Fear Itself

A Fearless Jones Novel

By: Walter Mosley

Narrated by: Don Cheadle

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Paris Minton is a man who would just as soon walk away from trouble as stand up to it. But in 1950s Los Angeles, sometimes trouble just comes and gets you.

Fearless Jones shows up at Paris Minton's door one night with a simple request: an attractive woman has asked him to help her find her husband, a man Fearless worked for briefly, and Fearless wants Paris to take the case with him. The next morning, a suspicious stranger shows up at Paris's door, and he's asking after Fearless Jones.

A few short questions later, Paris is running for his life, tangled up with one of the wealthiest women in L.A., and wondering whom he should fear more - the people he's looking for or the people he's working for. One misstep at a time, he tumbles into the most complex and terrifying situation he's ever found - one that even his invincible friend Fearless may not be able to save him from.

Listen to a conversation with Walter Mosley.

&$169;2003 Walter Mosley. All Rights Resaerved; (P)2003 Time Warner AudioBooks. A division of the AOL Time Warner Book Group.

Critic reviews

"Highly recommended." (Library Journal)

Fear Itself

This was the first book I have listened to written by Walter Mosley. I loved the characters and the story. It is fast paced and had a great story line.

Cheadle would be worth it even if the story wasn't

But it (was a be is it was now wow cat fur fun not to too two)

I love Fearless Jones and Paris Minton!

The story is full of violence, betrayal, and lust and I simply loved every minute. I'm not a big fan of noir but these characters seemed so real to me. Walter Mosley's stories speak to the compromises people make in life in order to survive. The amazing thing is that the fullness and joy of black culture comes through his writing. Even with death and or violence at every turn, Fearless's character brings compassion and civility along for the ride. Paris is so real that you take him for granted. He and Fearless are as good as Easy and Mouse. Don Cheadle does an admirable job with his narration. He made me want to meet Fearless and captures the women particularly well, especially Ambrosia and Delois. The story was all over the place like many noir mysteries but the listening was so much fun.

Mosley plus Cheadle = Bliss!

This was the first book I listened to when I joined Audible a few months ago, and it made me a believer in the joy I could derive from listening.

Walter Mosley's a favorite writer for me. I love the way he plays with words and the ambience he creates. I love his characters and the way affection for them just sort of sneaks up on you until you can't wait to get back to them. I've read several of Mosley's books, and he always keeps me engaged and on my mental toes.

This is the first time I've encountered Fearless Jones and Paris. I just loved them.

Don Cheadle! He was simply superb. Since that first listen, I've heard a bunch of excellent readers on Audible; but Cheadle still stands out as the best I've heard. He never tries too hard with characterizations--they sound unforced and natural. Each one is unique. The women's voices--often a "clench my teeth and just get through it" event for me with many male readers--are terrific. Again, he doesn't force it--just a subtle change and each female character has a distinct and natural voice.

Oh, I just loved this listening experience. It doesn't matter that I now know who did what and how it turned out. I'll definitely listen to this one again.

Great novel

Great story and Don Cheadle did a great presentation! However, the number of characters got a little overwhelming. But still a great story.

Great book, flawless narration

This is one of the best books I have listened to. The story is fast paced, believable and the characters are multi-dimensional. The relationship between Fearless and Paris is fascinating, and can't wait to hear their next misadventure. The thing that sets this book apart from many others, though, is the narration by Don Cheadle - a great actor who played Mosley's "Mouse" in the movie version of "Devil in a Blue Dress".

More readings by Cheadle!

Mosley is great! Paris Minton and Fearless Jones are an interesting departure from EZ Rawlins and Mouse. I really enjoy how Paris keeps emphasizing himself as a coward. And it's great to see Mosley's Los Angeles from a couple different angles. Don Cheadle gives a GREAT reading. This is what audiobooks are all about! I haven't liked a reading so much since Ossie Davis.

Amazing Story!!

This series should be turned into a movie.. Walter Mosley is a God! As long as he’s writing I’m reading..

Suspension and good intentions

Enjoyed the storyline. I could not figure out what was next. Very unpredictable. Good read.

Well written and narrated!!

Walter Mosley never disappoints. I really enjoyed this book!! The story came together and it was so well written that I could imagine every character and every action as I heard it. Fearless Jones was a smart man after all!!