The Efficiency Expert

By: Edgar Rice Burroughs

Narrated by: Paul Woodson

Jimmy Torrance, Jr., was a champion athlete in college, if not the brightest scholar. Upon graduation in 1919, he emerges starry-eyed into the grand metropolis of Chicago, cocksure that he will immediately be hired as the manager of a large business. But the real world differs measurably from Jimmy's grandiose expectations.

As the rough-and-tumble, gritty world of Chicago knocks the scrappy youngster down a few pegs, he crosses paths with all the archetypal characters of early pulp fiction: Little Eva, the hooker with a heart of gold; Harold Bince, the scheming embezzler; Elizabeth Compton and Harriet Holden, two classy society ladies; and, most intriguingly, The Lizard, a sagacious safe cracker and pickpocket who just might hold the key to Jimmy's future.

Written by the grandfather of science fiction and master pulp writer Edgar Rice Burroughs (author of Tarzan and John Carter of Mars), this oft-overlooked urban adventure of the 1910s-1920s brings all the classic elements of a gripping story into one short novel about an enterprising, determined young man out to begin his professional career in the real world - even if it means pawning his possessions, consorting with criminals, and forging his recommendation letters to land his first "respectable" job.

Professional film and stage actor/narrator Paul Woodson brings this American classic to life, bringing to life each of the over 30 characters in this coming-of-age piece, which is by turns both dramatic and comical.

Public Domain (P)2015 Paul Woodson

The Efficiency Expert

Paul Woodson narrates this version of Edgar Rice Burroughs story of a man looking for a job.Not much is available but it is possible that he could be an Efficiency Expert,whcih is someone who comes in and fixes things at companies to make it run smoother.With his gal pal helping,can he do it?It is a fun read.
I was given this book for free for an honest review.

Not my cup of tea

Would you try another book from Edgar Rice Burroughs and/or Paul Woodson?

Probably not unless the blurb intrigues me.

What three words best describe Paul Woodson’s voice?

Much too dramatic ... seemed more like an overly extended movie trailer than a book.

Any additional comments?

Not a huge fan of the story.

Like Listening to a Humphrey Bogart Movie!

Any additional comments?

The Efficiency Expert by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a classic set in 1921 Chicago. Although it is not a fantasy like what Burroughs is most known for, the writing is excellent and the dialog between the characters is natural. While listening to this audio, I couldn't help but imagine watching an old Humphrey Bogart movie.

The story centers on a young gentleman, Jimmy Torrance, as he attempts to earn a living after graduating from college, jumping from job to job. Besides being strong and good looking, he is loyal and possesses a good moral compass. For example, Jimmy befriends and helps out a prostitute who wants to escape her current life and earn an honest wage. ,Jimmy also befriends a young upper class debutante, who introduces him to her father and the father ultimately hires him.

Paul Woodson did an excellent job narrating. He has a wonderful voice that differentiates between male and female characters. He was a joy to listen to and really enhanced my enjoyment of this audiobook. I received a copy of this audio in exchange for an honest review.

Different from the Usual Burroughs

This is different from what I typically expect from Burroughs. It is a rags to riches urban tale of the author's time. It shows the athletic but not studious college graduate undergo many setbacks while he learns how to be a success in Chicago. Along the way he befriends a safe-cracker named Lizard and a well meaning prostitute named Little Eva. It is nice. It captures the time. Just don't expect a usual Burroughs adventure story.

Great Story! Well read and fun to listen!!!

I really enjoyed this story. The consistent character play narrated by Paul Woodson made it even more so. Consistent tempo and upbeat character development made this an exciting listen to the very end.
I was given this review copy in exchange for an unbiased review.