Hidden River

By: Adrian McKinty

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Alexander Lawson is a former detective for Northern Ireland's police force. After a disastrous six-month stint in the drug squad, he became addicted to heroin and resigned in disgrace. Now 24, sickly, and on the dole, Alex learns that his high-school love, Victoria Patawasti, has been murdered in America. Victoria's wealthy family sends Alex to Colorado to investigate the case, and he seizes the opportunity for a chance at redemption.

But things don't go as planned. Plagued by a heroin habit, forced to go on the run after the only credible witness to Victoria's murder is accidentally killed, wanted by both the Colorado cops and the Ulster police, Alex struggles just to stay alive.

Gritty, with spot-on dialogue and black humor, Hidden River is a dynamic thriller.

©2004 Adrian McKinty (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

• 2005 Audie Award Nominee, Mystery

"This is not only an expertly crafted suspense novel but also a revealing study of addiction." (Publishers Weekly)
"A storyteller with the kind of style and panache that blur the line between genre and mainstream."(Kirkus Reviews)

character development superb

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

Yes, the protagonist is a likeable low-key heroin addict trying to convince himself he can keep it all under control while doing white-knuckle heroics. It is a deeper, more reflective book than the usual thriller, but delivers on that front as well.

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

He is great for all of McKinty's books

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Character's reflections on addiction and his rising above it

Not his best, but still good

If you are a McKinty fan you will likely enjoy this book. It's got the same fast paced excitement as most of his other books and is of course filled with colorful characters and snappy dialogue. However, it wasn't as good as his other books. I'm not sure if it's because I found the main character rather slow (in terms of recognizing what was happening right in front of him) or if because I found his particular blind spots so predictable. Either way, I don't think it's in the same league as the Michael Forsythe books, but it's still fairly good.
As always, the narration by Gerard Doyle is excellent.

all 3 of this author's books are fantastic

Loved all three books of this author's book. And my 85-year old father loved them, as well. The reader is fantastic. And the books really take you into another world. They hold your attention the whole time. And the stories are exciting and moving.

It’s not crucial, but I would read “Dead I well may be” before “The Dead Yard,” as you are following the same charter. Hidden River is a totally independent book.

I just want to hug McKinty's brain!

Any additional comments?

Have thus far read all of McKinty's books except the Lighthouse series, 50 Grand, and The Sun is God. Haven't been disappointed yet. They have all been beautifully and ingeniously crafted, evocative, surprising, edifying, thought-provoking, entertaining rollercoaster rides. Hidden River was another compelling, satisfying collaboration between McKinty's captivating writing and Gerard Doyle's superb narration. A match made in heaven!

Interesting premise

This book isn't what I was expecting, having read the Sean Duffy and Michael Forsythe novels, but once I got into the meat of the story it did not disappoint. I realized how much the heroin was affecting this obviously brilliant ex-detective. You wanted to just scream at him because he was so blinded about the truth of situation. Its a good read and Gerald Doyle just sends it over the top. That man could read a garbage collection manual and make it enjoyable. Adrian McKinty is hands down one of my favorite authors.

Give me more Sean Duffy

I had just finished "Police At the Station..." and had read a review stating that the Det Lawson from that book, was the main character of Hidden River. Naturally, I poured right into this book, wanting to find out more of the fate of Alex Lawson. Should have skipped this book, was disappointing after relishing all the Duffy books. Lawson's downfall was a sad one, and all the poor choices in this book, made it even worse. I don't know if the writer was clouding his judgement because of his addiction, or Lawson was dumb. At any rate, I didn't feel a kinship for the man, staying aggravated with him much of time. Gerard Doyle did his usual bang up job for most of the part, with the exception of some of the Americans. Pat provided comic relief with the old time cartoon gangster voice.

Very good listen!

Great writing and very entertaining. Very violent. Adrian McKinty is a very accomplished writer. I have listened to all of his books and loved them all. This was my least favorite McKinty book however I still enjoyed very much.

Plenty of action!

I enjoy Adrian McKinty's books and I think that this is one of his best. Narrator was great and the story had many twists and turns. All in all, a very good read.

McKinty Excellence

Once again Adrian McKinty has written a compelling yarn and as always Gerard Doyle brings the story to life with such authenticity that you feel your listening to some ones biography rather than a fictional tale. The story is full of twists and turns. The story is original and though it covers Ierland and america, like so many of his story's do.It remains fresh and original. Hope you enjoy listening to it as I did.

Unfulfilled Promise

The story had great potential but as I neared the last third of the book, I lost interest. The ending was unsatisfying and preachy. The attempt to be poetic fell flat and left me wondering what went wrong.