The Final Cut

A Brit in the FBI, Book 1

By: Catherine Coulter, J. T. Ellison

Narrated by: Renee Raudman, MacLeod Andrews

Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

From Catherine Coulter, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the FBI Thriller series, and J.T. Ellison, bestselling author and ITW Award winner, comes the first book in a brilliant international thriller series featuring a new hero: American-born, UK-raised Nicholas Drummond.

Scotland Yard’s new chief inspector Nicholas Drummond is on the first flight to New York when he learns his colleague, Elaine York, the “minder” of the Crown Jewels for the “Jewel of the Lion” exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was found murdered. Then the centerpiece of the exhibit, the infamous Koh-i-Noor Diamond, is stolen from the Queen Mother’s crown. Drummond, American-born but raised in the UK, is a dark, dangerous, fast-rising star in the Yard who never backs down. And this case is no exception.

Special Agents Lacey Sherlock and Dillon Savich from Coulter’s bestselling FBI series don’t hesitate to help Drummond find the cunning international thief known as the Fox. Nonstop action and high stakes intensify as the chase gets deadly. The Fox will stop at nothing to deliver the Koh-i-Noor to the man who believes in its deadly prophecy. Nicholas Drummond, along with his partner, FBI Special Agent Mike Caine, lay it on the line to retrieve the diamond for Queen and country.

©2013 Catherine Coulter and J. T. Ellison (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

First book of Catherine Coulter that I listened to

The narrators were very good however, the story line is to me, is a bit lacking in intricacies. Overall, not as bad as some but not as good as others I've read.

okay book

not the best work of this author. takes a long time to create interest to continue listening.

Outstanding Audio Book

Where does The Final Cut rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best!!!!

What did you like best about this story?

New character adding to Dillion and Savage

What about Renee Raudman and MacLeod Andrews ’s performance did you like?

Yes! Very much, great voices and ability to vary their voices.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No! It was just a great book to listen to and enjoy.

Any additional comments?

Great book! Five stars out of five.

Great integration of fact with fiction.

Tremendous historical and geographic detail serves as the backdrop for the compelling story which immediately captures the listener's attention and never waivers therefrom.

The Final Cut

The Final Cut is more cohesive than C.C.'s earlier 2013 release, but the quality of the writing is still weak compared to her best work. Characterizations of the criminals are more substantial and compelling than what's offered about Mike and Nicholas, who come off as flat caricatures in comparison. Multiple references to James Bond, super spy, 007, and martinis tip into cheesiness. Nick is a rich Brit peer who used to work for the Foreign Office. He travels with a custom-tailored tux in his luggage. He's handsome. He's daring. He's dangerous. Readers are smart enough to make the implied James Bond connection without being hit over the head with it.

Mike's and Nick's vocabularies don't resonate as authentic to their ages, educations, and professional experiences, although the absence of profanity is greatly appreciated. There is a hollowness to the good guys' characters and exchanges--even with Sherlock and Savich--that makes The Final Cut a mediocre read for this C.C. fan. She is so much more talented than this.

Every element related to the Koh-I-Noor diamond legend was intriguing, but overall, the story feels forced. Maybe that's in anticipation of the rest of the series? Will still likely give the second installment a shot.

I haven't read any J.T. Ellison, and reading The Final Cut hasn't enticed me to do so

Awesom!

The story kept you guessing with lots of twists and turns. The ending was a big surprise!

A wonderful collaboration of Coulter & JT Ellison

I’ve read this series previously. This time my husband & I listened to the audio together a little each day. He enjoyed Final Cut more than other books we’ve listened to previously & asked if I had the nxt book in the series on audio, which I do. Final Cut was a win/win in our household. Narration was well done, as well. I picked the entire series during a Sale & am well satisfied. (I’ve also read Coulter’s FBI Savich & Sherlock entire series & actually like the Brit in the FBI a bit more & can recommend to those who haven’t picked these up yet). Fun, humor, action & somewhat realistic. 😊

Wonderful wonderful wonderful !!!!

I have found a brand new lead character to love. Nicholas Drummond was amazing. His partnership with Mike Kane made me laugh and sit on the edge of my seat. I finished the book in only three days because I could not put it down. or in this case, I could not stop listening. 

An action packed, fun filled ride!! Boring? NOT!

Would you listen to The Final Cut again? Why?

I hadn't planned to write a review on this book until I saw all the reviews that listed it as being boring. They couldn't be more wrong. This book would have made a wonderful movie. It's action-packed, filled with interesting characters a detailed story line and thoroughly fascinating. The narrators add to this. I hadn't read Coulter before. But I have read Clancy. I find the action in this book worthy of a Clancy novel or James Bond thriller. Well worth the credit and time. I have already listened three time in less than a month.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Final Cut?

The set up of the theft and description of the action surrounding it was so well done I started to see the whole thing as a movie in my head.

What about Renee Raudman and MacLeod Andrews ’s performance did you like?

They both did a great job with nuanced accents to set each character. They did such a good job I had no trouble seeing the action in my head.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Very much so.

Any additional comments?

If you picked this looking for a traditional romantic thriller I can see why you would be disappointed. This is more of an action suspense piece with romantic hints in a new relationship around which this new series will evolve. As for boring, I can only shake my head in wonder at how far off the mark I view that statement.

Eh... Could be worse

But could be better. A lot of talk, talk, talk when action would tell the story better.