Michael A. Alderete

This novel blasts off in the first minutes, and never slows down. And even though it's "only" 6+ hours long, it's so intense, and so funny, you will feel like it's a much longer book. I loved every minute of it.

The novel "takes place" over the course of the narrator's shift in a hospital, with flashbacks into his past. The non-sequential structure is easy to follow, and makes for a more compelling story, building suspense from two directions. It is an R-rated novel, for obvious sex and violence aspects, but what may make listeners squirm the most are some graphic medical scenes.

The narration is spot on, with a fast pace that matches the novel, bringing both intensity and humor. After listening to this book, you will never think of hospitals the same again.

This was my first Preston/Child novel and my first Pendergast novel. I'm hooked. I've been buying Preston/Child UNABRIDGED novels ever since. Some have been better than others, but I'll always remember the joy of this novel, discovering a great new series and two new authors.

FYI: I'll buy it again when the unabridged version come out.

Every time I listen to a Harry Bosch novel, I end up dreaming about it, and him. He's a great character, written well, and as you read or listen to the novels, you feel like you get to know him, that you are compelled to think about him.

And Len Cariou, the narrator of The Closers (as well as Lost Light and The Narrows) *is* Harry Bosch. His voice is so perfect for the role, I _hear_ his voice in my head when I think about the book. I imagine that when I listen to a Harry Bosch novel without him, it will take away from the book.

All in all, another highly recommended book from Michael Connelly. Start listening today, you'll not be able to stop.

First off, the narrator is perfect. *Perfect.* Just an outstanding voice, perfect pitch and inflection, and delivers the many wry, humorous lines with the dry tone only the English can truly manage.

Second, the book itself is fascinating. Even for people who don't like science, Bryson has written a beautiful guide that is interesting as much for the human characters as for the science itself. And the facts are presented so well, with so many good comparisons and easy-to-grasp metaphors that you'll find yourself interested, even if you think you hate science.

And last, this may be the perfect book for dropping off to sleep with. Bryson's transitions from topic to topic are clever and smooth, but it's not plot-driven; the book can really be listened to from any point, for any length of time. Missed 20 minutes because you fell asleep before your iPod sleep timer shut off? No big deal, you won't miss it. Catch it the next time around.

And you will listen to this book again. It's interesting enough and humorous enough that the parts you remember are worth hearing again, and there will be delightful surprises and laughs in those chunks you missed.

I've enjoyed a number of other books audited via Audible.com, but Lost Light is the best so far. Gripping story, Michael Connelly's books are now all on my Wish List.

And Len Cariou is probably the best narrator I've listened to. Certainly, his voice and narration style are _perfect_ for hard boiled detective novels.

While this might not be Hiaasen's best novel, it's certainly enjoyable. And the narrator has a delightfully casual narrative style that goes perfectly with Hiaasen's descriptions of the new Capital of Weird, the state of Florida.

This book sounded so promising. But the main character, Dan Porter, was such a rat, I couldn't stand it. First he gets laid off & loses all the family money in a bad investment. Then, he refuses to accept any job offers so he can "be there" for his kids, even though he doesn't listen to a word they say, much less have any meaningful communication with them or his wife. And he sends money he doesn't have to help a friend in NY. Then, while his wife is struggling as sole bread-winner, instead of supporting her, he runs off to Scotland to help another family he just met. Yes, Dan Porter such a "great guy", he's there for everyone except his own family. Sadly, the author writes the character of the wife so badly you don't care about her either.

The reader can't keep her character's voices straight which is annoying but more annoying is the poor rendition of the main character by the author. The ending was ridiculous.