A Cool Breeze on the Underground

By: Don Winslow

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

“One of America’s greatest storytellers.” (Stephen King)

Neal Carey is not your usual private eye. A graduate student at Columbia University, he grew up on the streets of New York, usually on the wrong side of the law. Then he met a PI who introduced him to the Bank, an exclusive institution with a sideline in keeping its wealthy clients happy and out of trouble. They pay Neal’s college tuition, and Neal gets an education that can’t be found in any textbook, from learning how to trail a suspect to mastering the proper way to search a room.

Now it’s payback time. The Bank wants Neal to put his skills to work in finding Allie Chase, the rebellious teenage daughter of a prominent senator. The problem is that she’s gone underground in the London punk scene. To get her back, Neal has to follow her into a violent netherworld where drugs run rampant and rage is the name of the game.

©1991 Don Winslow (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A fresh voice, immensely likeable....Winslow shows he's got what it takes to hook a reader....Where he goes next with Neal is anyone's guess, but it's bound to be a great ride." (Mystery Scene)
"A flair for language, quick wit, and detail complete a winning first novel." (Library Journal)
"Winslow keeps his plot moving quickly despite many twists and turns." (Pittsburgh Press)

Was okay

Not my type. It dragged alot and what was the point of the ending.

Taut erudite , couldn’t wait for the ending then sad it was over

Lessons in cultural wanderingd NYC street manners and wise cracking, 18 th century literature and how to be a private Dick off the books. Loved every minute.

Well Written and Entertaining

This was an original and well written book! Great plot and excellent character development. Looking forward to reading more books written by this author.

Something a little different from Don Winslow

This book is much lighter than most of Don Winslow's work. I enjoyed it immensely and found some of it quite comical, unlike in most of other works by Winslow.  I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Neil Carey series, especially since I heard that Winslow won't be writing anymore after he finishes the Danny Ryan trilogy. I know he has other things to do that are very important, but I hope he changes his mind and finds time to write a few more novels. If he writes no more, my heart is broken.

Don Winslow

‘Nuff said. If it’s by Don Winslow it’s always great! Shame he’s giving up writing. I’ll miss his books.

Rich characters; conclusion disappoints.(spoilers)

I really liked this book, the characters and the plot, up to the very end. I could almost believe many of the people and things that happened, but I found the final switcharoo completely unrealistic. I also have my doubts that Neal Carey would simply walk away from a girl whom he obviously had such strong feelings for. I understand that this is the first book in the Neal Carey series. I hope the later ones are better.

Excellent listen

Would you listen to A Cool Breeze on the Underground again? Why?

Yes, would listen and read the book also

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, trying to figure out how Neal is going to make his next move.

Have you listened to any of Joe Barrett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Enjoyed all of his performances

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

Yes, but unfortunatly it was not so

Any additional comments?

Going through fiction titles and picked and picked Don Winslow by accident. How have I not
listened to him or read his books.

pretty good

This author has a good premise for a great book, unfortunatly I'm afraid too much was left unsaid. The finished story left entirely too much undone, too many unanswered questions. Also, trying to cram so much in left me too confused on some of the who's who whole listening; I'm a seasoned listener for years now and can usually follow along, not so much on this one.

Entertaining but...

Not Winslow's best. It does get good towards the end but drags in several places. I don't think I'll continue with the series.

Great book

This book has many stories with in a story. GREAT BOOK. Worth reading. It keeps your attention throughout the book.