A Walk Among the Tombstones

A Matt Scudder Mystery

By: Lawrence Block

Narrated by: Mark Hammer

Length: 12 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Private detective Matt Scudder investigates a series of kidnappings that always end in brutal murder. Best-selling author Lawrence Block takes us into the seedier back alleys and side-streets of New York City, rendering his subject with a gritty realism.

More mayhem? Listen to another Matt Scudder mystery.

©1992 Lawrence Block (P)1992 Recorded Books

Mark Hammer

Mark Hammer is the narrator of this audiobook this is the only reason why I started listening to it at first and then found I happen to like the story I enjoyed it.

A skilled Detective novel

A Walk Among the Tombstones by Lawrence Block is really an outstanding novel. Some of the settings and investigative techniques may be a little dated, but it really is an awesome read. The plot to this one will get you hooked and keep you there. The only draw back to this novel is that the narrator was indeed really bad. I would love to see this work redone with someone with more range and skill. Mark Hammer makes all the characters sound like their 80. The whole book seems like it was recorded in a nursing home, which is a shame because this one is really quite exceptional.

Decent story bad narration.

Oh my gosh, I struggled to stay with the story because of the narrator. I'm sorry Mr. Hammer but your style, if one can call it that, is extremely boring. Plodding, slow, methodical, etc. It's almost like you really didn't even want to do the project. After many audible books this the worst narration I've every experienced.

shoot the narrator

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

omg this guy sounded like he was 100 if a day. It made the story not believable. It was a good story struggled thru it.

What didn’t you like about Mark Hammer’s performance?

omg this guy sounded like he was 100 if a day. It made the story not believable. It was a good story struggled thru it.

Had potential...

The first half of the book was great! The narrator was fine, for the first half. Then, it started to go downhill from there. I couldn't put a finger on why, maybe if I think about it for awhile I might come up with a better reason. Maybe it was the fact that you couldn't really like any of the characters. I'm not looking for "perfect" characters, but they are all crooks! I had hoped that the ending would make up for the dull middle, but it did not. By the end of the book, the narrator was annoying me. It was still an "alright" listen.

Gritty, Intense Crime Thriller Delivers

Would you listen to A Walk Among the Tombstones again? Why?

Very well rounded characters brought this thriller to life and had a sense of high stakes. Very grim but involving whodunnit. It really makes me want to see the film now which in a sense is listening to it again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Walk Among the Tombstones?

The opening scene will not be soon forgotten. I also really enjoyed the hackers -- they were a nice, brief comical respite.

What about Mark Hammer’s performance did you like?

Hammer has been getting a lot of criticism for his narration but I didn't have any problem with it. His world weary voice added depth to the main character who is an older recovering alcoholic and needed gruffness. Matt really seemed like he'd seen it all and I think Hammer delivered on that. The pauses felt realistic and helped organize the complicated narrative. And he didn't overplay the female characters which is a pet peeve of mine. I'm not in a hurry to listen to books so had no problem with the slower pace. I think it suited the story.

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

I couldn't stop listening; was obsessed. I looked forward to my drive to work so I could hear more. A great listen!

Any additional comments?

I am a converted Block fan and will now star consuming his books.

Excellent book - awful performance!

Would you consider the audio edition of A Walk Among the Tombstones to be better than the print version?

No.

What did you like best about this story?

Real characters, no cheap gimmicks.

Would you be willing to try another one of Mark Hammer’s performances?

NO!

Any additional comments?

What a great work. Character driven - doesn't rely on cheap actions or plot twists. After watching the movie and deciding to check out the source material, I now realize how much of a disgrace the movie is.

However, this particular performance is agonizingly slow. His interpretation of some characters is dumbfounding. Often times during well written dialogue I wanted to scream "GET ON WITH IT!" The book is read in a maddeningly slow tempo which really detracts from certain scenes. Read/listen to the book but try to find another edition.

A bit too graphic for my tastes

Story was well plotted but I am not a fan of too much detail of mutilation etc. In a printed book it is easy to skip a few pages but not in audio format. I hope this trend runs back the other direction

Worst narration I've ever experienced

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

The story's merit is wholly destroyed by an awful narration. The subject matter is interesting, though disturbing, but you will not be able to get into it because of the narration.

Would you be willing to try another one of Mark Hammer’s performances?

Never. His narration was so poor, and so slow, that I had to listen to it at double speed to make it even the least bit palatable.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The story was mildly interesting.

Read instead of listen

What would have made A Walk Among the Tombstones better?

Less fixation on AA

What was most disappointing about Lawrence Block’s story?

Slow plot, mindless dialogue

What didn’t you like about Mark Hammer’s performance?

So, so slow, huge pregnant unnecessary pauses.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Had potential

Any additional comments?

Mark Hammer needs to pick up the pace!