I, Sniper

Bob Lee Swagger, Book 6

By: Stephen Hunter

Narrated by: Buck Schirner

Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Four famed '60s radicals are gunned down at long range by a sniper. Under enormous media scrutiny, the FBI quickly concludes that Marine war hero Carl Hitchcock, whose 93 kills were considered the leading body count tally among American marksman in Vietnam, was the shooter. But as the Bureau, led by Special Agent Nick Memphis, bears down, Hitchcock commits suicide.

In closing out the investigation, Nick discovers a case made in heaven: everything fits, from timeline, ballistics, and forensics to motive, means, and opportunity. But maybe it's a little too perfect?

Nick asks his friend, the retired Marine sniper Bob Lee Swagger, to examine the data. Using a skill set no other man on earth possesses, Swagger soon discovers unseen anomalies and gradually begins to unravel a sophisticated conspiracy - one that would require the highest level of warcraft by the most superb special operations professionals. Swagger soon closes in, and those responsible will stop at nothing to take him out. But these heavily armed men make the mistake of thinking they are hunting Bob, when he is, in fact, hunting them. And when Swagger and the last of his antagonists finally face each other, reenacting a classic ritual of arms, it is clear that at times there's nothing more necessary than a good man with a gun and the guts to use it.

©2009 Stephen Hunter (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

from a former MOS8541 and Hunter reader

First off, Carlos Hathcock, whom I have met, as a guest instructor at the school in 86 WAS NOT demeaned, etc. Read it to the end!. Yes it has a little too much gun tech jibber jabber, and there were a few plot/continuity flaws. Why we Snipers are getting all this TV and Movie and Book press is beyond me. Hunter has been writing since before gulfwar 1 and def. knows his stuff. At least his subjects and characters AGE! Some writers got jason bourne , jack ryan etc. aging 10-15 years over a 30 year period! or worse aging 30-40 years over a 10 year period! Without spoiling the plot/end the "Irish" team were a little too obvious.

I, Like

Great performance by the narrator and a great story. If you are a fan of guns, a shooting story and some twist and turns. Then you will enjoy this book.

Likeable conspiracy shootout

After a sniper murders lefty radicals from the 70's, starting with somebody who resembles Jane Fonda, the plot thickens. Well, sometime it clots, but if you like Clint Eastwood's style of justice, it is a good read, especially if you like dealing with murderous Irishmen.

Great book, BUT

Played a little too close to Carlos Hathcock to the point of being uncomfortable. It feels like it disrespects a Marine Corps legend.

Sounds like a commercial at times

I find the whole premise for how the case is is broken a little questionable. No such thing as a perfect rifle and perfect ammo. Everything induces small errors. (Trying to be vague so as to not give anything away) Anyway 200-300 yards are hardly challenging shots requiring sniper gear.

Seems like excessive gear and and brand name dropping; way beyond being detailed to almost feeling like a commercial.

Really liked the part about how the newspaper's accusations ended and the details of authenticating a photo. Well done.

RIP Bob Lee

I've read all of the Swagger novels at least once each. This is a great swan song for the character, and in addition Mr. Hunter takes a swipe at some of the folks that really deserve it. There was a lot of subtle humor in it for old farts like me.

Bob Lee... Superman???

Hunter has gotten away from the Bob Lee in Point of Impact as a real world character with plausable scenarios and gone to turning him into a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Superman. Still exciting but getting out of the original realm.

One of the Best!

I always enjoy the Swagger books, and this one ranks right up there with some of the best. One of the great things about Hunter is that, unlike some authors, he actually knows about guns and does his research on them. The narrator of this book did a great job and I look forward to hearing more of his narration. The fact that Hunter has a conservative voice in his book, to the point that some of the lefties reviewing the book on here have their panties in a twist over Hunter's take on some of their left wing liberal heroes just makes the book even better for me. Great job, great book!

Great great story.

This is an exciting story told by a master storyteller. The narration is very good. Although there are portions of the book that strain credulity, the author never leaves you hanging.

I Sniper Hits it's Mark

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

This book has great action and is a well narrated story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the characters were great but by far my favorite was Bob Lee Swagger. Keep in mind the book is pure enjoyment and carries well even if the characters are a bit novel typical.

Which scene was your favorite?

The high valley shoot out.

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

No just good clean fun!