The Barkeep

By: William Lashner

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Justin Chase is the perfect barkeep, tending bar as he lives his life, in a state of Zen serenity, until Birdie Grackle, a foul-mouthed alcoholic, walks into his bar and makes a startling confession.

Six years ago Justin’s life was ripped apart when he discovered his mother’s bludgeoned corpse. Now Justin’s father is serving a life sentence and Justin drowns his emotions in a pool of inner peace. But when Birdie claims he murdered Justin’s mother for cash, Justin is hurled back to the emotions, back to the past, and, most frightening of all, back to the father he tried to leave behind. Who hired Birdie Grackle to kill Justin's mother? As Justin pieces together the truth, a killing machine stalks Justin, leaving a trail of dead in his wake. Someone wants to bury the truth, and maybe Justin, too. Justin had better find some answers quick, because murder is just not Zen.

©2013 William Lashner (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

good book . great narrator

story line had just enough quirks in it to bring out an occational chuckle but held my interest easily. narrator brought the book to life. really enjoyed it.

Barely okay book with outstanding narration..

I was really hoping Justin wouldn’t sleep with Annie, but he did so I’m thoroughly grossed out. Annie is an alcoholic and a slut, she’ll sleep with anyone who’ll buy her a drink BUT I was okay with that as long as Justin stayed away from her. She was his jailed-father’s mistress when Justin’s mother was murdered. At one point he thought it was disgusting to even think about having sex with her, but he changed his mind, I guess. You couldn’t blame it on alcohol because Justin doesn’t drink, and he’s a vegetarian and he has his own “zen” room where he can meditate. That’s a lot of crap to read about in this 466-page book. Oh, and, thank God, the sex was fade to black since Justin and Annie were described as “twisted” when it came to sex.

I did, though I said I wasn’t going to, finish this book. It did get boring and it did drag here and there, as I knew it would. AND the bad guy (Birdie) got away, so I don’t know what that means but if there’s another book I won’t be reading it. I really didn’t like Justin’s character, nor did I like either one of the women he was sleeping with.

I did like Derek! He was the mentally challenged giant that was Birdie’s killing-machine. His character was written very well.

No sex and the F-bomb was used 33 times.

As to the narration: If Luke Daniels hadn’t been narrating I doubt I would have finished this.

Strangely entertaining

The premise of the story was good, there were lots of twists and ah ha moments. But the narration was off at times I couldn't tell when another charade was speaking because they all sounded the same and there was a bit too much mindless rambling. With all that being said it was a pretty good.

The Narrator made the Story

The book started out slow. I was pretty lost the first couple of chapters and then the story started clicking.

I thought that the plot was really good and had just enough twist and turns. The fact that every character besides the barkeep is a complete drunk was a little distracting. Sometimes the dialogs didn't feel like they push the plot forward, just made the plot linger. Also the end was a little weird and I didn't care for it that much.

Overall, this book was a nice surprise. The narrator of the Audible made the story come to life.

Great performance! Good story

I loved the narrator! So many different voices, it was great. The story was good and not rushed.

Pulp fiction

This is a badly written but very entertaining book, with a good plot and characters. Yes, they're a little cliched, but this really is a kind of pulpy noir-ish book, not great literature. If you don't take it too seriously, it's a good beach-y read for your spare time.

It was okay

I predicted almost the entire plot and found the romantic relationship unbelievable.  I did enjoy the theme of mixed cocktails. 

Unusual Characters, Original Plot!

I thought the book was fabulous. I really liked the main character, a bartender who doesn't drink and follows the Tibetan Book of the Dead, the mentally challenged but endearing killer, the jaded former mistress of the imprisoned father. It was a good mystery with complex intrigue. One complaint - I thought the very annoying and disgusting old codger character went on with his rambling way too long, to the point where I had to fast forward a couple of times. The narrator did his voice much too well - an authentic Texas drunk accent which reminded me of people I have encountered here in the Lone Star State.

The detailed descriptions of the mixed drinks were a fun touch but I think this book might not be a good choice for recovering alcoholics.

I agree with other reviewers the ending was a little strange - and a bit weak compared to the rest of the book. Pretty satisfying outcomes all in all, however.

I definitely recommend this book. It was another one that caused me to sit in the driveway listening after I got home.

Complex story - EXCELLENT Narrator

This is a rather complex story - largely a mystery with multiple characters and a couple of subplots. I rate the story at three stars (I thought it was good), but the narrator at five stars. Each character had a unique voice, fitting the characters description. I'll be keeping my eye out for books narrated by Luke Daniels.

Enjoyed very much!

Loved the plot and twists. Didn't want to stop listening! The characters were great - likable, hateable, and lovable.