition


    What did you like best about this story?

    It was a little different, with the thought process of his police dog.


    Which scene was your favorite?

    There was not one specific scene.


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

    Not especially, but it could keep your interest


    Any additional comments?

    Enjoyable listen, especially Andrews narration

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The House of Silk: A Sherlock Holmes Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 24 mins)
    • By Anthony Horowitz
    • Narrated By Derek Jacobi
    Overall
    (874)
    Performance
    (757)
    Story
    (760)

    Sherlock Holmes is the greatest detective in literary history. For the first time since the death of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a new Holmes story has been sanctioned by his estate, whetting the appetites of fans everywhere. Information about the book will be revealed as deliberately as Holmes himself would unravel a knotty case, but bestselling novelist and Holmes expert Anthony Horowitz is sure to bring a compelling, atmospheric story to life.

    Gloria says: "A disapointment"
    "Not quite Arthur Conan Doyle"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does The House of Silk rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    It was good listen, but not the cliff hanger of other mysteries.u


    What did you like best about this story?

    I think the ending wrapped it up


    Which character – as performed by Derek Jacobi – was your favorite?

    Of course Watson


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

    Not especially


    Any additional comments?

    It was good, but not in the style and character plot of ACD.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Threat Vector

    • UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 22 mins)
    • By Tom Clancy, Mark Greaney
    • Narrated By Lou Diamond Phillips
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1907)
    Performance
    (1627)
    Story
    (1632)

    Jack Ryan has only just moved back into the Oval Office when he is faced with a new international threat. An aborted coup in the People's Republic of China has left President Wei Zhen Lin with no choice but to agree with the expansionist policies of General Su Ke Quiang. They have declared the South China Sea a protectorate and are planning an invasion of Taiwan. The Ryan administration is determined to thwart China’s ambitions, but the stakes are dangerously high as a new breed of powerful Chinese anti-ship missiles endanger the US Navy's plans to protect the island.

    Charles says: "The Clancy that gave us Clear & Present..."
    "Good Clancy, but not his best"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    If you could sum up Threat Vector in three words, what would they be?

    Typical Clancy espionage


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

    Yes, but it was not as fast moving, with a lot detail that disrupted my concentration.


    Have you listened to any of Lou Diamond Phillips’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    He is alway excellent


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

    Future Cyber warfare could be today


    Any additional comments?

    The cyber attack are a real possibility. Having the President's son doing under cover in China is too unrealistic.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • 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
    (1205)
    Performance
    (1036)
    Story
    (1000)

    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"
    "Typical James Lee Burke"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    If you have read James Lee Burke previously, this is his typical combination of culture, history and philosophical narrative to understanding the bayou country of Louisiana, The plot is a little more non realistic than most of the previous Dave Robicheaux Novels. It is worth listening as the narrative flows well, especially read by Will Patton. He has the dialect and the distinctive voice change to pick out the individual characters.


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

    Yes and No; It flowed well but there were some districting interludes that you could of done without.


    What does Will Patton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    Yes as noted above


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

    Not really


    Any additional comments?

    Worth the listen

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • 15 Seconds: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 2 mins)
    • By Andrew Gross
    • Narrated By Christian Hoff
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (62)
    Performance
    (49)
    Story
    (49)

    Henry Steadman didn't know what was about to hit him when he pulled up to a red light. A successful Florida plastic surgeon, he is in town to deliver a keynote address at a conference when suddenly his life becomes an unrelenting chase to stay alive.

    Stopped by the police for a minor traffic violation, the situation escalates and he is pulled from his vehicle, handcuffed, and told he is under arrest. Several other police cars arrive and the questioning turns scary, but just as Henry is released and about to move on, a blue sedan pulls up and the officer is suddenly killed. As the car speeds away, there is only one suspect left behind - Henry.

    Happy dog says: "Unforgettable suspense"
    "exciting and fast moving"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    If you could sum up 15 Seconds in three words, what would they be?

    Holds you interest


    What did you like best about this story?

    Although it had some redundancy and prolonged narrative, the plot was still fast moving and kept your interest. I listened to the entire book during a 2 day drive andmade the drive enjoyable.


    What does Christian Hoff bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    Excellent reasd in thatt you could tell the characters in the novel from his change of voice.


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

    It was not that type of book, but it did bring to the forefront, parent’s devotion to their children and contrasted with the villain’s irrational thought process.


    Any additional comments?

    It is hard to put down

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Collision

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 41 mins)
    • By Jeff Abbott
    • Narrated By Phil Gigante
    Overall
    (34)
    Performance
    (20)
    Story
    (20)

    Collision is the story of two men living very different lives - one, a successful corporate consultant who is mourning the murder of his new bride; the other, a former CIA agent known only as "Pilgrim", whose current assignment for a fringe espionage agency is so treacherous he doesn't trust even his own boss. When they are thrown together in a violent, unexpected event, the two men realize that they've been framed in an elaborate setup.

    Tracie says: "a worthwhile purchase"
    "Fast pace"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Collision?

    It wqas a fast moving plot that made it hard to put the book down. Some books with an esiponage plot, the characters are difficult to recognize, but the reader and the narration keeps one focused.


    What does Phil Gigante bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    godd dialogue with voice can to reconize the characters.


    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • The Third Option: Mitch Rapp Series

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 44 mins)
    • By Vince Flynn
    • Narrated By Nick Sullivan
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1416)
    Performance
    (1126)
    Story
    (1104)

    CIA counterterrorism operative Mitch Rapp falls prey to government forces with an agenda of their own after Dr. Irene Kennedy is named the successor to dying CIA Director Thomas Stansfield—a choice that enrages many inside the world’s most powerful intelligence agency. Her detractors will resort to extreme measures to prevent her from taking the reins—which makes Rapp an expendable asset. But Mitch Rapp is no one’s pawn, and he will stop at nothing to find out who has set him up.

    Henry says: "If it had an ending, I'd give it a 5."
    "Mitch Rapp again"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to The Third Option again? Why?

    No, I never listen to a book twice. There are enough other good books to listen. But that is not to say it was not good.


    What other book might you compare The Third Option to and why?

    The rest of the Vince Flynn's books.


    Have you listened to any of Nick Sullivan???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    NO, but He was apporpriate for the book. I had no problem following the characters.


    Any additional comments?

    I wish Audible would note the orginal book publishing date. This was published orginally in 2000. Especially in books that are a series.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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