Fifty Grand

A Novel of Suspense

By: Adrian McKinty

Narrated by: Paula Christensen

Length: 13 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

An illegal immigrant is killed in a hit-and-run on a frozen mountain road in the town of Fairview, Colorado. No one is prosecuted for his death and his case is quietly forgotten. Six months later another illegal makes a treacherous run across the border, barely escaping with her life. She finds work as a maid and, secretly, begins to investigate the death of her father. But she isn't a maid, and she's not Mexican. She's Detective Mercado, a police officer from Havana, and she's looking for answers to her father's death. McKinty's live-wire prose is riveting, right up to a final, shocking conclusion.

©2009 Barron's Educational Series, Inc. (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"This amazing novel....has riveting mystery, politics of just about every shade, and thrills on almost every page. . . .This is going to be the BIG BOOK of 2009." - (Ken Bruen, author of The Guards and Once Were Cops)

Lucy, you have some 'splainin to do

This book reminds me of why I avoid female readers. This reader sounds like Lucy Ricardo trying to sound like a man to fool Ricky. Her female voices speak with a lisp. The story was good but the author's previous books are great, read them in order.

Only my love ofMcKinty's writing kept me engaged in this audiobook.

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

I love Adrian McKinty, so would usually recommend his books without hesitation.
I am blind so rely on the audio format.
With this book I would have to say that if UR cited you may want to get the print edition.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fifty Grand?

Well a couple of the most memorable moments to me with contain spoiler information so I will not share those.
One that I can share I believe with out ruining too much was when the main character had a meeting with Fidel Castro's brother.

What didn’t you like about Paula Christensen’s performance?

Wow! I hardly know where to begin with this one.
Unfortunately, the sample does not do justice to how bad the narration of this book was.
I actually enjoyed her per trail of the main character, but every other character was pretty much terrible.
I have been to Colorado and don't seem to recall everyone there speaking with southern accents.
I found it odd that the one character who was said to be from Texas had some kind of a weird New York-ish accent.
I don't know if the authors have any say in who narrates the books but I have to believe that Mr. McKinty did not have a hand in picking this narrator.
As a Nother reviewers stated, it wouldn't have been fitting for Gerard Doyle narrate this one since the main character is a female, but just about any other narrator could have done a better job I believe.

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

Well, going back to the narration of the book, I wound up laughing at some of the very suspenseful moments that should have had me on the edge of my seat.
Because of the voices used by the narrator some of the characters became more cartoonish than menacing.

Any additional comments?

With the exception of the authors series for young readers I have now read all of his books.
Based on the reviews and mainly comments on the narrator I did save this one till last though.
I am very glad that I took the time to listen to it because the story itself was of course very good.
I hope that at some point maybe this but can be redone with a narrator who can do justice to Mr. McKinty's fine writing.

Not McKinty's best but he is generally so good

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend another McKinty first, this one not as compelling character wise.

Would you be willing to try another book from Adrian McKinty? Why or why not?

His trilogy is amazing! The Irish accent makes it essential for listening instead of reading, and so pleasurable.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Paula Christensen?

Not the best McKinty narrator, Gerrard Doyle preferred.

Adrian McKinty

Having read almost all of McKinty’s books, I have to agree that this one doesn’t even appear to be written by him. Good story, but a bit too long.
However, if you are expecting McKinty - this is not for you.

Outstanding novel from Adrian McKinty!

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

Absolutely! As the intriguing mystery unfolded, I could not wait to listen to this audiobook!
The plot had twists and turns and was amazing!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes! I can often guess at where a storyline is headed, but in this case I did not figure out the very interesting directions this novel took. Mr. McKinty is a very talented storyteller, and I was sorry when the book ended!

What about Paula Christensen’s performance did you like?

I thought she was terrific. She nailed the dialogue and I look forward to hearing her read other books.

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

Retribution and reconciliation

Any additional comments?

Superb read!

a novel of suspense

I loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat but was still believable. the violence was enough that I got the idea without being grossed out. The politics were not overt and the hero was a woman! Smart, brave and believable. You don't read that very often.

Another great read!

I’ve read every Adrian McKinty book at this point, including his young adult fantasy series. Once again I’m delighted by another fantastic story. The depth of the characters, the humanity woven throughout, the authenticity of the voice—Fantastic! McKinty is at the very top of my favorite authors list.

Mckinty is a terrific storyteller

Loved his Michael Forsythe series. However wasn't quite a pleased with this story and narrator.

Although immensely enjoyable, the story's strength waned st the end

Adrian McKinty is amongst the most gifted story-tellers I have come across. His Duffy books are masterpieces, interviewing great plots with historical narratives.

This book ain't quite as good... and yet, the quality of its narration is so immense, it manages to drag us across the finish line.. despite the story's decline into the absurd.

A fine novel

An engaging story, beautifully structured and poetically written--the kind of book that is at its best in audio format. Paula Christensen's interpretation is pitch perfect and enthralling.

I recommend this highly for readers who are interested in lovely sentences and atmospherics as well as compelling and suspenseful entertainment.