Chance

A Spenser Novel

By: Robert B. Parker

Narrated by: Burt Reynolds

Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Big-time Boston hoodlum Julius Ventura wants to find his only daughter's missing husband - at least that's how he puts it to Spenser and Hawk, even though its pretty clear that Julius isn't telling the whole truth. Or maybe not any part of the truth. Something about the case appeals to Spenser's passion for justice, and he launches an odyssey that takes the tough-but-tender duo with their penchant for literary allusions into the netherworld of organized crime.

From the throne room of crime lords to the Vegas strip, from two-bit wiseguys with a genius for dangerous liasions to gangster's molls in jeopardy, from larceny to homicide, Spenser and Hawk soon discover that what's at stake in this game is not an ardent groom and her blushing bride, but control of gangland Boston. Against the bright lights and seamy side streets of Las Vegas, they find themselves dead center in a circus of violence whose shadowy ringmaster is all too familiar.

Crack another case with Spenser.

©1997 Robert B. Parker (P)2009 Phoenix

Parker as always, Narration a horror!

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Hire a different narrator. I read the hardback version of this book and was looking forward to listening to the audio version. I did not expect to be chronically irritated and distracted by Reynolds' phlegmy, gutteral, whiny versions of the voices...to the point that I removed my earplugs every time Jesse Ventura began to speak. Also, he mispronounced simple words in the text. What a shame. This is a terrific story that was ruined by a totally inept narrator.

What other book might you compare Chance to and why?

None.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Burt Reynolds was a charming actor, and I've heard him read one other Parker book. In the other novel, his voice didn't flummox me with its grating, unrealistic tone. In CHANCE the narration was so distracting that it was impossible to ignore its poor quality to listen to the story. It sounded as though he needed to clear his throat or nose. In addition, I resent the mispronunciation of words over and over again. Very unprofessional.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Chance?

I would edit every scene in which Shirley Ventura appears. The scene between Spenser and Shirley in a restaurant was overly long and painful to read, and her drunken, loutish behavior didn't contribute to the story.

Burt Who?

The story was another great Spenser story. But seeing that the next few in the series are also read by Burt Reynolds I may have to skip them.

Good story, bad narration

AS soon as Burt Reynolds mispronounced the first word early in the listening, I knew it was going to be rough. And his rendition of Hawkis terrible. Joe Mantegna is the best narrator for this series.

How to wreck a good story

Would you consider the audio edition of Chance to be better than the print version?

No

What was one of the most memorable moments of Chance?

Any of Spencer's wisecracking.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

"Bernard J. FORTUNO"?"LiBERRY"?Makes Hawk sound like an idiot.Narration is so bad, it is difficult to listen to.

Any additional comments?

Won't listen to this one again.

monotone, we barely got thru beginning

couldn't finish, the reading is as important as story, but when reader doesn't put personality into their voice. Burt Reynolds tried but....