The Charm School

By: Nelson DeMille

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 24 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Something very strange -- and sinister -- is going on in the Russian woods at Borodino. In a place called Mrs. Ivanova's Charm School, young KGB agents are being taught by American POW's how to be model citizens of the USA. The Soviet goal -- to infiltrate the United States undetected.

When an unsuspecting American tourist stumbles upon this secret, he sets in motion a CIA investigation that will reveal horrifying police state savagery and superpower treachery.

©1999 Nelson DeMille (P)2009 Hachette

Critic reviews

"Riveting." ( Publishers Weekly)

My favorite book ever!

What made the experience of listening to The Charm School the most enjoyable?

I love all of Nelson Demille's books but this is my favorite. I didn't see the end coming!

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending!!

So Good!

Early DeMille and So Good!!!
The story was energetic, compelling, if I were reading it, it would be a complete "page turner". Scott Brick's narration was, as always, Superb!

Loved it!!

If you could sum up The Charm School in three words, what would they be?

Favorite DeMille Ever!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Charm School?

Loved the unexpected twist when they are kicked out of Russia

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

Hollis is always calm, cool and, Jason Bourneish.

best audiobook ever

I have listened to this three times and it gets better every time! great listening.

Excellent story read excellently

I first read this story over 20 years ago. Loved it then, and I still love it now. Scott Brick brings a great voice to the characters. The only thing that bothers me about the story is that the female character is a bit whiny. Scott succefully played her as such. : D I will forever regret that someone did not bring this novel to the big screen before the cold war lost its currentness in history. But I will not miss the cold war. I was thrilled to find this in the audible catalog and I'm sure I will be listening to it from time to time in the years to come.

Fun,exciting read

My mom recommended this author and he is great! The story is fun and has lots of twists. My family was glad when it was over so I could rejoin them :)

Really good!

As usual, Scott Brick did an excellent job with the naration. The story itself was very good, I liked (and disliked as required) the characters and was really quite sorry when the story finished. Believable and quite engrossing.

The XO Cognac of Spy Novels

Reading/hearing this for the sixth time, year end of 2019. At 31, you would think it's out of date. Yet here in current America, a US amassador was this week declared non grata. And the KGB may finally have their Chairman of the Board.

This book features my all-time favorite first chapter; a blue Trans Am streaking across western Russia on a daft, Ivy-League joy ride. By chapter two, I'm hooked to the finish. Scott Brick, the narrator, is at his pre-overwraught peak, the perfect match for the text.

If I have one criticism it's in the few, tinny romantic arguments and sex scenes. Romance is not Demille's mission however. Predicting ugly geopolitical outcomes and boggling the mind with detail are what he does best, the way Tiger Woods plays golf - making it all look easy, thrilling and fun.

Very Good Russian Spy novel

Very enjoyable, The author takes you on a journey with the characters so you fell like you get to know them. It takes place at about 20 years ago I think and the lack of technology makes it more exciting. I did find myself thinking about what was going to happen next when I wasn't listening , a mark of a good book!

Such an amazing story

I really enjoyed this book it was really well written the performance was amazing it was a little slow but it helped build the story up and made such a Exciting story to listen to!