Hell Hole

A John Ceepak Mystery

By: Chris Grabenstein

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Hell Hole is the fourth book in the mystery series featuring hardened former military PD and current Sea Haven, New Jersey, police officer John Ceepak and his partner, wise-cracking Danny Boyle.

In Hell Hole, Ceepak is confronted with his most personal case yet when he must investigate the alleged suicide of a military corporal who recently returned from Iraq. When it turns out that this "locked stall" rest-stop suicide is anything but an open-and-shut case, Ceepak and Boyle realize that the corporal might have been privy to information that opens up a much larger conspiracy - one that strikes at the heart of our involvement in the Middle East and puts them on the wrong side of some very unpleasant people.

Don't miss other adventures featuring Sea Haven's finest, including (in order) Tilt-a-Whirl, Mad Mouse, and Whack-a-Mole.

©2008 Chris Grabenstein (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Grabenstein again shows his intimate knowledge of Jersey shore towns, whose populations swell in the summer....But this series offers far more than a beach-book romp; Hell Hole is taut and satisfying crime fiction." (Booklist)
"Hell Hole - named after an amusement park ride, like his other novels - moves at a brisk pace...The relationship between John and Danny, how each grows and learns from each other, continues to be the heart of Grabenstein's four novels." (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
"Jeff Woodman's natural exuberance is a fine fit for Hell Hole's ingenuous, smart-alecky cop, Danny Boyle....Additionally, Woodman creates a perfect foil in Boyle's NJPD partner, hard-nosed, by-the-book John Ceepak....Chris Grabenstein writes a tight, well-constructed mystery, and Woodman's performance keeps the interest high and the listening upbeat." (AudioFile)

Darker but still Fun

The characters mature but still a fun listen

Grabenstein does it again

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

I can't remember the last time I actually read a book!!

Any additional comments?

I stumbled across this series and have really enjoyed it

Murder/suicide, drugs, politics, Ceepak and Boyle!

This episode involves Ceepak and Boyle, but the murder/suicide is not in Sea Haven jurisdiction. However, Ceepak finds a way to follow the clues and uncover the truth behind the death. Several of the circumstances are more disturbing than in earlier books, but Ceepak and Boyle are still fun to accompany on their sleuthing.

As always, Jeff Woodman has the characters perfect!

I just love Ceepack and Danny

Interesting story, great narration. A good book that holds your attention without taxing it.

Enjoyed this book.

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

I would recommend this book.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

No particular scene.

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

We listen to books while dsriving.

Each Book is Awesome!

Great storyline. Excellent job keeping the guessing going...right to the very end! On to Book 5!

Now one of my all-time favorite authors!

Great book! I have read the series up to and including this book. I love them! When I finish the books, I feel like I have left behind my friends at the Jersey Shore...always leaves me wanting more!

OMG the narrating of this book was so juvenile

I cannot believe the ratings this book received. Although the story line was of an adult nature, the goofy main characters were perfectly described by another reviewer as Batman and Robin. I couldn't have said it better

A Political Diatribe

What was most disappointing about Chris Grabenstein’s story?

The author has used the story as a format to promote a personal political agenda based on a fantasy scenario driven by partisan politics. In fact he was so driven by the political agenda that his ultimate solution to the mystery was a last minute, unrealistic contrivance that was a stretch for anyone to figure out, regardless of their investigative skills. In short, it was not even a good detective mystery.

I was greatly disappointed in the direction he took this story because I have enjoyed his previous books. As I can no longer trust this author to keep his stories non-political, I won't be purchasing any more of his work.

Would have made a better Short Story

Would you try another book from Chris Grabenstein and/or Jeff Woodman?

No

What was most disappointing about Chris Grabenstein’s story?

Was just OK. Not great. I would spend my money on better authors.

What does Jeff Woodman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I thought the performance was good.