Diary of a Small Fish

By: Pete Morin

Narrated by: Keith Sellon-Wright

Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

When Paul Forte is indicted by a federal grand jury, everyone suspects prosecutor Bernard (don’t call him “Bernie”) Kilroy has more on his mind than justice. Then the FBI agent in charge of Paul’s case gives him a clue to the mystery: Kilroy is bent on settling an old family score, and he’s not above breaking the law to do it.

Paul is already dealing with the death of his parents and divorce from a woman he still loves. Now, with the support of an alluring grand juror, Paul must expose the vindictive prosecutor’s own corruption before the jury renders a verdict on his Osso Buco.

©2011 Pete Morin (P)2014 Pete Morin

Ethical Quandary

(Disclosure: I received a free copy of the audio book from the author. I figure since this book deals with ethics issue, I need to put the disclosure front and center!!!!)

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. As a public employee, the philosophical debate between what is unethical behavior vs voting your conscience is relevant. We have had discussions in the past about what is okay to accept - is it okay to accept a cup of coffee, but not a bottle of water? In this case, it is interesting to ask the question as to whether it was unethical for Paul to vote for bills that would provide benefits to those who provided him with free rounds of golf, even though he was voting his conscience. Personally, I think it would be more of an ethical dilemma and disservice to the public if he voted against his conscience just to make himself look better.

The book had me laughing out loud in some places, and there was one really touching part as well. I like how he incorporated a love interest without making it so mushy that it detracted from the rest of the story. The narration was excellent and definitely added to the story.

I would read another book by this author.

Good People on Dangerous Ground

Diary of a Small Fish is the story of (what I think) is a good although somewhat naive person treading in dangerous ground, and getting into trouble over it. I've always felt the whole US "lobbyist" concept something akin to quasi legalized corruption. I honestly don't understand it, so I am probably just showing my naivete as a someone with only a vague understanding. But at any rate, the lead is an ex back bench-er in a politically appointed position at the transit authoroty, working for and with some very, very, VERY questionable people, and also having spent his time in office friends and golf buddies with a large number of lobbyists taking free games of golf and meals, and then (unexpected to him) ends up in trouble.

His situation brings a level of awakening to the character, and questions the nature and grayness of political corruption, the concept of intentional bias vs subconscious bias to those you'd consider friends (in this case often lobbyists). In reality, the story turns up a huge amount of real, intentional corruption from other parties.

The whole situation with his ex-wife and new girlfriend was very well handled. Aside from the outcome, their behavior to each other was to me very moving. I would like to think that there are people that good in reality, and that I myself could be like that. :)

The book was very well written, linear, and easy to follow. The narration by Keith Sellon-Wright was fantastic, and a real pleasure to listen to.

As a novel, this was a very enjoyable and engaging story. As an audiobook, it was a fantastic listening experience.

A Small Fish With Big Problems

Overall, I would say this is a very solid story. The main character is likeable but flawed, and through his own self-questioning you get a clear picture of "both sides of the story" (i.e. whether or not he actually did something wrong). The story, like many legal or political thrillers, is a slow-burn with time passing between things happening - which I suppose is a lot like real life. The characters, situations, and reactions are all very believable. As the story gains momentum you'll find it hard to put down. The narrator did an excellent job differentiating characters and keeping the emotion in the moment always present.

Entertaining and humorous legal mystery.

Any additional comments?

Diary of a Small Fish by Pete Morin is a wonderful legal "cozy" mystery. It's hard to classify this book because it is not a true mystery that normal cozy mysteries entail, but it has all the humor and familiarity of one. The story centers on Paul Forte, who is a charismatic, well-connected, former politician. After testifying at a grand jury, Paul soon finds himself on the receiving end of an indictment from a corrupt US Attorney. The "mystery" is: why is this US Attorney after Paul, whose only crime is playing golf with lobbyists at some of the most exclusive courses in the world?

What is most appealing about Paul is that despite being raised in a privileged community, he is an ordinary compassionate guy. He falls in love with a blue collar artist, and is one of the most trustworthy person most people know. His motto is "play by the rules, love your comrades, and never cheat."

I listened to the Audible version of this story, which was narrated by Keith Sellon-Wright. He uses a variety of voices, giving all characters their own unique voice. His narration brought the characters to life, completely drawing me into the story. Great job!

Perfect narration for great story

I had purchased and read Diary of a Small Fish last year. The writing is excellent and I enjoyed the humor and legal wrangling. Since it was written in the first person voice of the main character, Paul Forte, I had a little difficulty, as a female reader, staying in the story.

Nonetheless, when the author offered the audio book on Goodreads I was anxious to give it another go. I am so glad I did as the narration by Keith Sellon-Wright is absolutely perfect for the main character. Mr. Sellon-Wright also did a superb job of conveying the character when he narrated female character dialogue.


Small Fish is a very enjoyable book and the Audible version takes the story to a whole new level. Kindle version purchased and Audible version received from the author. My opinion is my own.

Entertaining, Funny and Smart

Would you consider the audio edition of Diary of a Small Fish to be better than the print version?

It's so well written. I decided to read this book after coming across reviews on Goodreads which referred to the author's “big voice” and called Morin “a funny Robert Heinlein”. The first comment is true and the second debatable, but I did enjoy this book. The audible performance is as engaging and entertaining as the novel: Sellon-Wright was a good choice for narrator and it was easy to visualize.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Paul Forte, the like-able hero with a dry wit and a passion for golf. It was quite a way into the story before I realized he was a republican and I’m not sure why it surprised me. I think democrats and republicans alike would enjoy this story. This story wouldn't have worked without Bernard Kilroy who plays the foil to the Paul's easy-going nature. He tries to use Paul as political fodder to forward his own career. But no plot spoilers here. ( :

What about Keith Sellon-Wright’s performance did you like?

It was a natural voice, easy to listen to, and the actor played all the characters well.

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

There are many moving, funny and sensual moments. It made me laugh often and increased my appreciation for golf. ( : The insight into the relationship between lobbyists and politicians was also an eye opener.

Any additional comments?

I'll be eager to read anything else Morin has to write. His background in law serves him well as a novelist, but he has a way with words that only a gifted writer could. I would have liked it if the court case has played out for a little longer because it was the writer's "forté" (no puns intended) but it was still a satisfying novel and one I won't forget.

Excellent writing, superb narration

If you could sum up Diary of a Small Fish in three words, what would they be?

Clever, engaging and entertaining

What was one of the most memorable moments of Diary of a Small Fish?

Not really a moment but the on/off build up of feelings between Paul and Shannon was handled, and told, beautifully.

What about Keith Sellon-Wright’s performance did you like?

Totally perfect for this book, this genre and in particular these characters. Makes the audiobook experience so much better when the narrator is a perfect fit.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I think the title of the book would be spot on. Or maybe ... In the would of golf and politics, trust no one.

Oh and I'd choose Tom Cruise to play Paul Forte ( in the style of Jerry Maguire !)

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended. An author snapping at the coat tails of Grisham and deservedly so.

Fabulous book got better as it went along

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

I would recommend this book! It had all the right touches--romance, mystery, humor, the right amount of dialog and description.

What other book might you compare Diary of a Small Fish to and why?

Diary... felt like a mix between John Grisham and James Patterson. A little intrigue, twisty storyline, first person.

What does Keith Sellon-Wright bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I really liked Mr Sellon-Wright's rich and mellodius voice.

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

It took me a few days to listen to, which I appreciate.

Any additional comments?

I was really impressed with this as a first published book. Diary..was really well written, free of cliches, and had a refreshin storyline.

Held my attention

The plot was interesting and kept me guessing, but large portions of it read more like a woman's romance novel than a legal thriller. The narrator was natural and was able to differentiate voices in a subtle but effective way.

Love how the Little fish catches the Big Fish!!!

Diary of a Small Fish by Pete Morin is a riveting political thriller. Set in Boston, MA. Pete has pulled out all the punches in this novel about how those behind the scenes seem to always be the ones pulling the strings to get what they want. Lobbyist and other concerned parties. Found that this novel kept my attention from start to finish. The characters were all well written into a suspenseful drama of cat and mouse. But, it actually ended up with the mouse trapping the cat. I actually listened to it in 2 days.

The main character Paul Forte finds himself in trouble. He is counsel of Boston’s MBTA and representative. He is subpoenaed to give testimony against another representative. Only to find himself days later being in the same shoes. Why? For playing too much golf? All Paul could think of was “Are they for real!” His wife of 10 years leaves him and now he meets this beguiling woman who/becomes his girlfriend. She has a past that Paul just wants some answers to since she is not ready to leave him in her bed.

Then there is Bernard Kilroy from his father’s past. He is now his enemy. Why? How does his part play into this indictment that ends up dragging on for a year? Paul’s attorney plays his part but, Paul wants to dig deeper. Why would golfing get him landed into the slammer. So he went golfing with lobbyist and others. Is that a crime? This all plays out well for a time for the prosecution. However, Paul is not taking this sitting down by his lawyer’s rules. He is going to find out who is behind this and that is where an FBI agent in the investigation slips some suggestions to Paul.

This book will leave you routing for Paul all the way thru. How he finally finds out the truth behind his girlfriend and how their relationship grows. How Paul’s ex-wife reenters the picture due to cancer. How this helps build the bound between his girlfriend and Paul. Their love for his ex-wife thru her medical care. I felt myself welling up inside.

So whether you read this book or listen to it you will find yourself not wanting to put the book down. Narrator, Keith Sellon-Wright was dead on with the New England accents. He played thru each part seamless with a first rate performance. I know he is on my list of narrators to watch for in other books. As the author for I will be putting his books on my wish list.

This book was provided by the author. In no way was I influenced by the author or others for this review. All views are my own. I always welcome comments and likes if this help you decide on reading or listening to this book.