The Providence Rider

A Matthew Corbett Novel, Book 4

By: Robert R. McCammon

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

The Providence Rider is the fourth installment in the extraordinary series of historical thrillers featuring Matthew Corbett, professional problem solver. The narrative begins in the winter of 1703, with Matthew still haunted by his lethal encounter with notorious mass murderer Tyranthus Slaughter. When an unexplained series of explosions rocks his Manhattan neighborhood, Matthew finds himself forced to confront a new and unexpected problem. Someone is trying - and trying very hard - to get his attention. That someone is a shadowy figure from out of Matthew's past: the elusive Dr. Fell.

The doctor, it turns out, has a problem of his own, one that requires the exclusive services of Matthew Corbett.The ensuing narrative moves swiftly and gracefully from the emerging metropolis of New York City to Pendulum Island in the remote Bermudas. In the course of his journey, Matthew encounters a truly Dickensian assortment of memorable, often grotesque, antagonists. These include Sirki, the giant, deceptively soft-spoken East Indian killer, Dr. Jonathan Gentry, an expert in exotic potions with a substance abuse problem of his own, the beautiful but murderous Aria Chillany, and, of course, the master manipulator and "Emperor of Crime" on two continents, Dr. Fell himself. The result is both an exquisitely constructed novel of suspense and a meticulous recreation of a bygone era.

Filled with danger, narrative surprises, and an almost tangible sense of place, The Providence Rider is historical fiction at its finest and most developed. It is the novel that McCammon's many devoted readers have been waiting for. They will not be disappointed.

©2012 Robert McCammon (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Language is everything

Love the series. Characters are real and fully embodied. Villains are bad and heroes are people faced with hard choices. Story line is not repetitive. This book is no exception.

I believe, HOWEVER, that language is everything. The books are set in the late 1600s and early 1700s. What began for me as a bit eccentric became very irritating. Many of the idioms for example, did not exist at this time. Surely, there is a happy medium between using the antiquated language of the Bronte sisters, to the extreme modern expressions like “are you an item?” or “are you together?” and many others I can no longer remember.

And there are modern conveniences that were not available at the time – like “chocolate chips”, baking soda for toothpaste or a tooth powder flavored with peppermint. Although there were cultures using various things as dentifrice from ancient times, it was not widespread in England, nor in the colonies until the late 18th century -- certainly not in 1702. This lack of dental hygiene was notorious in this period and many people were toothless.

While I understand it is impossible to research absolutely everything for an historical novel, it is nice when a writer tries to think outside our modern world box.

Another great installment in a wonderful series

I have loved all the books in this series. The narration is excellent as well.

Edge of seat good❣️

Another winner with Matthew Corbett at the helm! I love the pace of this series as Matthew matures and grows in confidence. Looking forward to book 5 and beyond!

The very best Mattes Corbett Adventure yet!

Matthew keeps growing with
Every novel and hasn't BEGUN to peak. The stage is set here for his greatest yet.
McCammon has created a
Series to rival the greatest detectives of the past.

decent book

it was by far my least favorite in this series by Robert McCammon. but I love the Matthew Corbett series of books so I'll listen to the next one and hope it is more like the previous in the series.

excellent story

what an excellent ride on the high seas and such nice dinner guests. great storytelling

Good story, intriguing characters, great reading

Another really interesting visit to the 18th century with Matthew Corbett. How anyone can make the 18th century feel so "here and now" is beyond me, but Robert McCammon has done it again with this tale. All the old favorite characters are here, in company with some truly slimy villains, some new and some previously visited. Yet, the book stands quite well as a stand-alone read. I strongly recommend it, both for McCammon's existing fans and for those who haven't yet discovered his works.

The providence Rider

historical fiction. don't know how much is true. the author's words paint pictures for the mind as you listen to a wonderful expressive reader. This is my third book in the series. I laugh, cry, cheer, celebrate and fear right along with the characters. Looking forward to the next book and others by this author.

4.5, but we'll round up

This is the 4th installment of the Matthew Corbett series and possibly my favorite. We finally get to meet Professor Fell and get to learn a little about his background and why he took the "evil" path. The author, McCammon, is so brilliant that he has you briefly emphasize with the Emperor of Doom. I also loved the dynamic of the new characters!
As always Edoardo Ballerini does an awesome job!


Spoiler(ish)

My only complaint, if I can even call it that, is there isn't a conclusion to the Professor Fell saga. You're still left with questions at the end, and excited to see what happens next.

another great one

loved rhis one. love..adventure. good new characters.
can't wait for next one
great series and reader.