Play Dead

By: Harlan Coben

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 17 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Theirs was a marriage made in tabloid heaven, but no sooner had supermodel Laura Ayars and Celtics star David Baskin said “I do” than tragedy struck. While honeymooning on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, David went out for a swim - and never returned.

Now widowed and grieving, Laura has a thousand questions and no answers. Her search for the truth will draw her into a web of lies and deception that stretches back 30 years - while on the court at the Boston Garden, a rookie phenom makes his spectacular debut....

©2010 Harlan Coben (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Give him a break! This is pretty good...

Yes, this book is one of Harlan Coben's first releases. He states that in the book's preface. As an early contribution, I expected a lot less from Play Dead than I got. Ok, it was obvious from the onset who the new blonde basketball superstar was, so the pussy-footing Coben did on this was unnecessary; however, I liked the twists and turns throughout the book. I didn't know who the murderer was, nor did I guess the motive. Overall, I was quite pleased with the story. Of course, Scott Brick can read the phone book and make it interesting, so I am to the point where I'll buy a book that Scott is reading, because I figure that he's choosy enough to pick only good works. Buy and enjoy!!

Please! No more Scott Brick narration.

I do not wish to purchase any more books where Scott Brick is the narrator. It's possible that he gets hired in an attempt to drum up some drama in an otherwise vacuous novel but it just doesn't work. It's not just true with this novel but trends with every novel he narrates. I can't listen to them anymore.

I love Harlan Coben, but...

Any additional comments?

I am so glad I fell in love with Harlan Coben more recently than not. This story was so bad it was good. I actually laughed out loud a few times at some of the cheesy parts. There are more holes in the plot than there are things that make sense and the premise is so far fetched that if you actually say it out loud to yourself when you finish the novel, you will crack up laughing. If you already love Harlan Coben, then you should listen to this just to note how far he's come as a writer. If this would be your first Coben novel, then do yourself a favor and read one of his more recent books like "Six Years" or "The Stranger" before you read this. Otherwise, you may not understand why this is so bad it's good.

As well, I know Scott Brick isn't everyone's cup of tea, but he's never bothered me before until this listening to this. The combination of the bad, bad storyline and Brick's tendency to over dramatize when he reads came together like a perfect train wreck in this case. Enjoy!

wow

I have read others of Harlens... this 1st one is by far one of my favorites!!! twisted and turned just enough.

Love this author

What made the experience of listening to Play Dead the most enjoyable?

Love his mystery stories

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Good read

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

no

Any additional comments?

Could tell this was a first work, but still enjoyed it.

Excellent plot

Loved this story and had no idea who the villain was until closed to the end.

Harlan Corben's best book!! Scott Brick is magnificent!!

Absolutely love this story, it kept me intrigued the whole time. I'll admit I did not get much sleep for a week because I was up night after night listening, completely engaged in the story. The author and story teller are my favorite duo in the audible book library!!
Hope you enjoy these two as much as I did.
Jeanne

Play Dead was very alive for me.

Harlan Coben says this was his first book and he apologized for it. I found it very entertaining and enjoyed it very much. If this is the worst book he ever writes I'll always buy his books.

Just when you think you have it figured out

What made the experience of listening to Play Dead the most enjoyable?

Scott Brick as a narrator was awesome. He does all the accents and does a wonderful job of having a voice for each character.

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

Yes. I had a hard time putting this down. Just when I thought I'd have it figured out there would be another twist that I hadn't considered.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

The Aussie sheriff.

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

There was a section at the end when I had a reveal moment that had me gasping and exclaiming what I knew. No laughing or crying - maybe a little head scratching.

Any additional comments?

I know some reviews said this was a horrible read but I didn't feel that way at all. I was very much engaged in the writing and the story development. I liked the characters and the interactions. It was a solid book. Still not one of my favorites but still a good read. It is dated as it takes place early 90's but worth the read.

excellent book

This story was very interesting it had a lot of twists and turns it kept me totally engrossed in listening to this book I highly recommend it.