Hazardous Duty

Presidential Agent Series, Book 8

By: W.E.B. Griffin, William E. Butterworth IV

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

The Presidential Agent adventures return, in the most surprising novel yet in the #1 Wall Street Journal – and New York Times–bestselling series.

Mexican drug cartels are shooting up the streets of Laredo and El Paso. Somali pirates are holding three U.S. tankers for ransom. The President of the United States is fed up and, as Commander in Chief, has what he thinks is a pretty bright idea — to get hold of Colonel Charley Castillo and his merry band and get them on the case.

Unfortunately, that will be difficult. Everybody knows that the President hates Castillo’s guts, and has just had him forcibly retired from the military, and now Castillo’s men are scattered far and wide, many of them in hiding. There are also whispers that the President himself is unstable — the word “nutcake” has been mentioned.

How will it all play out? No one knows for sure, but for Castillo and company, only one thing is definite: This is going to be hazardous duty.

©2013 W.E.B. Griffin (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. Recorded by arrangement with G. P. Putnam’s Sons, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC.

Critic reviews

"Tough-fisted . . . hard-edged . . . Griffin’s formula is straightforward: Set up a bunch of obstacles, and let us watch Charley Castillo knock them down one at a time. His novels promise action, suspense, and rousing entertainment, and they never fail to deliver." ( Booklist)

FAIL! Should be withdrawn frome the series!!!

Would you try another book from W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth and/or Dick Hill?

Yes. I have listened to many of Dick Hill's narration...and will contiue to do so. But this latest book in the Presidential Agent Series is a MAJOR disappointment.

What could W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Leave off the EXCESSIVE "redacted's". The characterization of a southern President as a bafoon is repulsive. The character is absolutely unbelievable! I have enjoyed listening to exploits of C.G. Castillo, but this book seemed so inconsistent wth the series.

Which scene was your favorite?

unknown

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Hazardous Duty?

I would withdraw ALL of the "redacted's." I was cringing at the stupidity!!!!!

Any additional comments?

The author mentioned at the end of the book that he tried a different style of writing. It didn't work for this series. I suggest this book be withdrawn from the series and rewritten with believable characters. This was very disappointing. If the next in the series is similar, it will be my last W.E.B Griffin book.

Disappointed

This is a sub par edition from a superb writer. I don't think I will be reading any future volumes.

Do not waste your money or credit

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I not do think anyone who has read Griffin will find this book enjoyable. It is uninspired. I believe they decided it was time to write another Presidential Agent book but had no creative ideas. This was 2/3 rehash of the previous books in the series and 1/3 uninspired dialog with no action or plot advancement.

What could W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Griffin/Butterworth could have not written this book and improved it. They collected a paycheck and I wasted my money.They write great books. I enjoy all their series but this book was a big miss.

What didn’t you like about Dick Hill’s performance?

I didn't rate Mr Hill's performance highly because of the content he had to work with. He did his usual fine job and enjoy his performances.

Any additional comments?

The Butterworth's mailed in their performance on this book. I hope, if they continue this series, they give us a work worthy of their skill and reputation.

Not one of his best.

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Could not recommend to anyone.

Has Hazardous Duty turned you off from other books in this genre?

I have read most of the Presidental Series, but will think twice before buying another.

Which character – as performed by Dick Hill – was your favorite?

None of them.

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

Was disappointed in the story.

Never again - worst Griffin novel ever

Would you try another book from W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth and/or Dick Hill?

Dick Hill, Yes! Griffin and/or Butterworth never again. They must have used cut and paste from previous novels to write most of the book. What remained of the plot was disorganized and uninteresting. This book was probably written in a weekend and that was a waste of time.

What was most disappointing about W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth ’s story?

The lack of cohesion.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

It was ok. Dick Hill is used for procedurals because he sounds like reading an after action report. He was probably bored to tears by the book just like the rest of us.

What character would you cut from Hazardous Duty?

The authors.

Any additional comments?

This should be the last of the series for the authors. It was the last of a series for me as a reader. I am going to call my library and warn them if they haven't ordered it, don't waster their money.

the WORST audio book ever

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

No one

Has Hazardous Duty turned you off from other books in this genre?

No I'm a trooper

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He was great he had to hate reading this book

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Hazardous Duty?

ALL of it

Any additional comments?

Each hour I thought it could not get worse, but it did, write that down.

Hour after hour of recapping original book

Why do you have a series if each book after the original one only recaps the original story

The Worst in a fading series

The Presidential Agent Series has been slowly but steadily dying over the past few books. This book is the worse so far. If I hazard to guess, I’d say easily 40%+ was repeating itself or relived history of the series from different perspectives. The character have all been degraded and the portrayal of an unhinged POTUS left completely unchecked and impeachment dangling in the wind. Castillo saw more action arguing with Pevsner than any depiction of covert military action the series WAS known for. Pay attention to series with co-author changes…. This stated going downhill when IV came on board!


You’ve been warned!!

Terrible

What would have made Hazardous Duty better?

Waste of time. All of the other books in this series had a story this had nothing but rehashing of the characters.

Would you ever listen to anything by W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth again?

Not if it is on the level of this book...

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

no

Any additional comments?

I cant believe how many times the word redacted was used in this book....

Have listened to many Griffin's books BUT....

Would you try another book from W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth and/or Dick Hill?

BUT this one must have been written & narrated by his sixth grade son!!

What was most disappointing about W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth ’s story?

The "narration" did not sound @ all like DICK HILL.... The Story resembled "a hunt for a theme" ---- that was never found ----- at least as far as I listened ----- I DID NOT FINISH!!!!!