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John S. Johnston

Retired elementary school teacher, and now build guitars and furniture. Listen to about 40 books a year with a heave interest on detective story.

Magnolia, TX | Member Since 2009

26
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 11 reviews
  • 157 ratings
  • 282 titles in library
  • 12 purchased in 2013
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  • V Is for Vengeance: A Kinsey Millhone Mystery

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 11 mins)
    • By Sue Grafton
    • Narrated By Judy Kaye
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1092)
    Performance
    (891)
    Story
    (887)

    A woman with a murky past who kills herself-or was it murder? A dying old man cared for by the son he pummeled mercilessly. A lovely woman whose life is about to splinter into a thousand fragments. A professional shoplifting ring racking up millions in stolen goods. A brutal and unscrupulous gangster. A wandering husband, rich and powerful. A spoiled kid awash in gambling debt thinking he can beat the system. A lonely widower mourning the death of his lover, desperate for answers that may be worse than the pain of his loss.

    Suzn F says: "I know I'm in the minority, more like a 2.5"
    "Too many story lines."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you try another book from Sue Grafton and/or Judy Kaye?

    This is a toss up. I read all the ABC books and since N they have gone downhill. Now I at the point where I want to be able to say I read all of them but, now that in question.


    What do you think your next listen will be?

    Dresden Files or a Death book by Dodd.


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

    I like her but it would be hard to listen to her as somebody other than Kinsey. I also have this problem with Scott Brick who I just love as a reader.


    Was V Is for Vengeance worth the listening time?

    It took over 4 hours to get a client. Too many story lines going on and how dumb does Kinsey look after reading this book. It one thing to make a mistake but to make one after another? Would you hire such a person.


    Any additional comments?

    The reviews posted to date on this site have been right on the mark. I don't know what happen with this one may-be I got a different version.

    8 of 9 people found this review helpful
  • Free Fall: A John Ceepak Mystery, Book 8

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 15 mins)
    • By Chris Grabenstein
    • Narrated By Jeff Woodman
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (21)
    Performance
    (19)
    Story
    (19)

    “I didn’t do it!” is something cops hear all the time. But when the plea comes from a close friend who’s fallen on hard times, it’s tougher to ignore, especially for young Officer Danny Boyle. It’s the start of another action-packed summer for the wisecracking Boyle and straight-arrow cop (now chief of detectives) John Ceepak down the Jersey Shore as they do their best to help Danny’s friend, a young nurse who claims she has been falsely accused of aggravated assault by a prestigious Sea Haven doctor.

    Kara says: "Great series!!! Read EACH book twice!!!!"
    "Just another great Ceepak book"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Free Fall rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    I really like Fun House but, this is just a better story. It could be the best because Danny is a very competent detective. He is growing up and now make decision on his own plus the give take during interview with Ceepak.


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

    At no point during the investigation does Chris Grabenstein tip his hand and let you know would be the guilty person. On the hand with Danny knowing everyone on the island it is almost heart breaking when they are investigate another one his friends.


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

    By far one my favor readers. What is now happening now is you'll hear an old or dead character in a new character voice. I just hope there is not a change here.


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

    When Danny's friend explains her job in advance age home care. When Danny's and his friend at the picnic table at he fish place.


    Any additional comments?

    I just love this series. I hope they keep coming each May for the next several years.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Cold Days: The Dresden Files, Book 14

    • UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 50 mins)
    • By Jim Butcher
    • Narrated By James Marsters
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (3111)
    Performance
    (2882)
    Story
    (2878)

    After being murdered by a mystery assailant, navigating his way through the realm between life and death, and being brought back to the mortal world, Harry realizes that maybe death wasn’t all that bad - because he is no longer Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard. He is now Harry Dresden, Winter Knight to Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness. After Harry had no choice but to swear his fealty, Mab wasn’t about to let something as petty as death steal away the prize she had sought for so long.

    Ethan M. says: "Thwarts Every Expectation - In a Good Way"
    "About 6 hours too long"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you like best about Cold Days? What did you like least?

    Ended nicely.


    Would you ever listen to anything by Jim Butcher again?

    Good question, I've listen to this whole series and been waiting for this book. I got tried of every time Harry crossed a street he a major fight. Once or twice OK but 50 time way too much I cut the last 4 hours of the second part of three and didn't miss anything after starting part 3.


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

    No problems here.


    If this book were a movie would you go see it?

    It would have to be rated x and over 3 hours. Guess not.


    Any additional comments?

    No sure I'll continue this series, length of the book will have a lot to do with it.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Robert B. Parker's Lullaby: A Spenser Mystery

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 32 mins)
    • By Ace Atkins
    • Narrated By Joe Mantegna
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (157)
    Performance
    (144)
    Story
    (142)

    When 14-year-old Mattie Sullivan asks Spenser to look into her mother’s murder, he’s not completely convinced by her claim that the police investigation four years ago was botched. Mattie is gruff, street-smart, and wise beyond her years, left to care for her younger siblings and an alcoholic grandmother in a dilapidated apartment in South Boston. But her need for closure and her determination to make things right hit Spenser where he lives - they’re the very characteristics he abides by.

    Ed says: "Ace aces Spenser!"
    "Ace, Got it Right!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Robert B. Parker's Lullaby rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

    This could very well be in the top 20%. My current library is somewhere around 250 so go figure.


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

    This not about one story or book but a process of several characters that have been developed over 30 years. What a great job Ace did with the characters.


    What about Joe Mantegna???s performance did you like?

    He is one of the best but now could not listen to him as anybody else except Spenser.


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

    Love the times he talks with the love of his life, Sue. I always enjoy these parts.


    Any additional comments?

    Hope Ace keep these coming, wish he could also pickup the Appaloosa series.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Fun House: A John Ceepak Mystery, Book 7

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 44 mins)
    • By Chris Grabenstein
    • Narrated By Jeff Woodman
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (189)
    Performance
    (167)
    Story
    (166)

    What if a reality TV show like Jersey Shore set up production in the fictional seaside resort Sea Haven? What if hitting the gym, tanning, and doing a little laundry aren't the only things the contestants get into? By-the-book officer John Ceepak and his wisecracking young partner, Danny Boyle, have to babysit the buff and boozy kids partying it up in a Jersey shore rental house for TV’s summertime hit Fun House while simultaneously trying to stop the rowdy kids from breaking the law up and down the beach. But even Ceepak and Danny can’t stop one young cast member from being murdered—and others from being threatened with the same fate.

    BSquared67 says: "Ceepak and Boyle are worth waiting for"
    "A Great Listen"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    I would recommend this book to friends and family but would have to with a warning about the language. The language is crude but it make the situation in the book believable.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of Fun House?

    Batman testing out a hypothesis and at "Veggie Shack" Danny's reactions and thoughts.


    Which scene was your favorite?

    When the Fried Oreo guy asked Ceepak if he was George f****ing Washington? Danny's answer.


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

    Ceepak meets Reality TV!


    Any additional comments?

    We listen to this book over the weekend and my wife stated that she was not enjoying the book as much as the other during the first half of the book. I asked "Why?" Her answer was the language and how this generation were treating each other. This lead to two discussions. First author Chris Grabstein go it right with language, actions, and events with reality shows. Then I pointed out how Danny and other locals in the same age group were just as discussed with this show as Ceepak and yet the town leader loved the show. This will be listen to again and would recommend it to friends and family.

    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
  • The Hunger Games

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 14 mins)
    • By Suzanne Collins
    • Narrated By Carolyn McCormick
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (28036)
    Performance
    (19708)
    Story
    (20002)

    Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

    Teddy says: "The Book Deserves The Hype"
    "Didn't finish it"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

    Story line, just did like what the book was all about. I read about 50 books a year and this one of may-be 5 I have not finish.


    What could Suzanne Collins have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

    nothing


    What didn???t you like about Carolyn McCormick???s performance?

    ok


    What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

    disappointment


    Any additional comments?

    none

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Sixth Man

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 36 mins)
    • By David Baldacci
    • Narrated By Ron McLarty, Orlagh Cassidy
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1772)
    Performance
    (906)
    Story
    (904)

    Edgar Roy - an alleged serial killer held in a secure, fortress-like Federal Supermax facility-is awaiting trial. He faces almost certain conviction. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by Roy's attorney, Sean's old friend and mentor Ted Bergin, to help work the case. But their investigation is derailed before it begins-en route to their first meeting with Bergin, Sean and Michelle find him murdered. It is now up to them to ask the questions no one seems to want answered....

    Anthony says: "Somebody needs to be fired..."
    "My Fault"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I was warned by other reviews and I did purchased it anyway. One hour in and changed to another book already. The only way I'll finish this book is to read it. Is their anyway they can remaster this and send it to us? Narration is very poor.

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • The Fifth Witness

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 56 mins)
    • By Michael Connelly
    • Narrated By Peter Giles
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (3786)
    Performance
    (1862)
    Story
    (1852)

    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.

    Bob says: "Compelling and difficult to put down"
    "Best one yet!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I don't sit in the garage very often and listen to books, I did today. Lincoln Lawyer new book "The Fifth Witness" I listened to in 2 days. One other reviewer got it right when he said you have to do the last 30 minutes in one sitting.

    6 of 11 people found this review helpful
  • Grave Peril: The Dresden Files, Book 3

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 59 mins)
    • By Jim Butcher
    • Narrated By James Marsters
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (4484)
    Performance
    (2806)
    Story
    (2805)

    Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden has had a rough couple of weeks. As the only openly practicing professional wizard in the Chicago area, he has squared off against a multitude of supernatural bad guys. Harry has won the day against demons, poltergeists, sorcerers, trolls, vampires, werewolves, and even an evil faerie godmother. You might think nothing could spook him. You would be wrong.

    Lakejewel says: "Spike makes good"
    "Just Average tp Poor"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Outside of hearing "Hell Bell" it read like the "Towering Inferno" it just not as good as others. Lots of build up to this book and I think the author thought it was it best work it wasn't. If I picked this up first I would not gotten any of the others, I liked Micheal but the rest of the cast was very under developed. .

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Bad Blood: A Virgil Flowers Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 43 mins)
    • By John Sandford
    • Narrated By Eric Conger
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1640)
    Performance
    (790)
    Story
    (782)

    One late fall Sunday in southern Minnesota, a farmer brings a load of soybeans to a local grain elevator - and a young man hits him on the head with a steel bar, drops him into the grain bin, waits until he's sure he's dead, and then calls the sheriff to report the "accident." Suspicious, the sheriff calls in Virgil Flowers, who quickly breaks the kid down...and the next day the boy's found hanging in his cell. Remorse? Virgil isn't so sure....

    Bob says: "EXCELLENT!"
    "Like Virgil not the book"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Content disturbed me with a church and all crimes against children. If I would known the content would have purchased the book.

    5 of 13 people found this review helpful

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