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.

Good listen

Any additional comments?

I've listened to all of the books in the Matthew Corbet series. For me, this book was good, but not as good as the first three. There seems to be a lack of the nail-biting suspense and tension that is evident in the first 3 books. Mr Corbet is getting a bit more competent and comfortable in his role as a problem solver. I did enjoy the expanded role of ZED and the subtle puns/jokes/witticisms were evident and great! Mr Ballerini, as the narrator, is superbly cast and continues to add to the enjoyment of the book. Berry is rather ditzy in this story, which was disappointing. I think there was a missed opportunity for us to bond with her as our hero's love interest. However, it was a sound story and continues our involvement with all of the characters. I'd recommend this book, but not before reading the first three! This series MUST be read in order, in my opinion.

Another Adventure for Matthew!

Book 4 and I'm not even close to being tired of the predicaments that Matthew Corbett seems to find himself in. This is yet another engrossing novel in the series and it's just as fresh and enjoyable as the first. I am a bit concerned about Matthew's sex life, as he cannot seem to have "experiences" where he is not a captive to the charms of an aggressive female; a notable occurrence on all four books thus far. This was another colorful ride with characters old and new, continuing to weave our favorite characters throughout. What will happen next? One more book awaits!!!

A Good Read and Adventure

I was on the edge of my seat at times. Matthew Corbett has more lives than a cat. Despite most of the story being “unbelievable”, I still enjoyed it. However, nothing in the series has compared to Speaks the Nightbird. Ready for book five now.

My favourite series ever

I can listen to these over and over again. Cleverly written. Brilliantly performed. I hope HBO gets hold of them and makes a series! I think Benedict cumberbatch would make the perfect Matthew!

Matthew Corbett is an awesome character!

Although I enjoy the storyline and amazing adventures of Matthew, his character never falters. I appreciate his devoted search for the truth and his courage to always do the right thing despite the consequences. What a great story and I appreciate walking through his life one book at a time in the Matthew series!

EXTREME EVIL IN A CASTLE ON A BEAUTIFUL ISLAND

Alas, I listened to this one third and was treated to details of the actual third book in the series, Mr. Slaughter. It appears the four novels can be enjoyed separately if need be, but go down best in order from the beginning. It crossed my mind that the first book was long and wonderful, so why are we getting so fewer words in the subsequent books? Never fear, those words are top quality and I for one did not find anything missing.

This book has only a little sex -- that is, a lot in one night! And once again as in the first book, a woman comes to Matthew in the dark and he is not sure who it was or how it happened. Good grief, Matthew! But this book is extremely violent, cruel, mean, sickening, bloody and nasty. There is enjoyment of torture and killing. In fact the whole book is most uncomfortable. One of the main female characters runs around for weeks dressed in a navy blue nightgown! People go for days without eating or bathing or any of the usual comforts.

I appreciate that this author describes the costumes. When the suit is said to be green satin, one remembers this was a long time ago and this suit probably had calf-length silk stockings and a ruffled shirt -- oh, my! Mention of tricorn hats always brought me back to the right century. He also describes the menu. Plates of muffins are left out for guests in the castle who got into fights or nearly drowned and so missed their dinner. He describes a special appetizer and how the evil redheaded twins snatched up the whole plate for themselves! Like Books 2 and 3, this book starts out at any rate in 1702 New York City which sounds about as folksy as Weed, California today. Not knowing the city, myself, I can only imagine others will enjoy the street names and other details.

This series has helped me forget my challenges as I got involved in Matthew's challenges. Moving on from the bus accident, popping pain pills and getting better every day, I was wonderfully taken up with how Matthew will get out of the next predicament. Yes, there are passages that sound old-fashioned, smarmy, quaint, tacky -- but I am not proofreading or editing or teaching English! Being retired, I am in the business of enjoying, so I keep listening to this bright author who enjoys using his mind. There have to be more books as Matthew is still single and he is being a real ass with regard to the interesting redhead named Bery.

I can't wait to hear more!

What made the experience of listening to The Providence Rider the most enjoyable?

Edoardo Ballerini continues to bring McCammon's words to life. McCammon, of course, never fails to paint a rich, vivid picture with his descriptions, but in the hands of the wrong narrator the words would lose some of their raw magnificence.

Any additional comments?

Another reviewer stated that Berry behaves like a silly, shallow, empty headed little girl in this book, and while she is very willful and obstinant (and certainly caused Matthew no end of problems), I think she behaves as any 18 year old girl in love would.

Love McCammon. Mostly.

I don't usually like to read a series for a number of reasons. One is that sooner or later you get to one that isn't as good. I'm not saying this book isn't good because McCammon is a beautiful and intelligent writer. However, it didn't hold my attention as intensely as the first three. And It was just a tiny bit predictable. The characters are very interesting and well developed and there was a goodly share of suspense and drama in it. I have to add that I hated the way it ended between Matthew and Barry. It sure better resolve well in the next book or I'm not reading any more Robert McCammon. (I'm only half joking!). With that said, I enjoyed the book and am still eager to start book five.

As always, Edoardo Ballerini is spot on. One of the best!

Captivating story

The story was captivating and enjoyable that creates moments to escape from work and be immersed in the plot.

Superb book and a masterful narrator

I absolutely love this series, and this was one of the best books in it. McCammon is and always has been my favorite author. Something about the way he writes resonates with me, and his uncanny ability to transport you directly to the story and to actually feel what's happening is unmatched.

It's hard for even the best actors to do a book like this justice, but Edoardo Ballerini did just that and then some. It was as if he actually lived the lives of all the characters in past lives during the 18th century, and was somehow channeling them all in this performance. I can't emphasize enough how good this guy is. He is as good at voice acting as McCammon is at writing.