Life or Death

By: Michael Robotham

Narrated by: John Chancer

Why would a man serving a long prison sentence escape the day before he's due to be released? Audie Palmer has spent ten years in a Texas prison after pleading guilty to a robbery in which four people died and seven million dollars went missing. During that time he has suffered repeated beatings, stabbings and threats by inmates and guards, all desperate to answer the same question: where's the money?

On the day before Audie is due to be released, he suddenly vanishes. Now everybody is searching for him -- the police, FBI, gangsters and other powerful figures -- but Audie isn't running to save his own life. Instead, he's trying to save someone else's.

Michael Robotham has created the ultimate underdog hero, an honorable criminal shrouded in mystery and ready to lead readers on a remarkable chase.

Critic reviews

"I love this guy's books. Try Life or Death and you'll see why."—Lee Child

"Life or Death is a nerve-shredding thriller with the heart and soul so often missing from lesser crime and suspense novels. I couldn't stop reading, yet I didn't want Audie's story to end. Robotham is an absolute master."—Stephen King

"A pitch perfect plot with a stunning twist that involves a sheep in wolf's clothing. Talk about topsy turvy --- but it works --- big time."—Steve Berry, author of The Lincoln Myth and The Jefferson Key

"Robotham creates fascinating characters and gives them wonderful dialogue."—Harry Levins, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Robotham has a talent for creating fascinating and complex characters, and Audie Palmer may be his best yet."—Booklist (starred review)

[A] prison-break tale with a twist . . . The writing is top-notch . . . Plenty of edge-of-the-seat excitement, forcing readers to frantically turn the pages to find out how all these different strands intersect. Robotham's skill as a writer remains undeniable: He offers memorable characters caught up in an irresistible story."—Kirkus Reviews

"Michael Robotham is the real deal."—David Baldacci

"Robotham is a first-class storyteller."—Associated Press

Great Story

An inspirational story of love, loyalty, tenacity and courage.

Best audiobook have listened to in a long time. Highly recommended.

fantastic characters and story

kept me guessing and speculating throughout the story. highly recommend. I listened to the entire book in days.

Robotham Never Disappoints

Another stand alone masterpiece from an incredible author. Why would an inmate escape from prison the day before he’s due to be released. The very premise insures you will be riveted to the end.

Decent Thriller set in Texas

I have listened to the author's Joseph O'laughlin and have enjoyed them. They are set in England while this is set in Texas. The main character Audie, is serving time in prison for a crime he did not commit. He escaped the day before he is to be released, and the question throughout the book is why. I won't tell you here. The characters are all really good and the criminals are actually much better then the police. It is a good listen and worth the credit.

My only issue is with the narration. It is sometimes choppy with the narrator taking big pauses between sentences. His handling of women's voices is rather weak as well with weird accents and things like lisps. Although this does not detract too much from book since most of the narration is male voices.

If you like the genre of ' " good guy on the run" aka the Jack REacher series you will like this as well.

Best Robotham Yet!

What did you love best about Life or Death?

This was a complete departure from his previous books yet he maintain intrigue and suspense throughout.

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

Please, make the film.. in fact, as I listened to the book, I kept thinking it would make a great film.

Any additional comments?

My most favorite listen yet. Don't pass this one up.