The Booktaker

A Nameless Detective Mystery

By: Bill Pronzini

Narrated by: Nick Sullivan

Length: 1 hr and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

The Nameless Detective is called upon to find out how rare books and maps are being stolen from an antiquarian bookshop with a faultless alarm system. He goes undercover in the store, only to be foiled when a theft occurs right under his nose. Then, as he ponders the case (while on a date with the lovely Kerry), he’s violently struck from behind by a car that seems bent on driving him off the road. Will Nameless survive this attempt on his life and solve the case?

Murder anonymous: solve another case with the Nameless Detective.

©1982 by the Pronzini-Muller Family Trust. All rights reserved. (P)2011 BBC Audiobooks

interesting with great Narration

Good writing. Good characters. Original story. Just long enough. Great Narration. Enjoyed the main detective character.

Classically structured mystery

What did you like best about The Booktaker? What did you like least?

This is a classic mystery with clear clues along the way leading to a conclusion that you might reasonably be able to figure out before you get to the final paragraph. For example, I thought in the early paragraphs that a physical characteristic of a central character was likely an important clue. Unfortunately, I set that aside and didn't use it appropriately - thus missed getting the answer until the author revealed it. I enjoyed the book but would not place it on my list of favorites.

Would you ever listen to anything by Bill Pronzini again?

Yes

Have you listened to any of Nick Sullivan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No - not that I recall.

Do you think The Booktaker needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No

Melancholy detective tale, done the old pulp style

I'd like simple old-time detective tale done pulp style or something you could hear on a 40s Radio Mystery. No murder just catching a thief.

A thrilling and entertaining story

We listened to it when we were travelling by car and it is an entertaining way of killing the time

An entertaining short story

Would you listen to The Booktaker again? Why?

No, because I'll remember the ending solution to the crime.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Booktaker?

The twist at the end.

What does Nick Sullivan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Don't know.

I Was Expecting More

It was just ok. There was a good set up and and good flow but a completely mediocre ending. I was just excepting a better ending with the storyline and all. Oh well!

Okay. Just 'okay'.

Would you try another book from Bill Pronzini and/or Nick Sullivan?

Maybe,

I'm not swayed on the author. The idea had potential, I just wasen't hooked into the book like I waned to be. Kind of bland.

Didn't love the book but I didn't hate it either.

What three words best describe Nick Sullivan’s performance?

Attentive.
Passionate.
Attractive.

Any additional comments?

If the entire book was like the last thirty minutes, my review would be totally different.

The end of the book grasped my attention and was surprised and happy with the story.

The beginning was dry, but glad that I stayed listening.

Predictable

Would you try another book from Bill Pronzini and/or Nick Sullivan?

The writing was palatable, but just barely. The narration lacked believability.

Would you recommend The Booktaker to your friends? Why or why not?

I don't think you should buy this book.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Nick Sullivan?

A better narrater might have saved it though.

Any additional comments?

However, if you are just waiting around and have some credits to throw away, go for it.

Good story

I was surprised that a free story was so good. The narration was also very good

Old Style very welcomed!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The Nameless Detective Story was a clever and catchy story all around. Nothing earth shattering, but nonetheless an enjoyable read that clued you into the plot early on in the story. Listen to the descriptive narration at the onset and you shall figure it out. I am a old story enthusiast, where all the bad language and sloppy writing of today cannot be found in this cleaner and crisper nature. A great short story for cracking mystery sleuths.