Beat the Reaper

A Novel

By: Josh Bazell

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Meet Peter Brown, a young Manhattan emergency room doctor with an unusual past that is just about to catch up with him. His morning begins with the quick disarming of a would-be mugger, followed by a steamy elevator encounter with a sexy young pharmaceutical rep, topped off by a visit with a new patient - and from there Peter's day is going to get a whole lot worse and a whole lot weirder.

Because that patient knows Peter from his other life, when he had a different name and a very different job. The only reason he's a doctor now is thanks to the Witness Protection Program-and even they can't protect him from the long reach of the New Jersey mob. Now he's got to do whatever it takes to keep his patient alive so he can buy some time...and beat the reaper.

Beat the Reaper is not just the only work that will be compared to Quentin Tarantino's films, Grey's Anatomy, and Chuck Palahniuk - it's also the most original and entertaining debut thriller you'll listen to this year.

©2009 Josh Bazell (P)2009 Josh Bazell

Loved it

Where does Beat the Reaper rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

At the top. Incredibly clever - amazing writing. This will be the first book I listen to more than once.

What other book might you compare Beat the Reaper to and why?

This book is fresh, truly original.

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

This is the first. This narrator is excellent and perfect in this book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed out loud and often. Engaged - listened in one day.

Fun

An intro to the Majia, plus an anatomy lesson. What could be better? A good narration.

Easy listen. Very good performance.

Nothing super memorable, but fun enough to recommend. Would Def read it listen to something else by this author and narrator.

Couldn't put it down

Where does Beat the Reaper rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The performance was by far one of the best - great character and outstanding read from Robert Petkoff.

What about Robert Petkoff’s performance did you like?

Sharp witty portrayal

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

Yes

Strap in to a rocket ride

This novel blasts off in the first minutes, and never slows down. And even though it's "only" 6+ hours long, it's so intense, and so funny, you will feel like it's a much longer book. I loved every minute of it.

The novel "takes place" over the course of the narrator's shift in a hospital, with flashbacks into his past. The non-sequential structure is easy to follow, and makes for a more compelling story, building suspense from two directions. It is an R-rated novel, for obvious sex and violence aspects, but what may make listeners squirm the most are some graphic medical scenes.

The narration is spot on, with a fast pace that matches the novel, bringing both intensity and humor. After listening to this book, you will never think of hospitals the same again.

The Action is Non-Stop

This book starts with action and it just keeps coming. The writer's medical knowledge enhances the descriptions of the fight "scenes". Character development is excellent. The ending leaves an opening for a sequel - I hope one is on the way!
This is my first audio book in about a year and it was a great way to get back into listening. It will be a tough act to follow.

Great, enjoyable read!

I will admit that at first, I thought this book was weird. But what a weird, exhilarating ride it turned out to be! This book covers all genres and becomes unique; it's a suspense medical thriller with a dash of romance and dark humor. And I was able to enjoy all these elements by the great narration, done by Robert Petkoff. Four stars and two big thumbs up!

Loved this book!

Robert Petkiff did a great job! This was definitely the type of book you have to really pay attention to! It kept me on the edge of my seat for sure!!!

Strap In And Let This Guy Take You For a Ride

Wow. This one grabs you from the first page and drags you by the collar through one of the fastest, most interesting fiction stories you're likely to have heard in a long time. Not for the faint of heart (Mary Higgins Clark this most certainly is not), but very highly recommended for those who like their fiction served up with a shot of amphetamine and a swift kick in the keister. Superb narration really fleshes out the eccentric characters (particularly the protagonist, who is unlike any "hero" I've come across in ages, and certainly unlike anyone I've ever found myself rooting for before), and the author nails the chaotic, oppressive mood and moves you through the dark, over-the-top goings-on while somehow keeping the whole experience light and even amusing. If you like the "Dead I Well May Be" series by Adrian McKinty I suspect you'll be drawn into this barn-burner for many of the same reasons, even though they are not all that similar on the surface. For all those reasons and more, this is easily my favorite novel of this current year.

A Knockout!

I had no idea what this book was about - but I was ready for something new. This book starts out with a bang and doesn't let up. The writing is sharp and funny - even in places where you don't expect it - like the hospital setting where much of this book takes place. The story also takes very unexpected turns and finds a novel way to integrate health care insights with an insiders look at the Mob and Federal Witness Protection Plan.

Reader be aware, however - this is not an easy story to take. Although it is incredible funny, inventive, and fast paced, it is also incredibly vulgar and violent. For example, I was not prepared to be so traumatized by so many scenes (very well written and credible scenes that had me staying up way past my bedtime to listen to because I couldn't turn off the story). If stories of this type do not haunt you - then this is a story for you. Without question one of the best written and interesting stories I have listened to (probably the best I have listened to since the "Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao").