Death on a High Floor

Robert Tarza, Book 1

By: Charles Rosenberg

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 15 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

On the 85th floor of a glittering high-rise in Los Angeles, Robert Tarza steps into the lobby of the Marbury Marfan law firm to discover his partner Simon Rafer lying in a pool of blood - an ornate dagger plunged into his back. Robert had worked with Simon for decades, and their relationship was fraught with conflict. But he never imagined he would wind up as the prime suspect for his colleague’s murder. As the evidence stacks up against him with frightening speed, he quickly falls from his respected position to that of a criminal dragged through the tabloids. With a growing suspicion that he’s being expertly framed, Robert digs into the evidence to clear his name. In the process, however, he uncovers a web of fraud among his closest associates. As time runs out, Robert must uncover the real killer or be prepared to go to prison for murder.

©2013 Charles Rosenberg (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Loved it!

Stayed up listening to the book until the late hours of the early morning! This was my first time "reading" this author. I will be looking for more of his books to read.

Truly enjoyable

A murder mystery doesn't work if the main character isn't someone you care what happens to them, and that is truly the case here. This is a long story, that for various reasons I had to take a break from listening to, but I always returned because I cared with what happened to the accused. I also loved the writing, the author goes into describing what is happening in a way that made me feel I was there, a very nice feeling. Also a great deal of credit has to go to the truly wonderful narration that brought a clarity and pleasure in listening to his performance. Also, this is the second book by this author I have purchased and then listened to, deriving a wonderful experience each time. I am of course looking forward to enjoying more by Mr. Rosenberg, and if an audio book, narrated by Mr. Lane, a great combination.

Mystery / suspense thriller

Where does Death on a High Floor rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the beginning it seem to be like any other audiobook but towards the middle seem to be irrating with "he said and she said".

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Jenna. Was not afraid to stick out her neck to help out friend / co worker. Just that feisty disorganized individual.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were a couple scenes that were funny. When Robert was trying to ditch his tail when out of town. The more he tries to get involved the worse he makes it.

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

There were a few places that made me smile and laugh.

Riveting Legal Thriller!! Phenomenal Narration!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Rosenberg has crafted a riveting legal thriller with dozens of twists and turns with no clue as to how all issues might be resolved. It drew me in from the first sentence. I was in the last twelve minutes of the book before I saw how all the issues could be drawn together perfectly, along with several surprises that I had not guessed. The three main characters are attorneys in a megafirm in LA.

The narrator, Christopher Lane, is a story unto himself. Stunningly excellent performance. He has an amazing voice. Quite deep and smooth, and yet he performs several females, one of whom is one of the three main characters, so you hear a lot from her. I never perceived the female voices as coming from a man. He performed 8 secondary characters who had big parts, all in separately distinguishable voices. I never thought they sounded alike at all.

Entertaining Thriller

I listened to this one on audio. Although it was a bit lengthier than I liked, I found the story engrossing and entertaining. The narration was also good. I wasn't quite sure how it would all turn out in the end, so it kept me guessing which is always a good thing! This is the first book I read by this author and I would definitely read another one by him.

Excellent!

Just happened to find this book. Everything about it was great including the characters, the plot, and the narration.

Excellent Mystery, Brilliant Narration

This story revolves around Robert Tarza, a successful and truly snobby 60 year old attorney who finds himself under suspicion of murder. But unlike most central characters, you don't have to identify or even like this man to enjoy his tale. The reason is the astounding characters that surround him, his 30 year old protege and one of the most formidable defense attorneys in L.A.

Not only is he in deep trouble with the law, his case is further complicated by his own arrogant and naive insistence (and against his defense attorney's advice) on investigating his own case. Worse still, his young protege is a brilliant litigator with no criminal experience who insists on being the lead attorney of the defense team. The tensions between the equally brilliant legal minds Tarza and his team leads to a great deal of humor in an ever more mysterious murder.

The trial sequences are truly entertaining as they are suspenseful.

The narration requires the voice of a snob, an impertinent and sexy protege, a frustrated Latino defense attorney, a wise if snarky female judge in prominent roles. He delivers in spades.

Worth your time? It certainly was for me!

Delightful

I know that's a strange word to use in describing a mystery where the main character is a rich snob, but that's what this novel is: delightful. A pleasure to get into the protagonist's head and follow along as he gets ensnared in the murder of his legal firm's managing partner and his perfectly ordered life crumbles. Very enjoyable. Definitely would recommend. (It's a shame that his second book got slammed by almost every reviewer who had loved this one...so I am anxiously awaiting his third. Hopefully that one will be as good as "Death on a High Floor.")

Very enjoyable

Would you listen to Death on a High Floor again? Why?

No, I don't listen to books more than once.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character, Robert. His wry observations made the book for me.

Which character – as performed by Christopher Lane – was your favorite?

Robert, but the narrator captured everyone well.

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

It wasn't an extreme reaction, but it certainly made me laugh. It's not really a comedy but there are plenty of chuckles.

Any additional comments?

I don't usually enjoy legal thrillers, but I did like this one. It's a classic story of someone wrongly accused, but with fun twists and turns.

Great Story and Narrator

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would certainly recommend this book to everyone. It was an entertaining book with a unique plot that keeps you guessing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Death on a High Floor?

When you think you know what's going on, the story changes. Humor was placed in just the right spot.

What about Christopher Lane’s performance did you like?

I felt like Jimmy Stewart was telling me about a story.

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

I listened to this as much as possible, as often as possible.