Night Film

A Novel

By: Marisha Pessl

Narrated by: Jake Weber

Length: 23 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Brilliant, haunting, breathtakingly suspenseful, Night Film is a superb literary thriller by the New York Times best-selling author of the "blockbuster debut" (People) Special Topics in Calamity Physics.

On a damp October night, beautiful young Ashley Cordova is found dead in an abandoned warehouse in lower Manhattan. Though her death is ruled a suicide, veteran investigative journalist Scott McGrath suspects otherwise. As he probes the strange circumstances surrounding Ashley’s life and death, McGrath comes face-to-face with the legacy of her father: the legendary, reclusive, cult-horror-film director Stanislas Cordova - a man who hasn’t been seen in public for more than 30 years.

For McGrath, another death connected to this seemingly cursed family dynasty seems more than just a coincidence. Though much has been written about Cordova’s dark and unsettling films, very little is known about the man himself.

Driven by revenge, curiosity, and a need for the truth, McGrath, with the aid of two strangers, is drawn deeper and deeper into Cordova’s eerie, hypnotic world.

The last time he got close to exposing the director, McGrath lost his marriage and his career. This time he might lose even more.

Night Film, the gorgeously written, spellbinding new novel by the dazzlingly inventive Marisha Pessl, will hold you in suspense to the final minute.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2013 Marisha Pessl (P)2013 Random House Audio

This book moved me, officially one of favorites.

What a wild ride this story is, so intriguing and emotional. Somehow I feel like I'll never stop thinking about these characters, and the overall message of their journeys. THIS IS A MUST READ/LISTEN. It makes you think about how you've spent your time here on earth, and what you'll do for the rest of it. The book has its scary and morbid moments, and managed to keep me on the edge of my seat throughout, hanging on the narrators every word. I'd describe the story primarily as a mystery with a few dashes of horror, but made me feel every range of emotion. Highly recommend.

Excellent, Exciting, Interesting

If you enjoy thrillers, this is well worth your time. I kept wanting to get back to it every time I had to put it down! I found it engrossing and I wish I could find more titles this well written and engaging.

A MOST INCREDIBLE STORY AND THEN... the end

Pessi has written a fascinating mystery with many twists and turns. The characters are very rich and layered, so much so you can clearly see them in your mind's eye. As soon as you think you know where the story's going, BAM-it changes again. I love creepy mysteries, and this one definitely fits the bill. Film actor Jake Weber does a fabulous job as narrator, and could be even pictured as our protagonist.

I raced my way to the end, so excited to see where this roller coaster of a ride would take me. With that said, I can't help but feel ripped off by the ending. After so many ups and downs, the ending seemed too easy and not well thought out. After listening for 23 hours and becoming so immersed in the world Pessi created, I needed an ending that fit the story. It just wasn't there.

Take a dark ride into a magical mystery

One of the best books I've listened to in a long time. The storyline taking one places, zigzagging through fantasy, black magic, reality and secrets so far-fetched, the listener wonders throughout the 20-plus hours, what reality is. The ending leaves one completely satisfied and at the same time, wondering if the magical mystery of the book was reality or perhaps a mind gone over the edge. I could not stop listening. I fell asleep listening late into the night, then remembered what chapter I was on so I could go back to where I was before drifting off. I cannot say there was something I liked best about this book. The entire book takes you on a ride through so many journeys, both good, bad and wildly energizing. Jake Weber is a phenomenal narrator and I look forward to him. All his characters had such different qualities and I could tell whose part he was talking through before he even mentioned the character's name, and there are many in this book. Jake Weber's narration is absolutely brilliant!. My favorite character was Nora, the wonderfully innocently childlike and outgoing girl, both in the description of her clothing and mind. I felt like I knew Nora within a couple of hours in the book. Ashley and Cordova, as narrated by Weber, were also favorites of mine, winding you through intriguing parts of the book. Thanks to the narration of Weber, there were many moments of both laughter and overwhelming sadness Through some of the narration, the dark and wicked was surprisingly welcome. Between both emotions, the listener will enjoy the concept and understanding of the unnerving storyline. I cannot recommend this enough to those who enjoy mysteries along with surprises throughout the book.
For those who want an engaging dark mystery along with a gleeful storyline peppered with magical and dark wonders, you won't be disappointed. Just when you think you have the ending figured out, there is surprise awaiting. A superb purchase and well worth listening to for 20-plus hours. HIGHY RECOMMENDED. This story will linger in my mind for a long time. "Some day soon you'll come" and "Where the mermaids sing" will remain in your mind

✍🏻👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👏✍🏻

Unique and Suspenseful Read

Would you listen to Night Film again? Why?

No. I began by reading the hardcover version and then switched to the audiobook midway through. I loved reading it but it lost some of its magic in the audio version mainly due to the narrator.

What did you like best about this story?

The character development and the mystery around Stanislas Cordova. The author is wonderful and has a gift for drawing her audience into the story.

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

I found Jake Weber's narration very monotone which detracted from the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Overall I loved the feeling of dread and suspense that the author created. But, ultimately the ending left me wanting more.

Any additional comments?

Read it and enjoy, but just don't expect a ending tied up with a bow. I think it would make a great movie. I suggest reading the book instead of listening to the audio.

Loved

Loved!!!!! The writing is incredible, a plot I actually could not guess, vivid imagery, and fabulous characterization! Loved Jake Weber’s narration as well!

Sad the book had to end

I've spent the last few days completely engrossed in this book and it never disappointed. Great narration paired with superb storytelling. Just get it. Worth every minute!

good story but...

the interactive features don't work. the app isn't available on iTunes or Google play, so you can't see the bonus videos.

Amazing!

I chose a book on a whim that was long to use for running. This did not disappoint! This book kept my feet moving and my my motivation to run in check! Amazing find! Great listen!

Excesses of Convolution Exquisitely Narrated

I've just forged my way through all 23+ hours, and I feel like at least half of that time was unnecessary to make the point (or lack of point) of this story. Calamity Physics gave me high hopes that this would be another exquisitely crafted volume with characters who grew with every new facet exposed. Wrong. The characters, even as unique and unusual as many of them are, are primarily two-dimensional. The main character, McGrath, does evolve, but it is never really clear what he has ultimately learned from his experiences and insights.

I can live with uncertain endings, and I relish the opportunity to craft different endings in my own mind. But with this book I felt cheated of even that opportunity, as it is never clear what is real or what is part of fiction in which all the characters are playing a part. All that said, it is lovely prose, and Pessl can create any atmosphere or mood with her words. I would read her books for that alone, and just hope that as she matures as a writer, she learns how to craft a tighter and less ambiguous plot.

Outstanding, flawless narration. Weber is a genius with his accents.