Fatal Catch

By: Roxe Anne Peacock

Narrated by: Popi Ardissone

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

It's 1963, and Chief Riley Bennett knocks on Dody Canfield's door informing her that her husband died instantly when his car struck a telephone pole. Not wanting to raise her three children alone, it isn't long before she brings home Frank Billings; and he's moving in. Mama sends 13-year-old Missy to take her little brother, Billie, fishing so she can have some alone time with Uncle Frank. Billie casts his line into the murky river water hooking the big one; granddaddy of all fish. He quickly hands the reel to Missy hoping not to lose his catch. Missy reels in slowly - bubbles begin emerging - releasing an undercurrent of secrets, deadly lies, and terror on the Canfield family.

©2011 Roxe Anne Peacock (P)2014 Roxe Anne Peacock

Suspenseful novel, excellently narrated

Where does Fatal Catch rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a good mystery novel, with a lot of gritty realism. It's suspenseful too. The narrator of the story is a 13-year-old girl, very well voiced by the book's voice-actor reader. The girl is Missy, and she and her brother Billie go through a lot that kids should never have to go through. It's a sign of the writer's talent that she manages to show how things looks through the kids' eyes, which is different than than through adults eyes. That's also a sign of the excellence of the voice-actor narration, that she can bring off this kids' world so convincingly. I haven't heard anything from Popi Ardisonne before, but I'm going to be looking for a lot more from her. I'd like to hear her voice-act an adult novel. She's got a wonderful, melodious voice.

Which scene was your favorite?

The climax of the book.

Any additional comments?

When the mother brings home new "uncles", we adults know what's going on. The kids don't have this perspective. The effect of poverty is different on the kids too, than what we would expect it to be looking through adult eyes. What the writer does is hard to do, and she does it well. Be warned though if you're thinking of giving this book to your kids to listen to. There's too much of a danger-to-children element for it to appropriate for younger listeners.

You never know what you might find fishing.

What made the experience of listening to Fatal Catch the most enjoyable?

The way the children lived and looked out for one another while their mother was wrapped up in her own world. There are probably many kids who grow up in a houeshold similar to this one.

Which character – as performed by Popi Ardissone – was your favorite?

She actually did a good job with the three children and the mother. Franks voice was a little hard to get into.

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

I was able to listen to this book in one sitting while making a 6 hour drive.

Any additional comments?

The story it self was good. The vocabulary for some of the kids was a little to grown up at times. But overall it was good listening book. Some parts made you feel like you right their with kids.

Great Narrator and Story

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

It was just really interesting and I felt like I got to know all of the people in the book. I'm 85 and I live about 40 miles from the Rock River; the narrator sounds like kids I grew up with.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fatal Catch?

The last hour or so was very suspenseful.

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

No, I haven't, but I certainly will now. She has a beautiful and very versatile voice and she's a very good actress. I'd give her more stars, if I could.

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

I don't know.

Any additional comments?

All the characters sounded different and it was very easy to follow the story. The story made me recall the era in which it was set; I lived through that era and it was very well depicted.

Terrible monotone southern drawl

Would you try another book from Roxe Anne Peacock and/or Popi Ardissone?

Definitely not

What do you think your next listen will be?

Back to what I normally listen to Michael Connelly etc

How could the performance have been better?

Different story teller would have made the book better

A Very Evocative Story, Beautifully Told

This is lovely little story and it made me fell that I was right there, in the time and place in which it happened. I am from this region of the country and the author's attention to the detail of the area and it's people was impeccable.

If you are the kind of person who lacks imagination and needs cars chases, creatures or supernatural phenomena in order to enjoy a tale, this one probably isn't for you. Human beings can be scary enough without having to add anything other-worldly, and this book demonstrates that very well.

Ardissone takes on the difficult challenge of narrating as a 12 year-old girl and is skillful enough to avoid silly voices and other cliches to which a lesser performer might fall prey. Her narration gives the past feeling of a child with the present, mature recollection of an adult. I don't know how else to describe what she does. She is a young girl and an adult, all at the same time. Brilliant.

The story takes its time, developing each character and laying a firm groundwork for the riveting conclusion. If you like a slow, unhurried pace, so that you can settle in and enjoy the ride, like a boat trip down the Rock River, listening to this beautifully written story, told by a versatile and talented actress, fits the bill.

Waste of a good credit - One star rating too high

What would have made Fatal Catch better?

If the story was anything like the publishers summary - it might have been decent.They should have said it was written by a third grader.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Going back to the tried and true - Steven King

Would you be willing to try another one of Popi Ardissone’s performances?

I don't know - this one has left me really scared of this author.
I don't think it was the performers fault.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Anger - I wasted a 6 hr drive waiting for it to get better!

Any additional comments?

Just disappointing!

A good thriller

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

I really enjoyed listening to Ms. Ardissone. She has a lovely soft voice full of expression.

What other book might you compare Fatal Catch to and why?

I cannot answer why but when I started listening to the book it reminded me of To Kill a Mocking Bird. Maybe it was because the book is seen through the eyes of a young girl.

Which character – as performed by Popi Ardissone – was your favorite?

Ms. Ardissone was excellent as Missy Canfield the narrator of the story.

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

I listened to the book in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

This story takes place during the summer, in a small town in the early sixties, and Roxe Anne really brings the flavor of that time to life before video games and cell phones.

This is a thriller set in the midst of a family in crisis. Missy's father is killed in a auto accident. Besides having to work two jobs to support her three children, Missy's mother makes some questionable choices in men. Thus leaving the children are pretty much to fend for themselves. Even though Missy does not like or understand her mother's drunkenness, or putting up with the domestic violence this strange man brings into their home. she still loves her mother deeply.

This is a story that both adults and young adults will enjoy.