Safe House

By: Chris Ewan

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

A brilliant thriller from the author of the acclaimed Good Thief's Guide series asks: How can a woman simply vanish?

When Rob Hale wakes up in hospital after a motorcycle crash, he is told that Lena - the gorgeous blonde woman who was on the back of his bike - doesn't exist. The woman he describes bears a striking resemblance to his recently deceased sister, Laura, but has he really only imagined her? Convinced that Lena is as real as he is, Rob teams up with Rebecca Lewis - a London-based PI who has a mysterious connection to Laura - to follow the clues. He learns that even a close-knit community like the Isle of Man can hide dangerous secrets that will not stay safe forever.

©2012 Chris Ewan (P)2012 AudioGO

Starts strong but ends weak...

If you could sum up Safe House in three words, what would they be?

Fun, time waster

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The end needs help. It could have been so much better if... no need to spoil it. It seems like the author didn't know how to finish so he just took the easy way out. Also the beatings with the baseball bat seemed unnecessary and disgusting.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

Simon Vance is an excellent reader. He makes the characters enjoyable through his voice.

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

Bike races, spies in trouble, beautiful and intelligent women- all the makings for an adventure. Oh did I mention Hot, smart biker dude.

Any additional comments?

Love the beginning. This book could have been so much more...

Enjoyable

New author for me. It was a good mystery, very descriptive, and I would recommend it

Intriguing twists and turns

I enjoyed "Safe House" and especially liked Simon Vance. To help with the setting I downloaded a map of the Isle of Man and had it at my elbow as I listened to the story. Rob Hale is an unlikely hero, a plumber and a serious cyclist (Isle of Man is the home of TT motorcycle races). Like the TT races, the story is full of dramatic twists and turns; the book keeps you guessing. For this reason you have to be quite attentive listening to this audio book; scenes change and a few times I had to hit the rewind button. I should add that this does not mean it is a superficial tale; Ewan through Vance's voice paints a very detailed picture of the surroundings, the characters and the events.
This is my first Chris Ewan and I will check out his offering offerings.

Intriguing, Who Can You Trust Mystery!

I enjoyed this book, especially the narration by Simon Vance. It is a twisting, turning story of intrigue that will keep you guessing to the very end. My only criticism of it is that none of the characters but Rob were fleshed out enough for the listener to acquire any sense of empathy or dislike for them. That said, it is a good (not great) story that was worth the time for certain!

Overall compelling

Genuinely great characterizations. Slow/uneven at times, but then intriguing and intensely engaging at other times. Ending worked but left me unsatisfied. Loved the Good Thief series, liked this story.

Great Novel

If you could sum up Safe House in three words, what would they be?

Addicting. Brilliant. Captivating

Who was your favorite character and why?

Main Character.

Which scene was your favorite?

I couldn't possibly pick just one scene as a favorite. The entire book was well written.

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the storyline. It definitely had a way of sweeping me up into the story - I was hooked instantly. I really enjoyed the narrators voice as well. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good mystery book.

If Jon Snow narrated a book.

Loved the narrator, sounds a bit like Jon Snow reading. Not too bad. Found myself engrossed and easily sucked in. Its a solid mystery and not too slow, a nice easy listen. I felt that it did end a bit abruptly but all issues were adequately resolved. Overall not bad.

didn't want to stop listening

I drive around they block just to keep going. I loved the narrator. cold ending.

Good premise, bad followthrough

Although the ratings weren't as high as most of the books I read, I wanted to give it a chance. I wanted to like it. The premise is fascinating. Many aspects of the plot are interesting, but it doesn't fit together.

Very Slow

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

This book was too slow and hard to get into. I also don't care for the person reading the book.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Unsure

Would you be willing to try another one of Simon Vance’s performances?

Probably not.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

None

Any additional comments?

Dislike this read.