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)

Irritating Narration

Interesting story. A little too much inane banter, could have been shorter. However, the narrator gave every character a "valley girl" or an unnecessary stereotyped ethnic inflection to every sentence! This was difficult to listen to.

What a great book

This was an excellent book, really enjoyed the entire thing, didn’t want it to end

Very believable, very entertaining

In the beginning of the book I wasn’t sure if it was going to be for me, once I realized the person I thought was the main character was not, I was hooked.

Lots of twists and turns and I tried and tried to predict the end but it was as if anything could happen at any moment. The last half of the book was highly entertaining.

Incredibly Good

I have read at least 200 books in the last couple of years and mostly murder mysteries. This book falls into that category but also a great history lesson with Russia in years past and possibly present. It is fiction, but truly possible. Maybe the Charm School itself is not truly realistic but it doesn't matter. This was a book that made me want to call in sick from work and just get into it until the end. It is not a happy book and not totally a happy ending but it is a glimpse of a piece of our history with Russia that certainly could have happened and in other ways, probably did. I consider this book one of two that I have read that I consider the best I've ever listened to. The other book of this caliber is "Black Cross" by Greg Iles. Do not miss this one either. I love murder mysteries with cops and robbers and all of that but these are truly special and not to be missed. I will definitely read this book and Black Cross again in the future. They are both astounding in my estimation.

Really Chilling Book

I almost passed on this book. I could not see how
this supposed 'thriller' could be related to a 'Charm School'. Wow! Was I ever wrong.
The detailed description of the Country was so thorough I felt as though I were on a tour.
I love this author. Mr. Brick did a yeoman's job
The last quarter of the story was totally unexpected.

Great listen

I liked this book. Went into it unsure but found myself not wanting to get out of the car. Will look for another Nelson DeMille book now.

good guy vs bad guys

The title is misleading, but when reading the story you will know why it is named as such. I liked the book! The author took me to Russia with his words. I liked the descriptions and details. I could visualize each character and the story pulls you in as the plot thickens. I enjoyed the interaction of the characters in the book. A good guy versus bad guy story. Nelson DeMille is a very talented writer and Scott Brick is a very talented narrator (as always)!

Fascinating story - great reader

The story is fascinating and well planned. If you enjoy spy novels, you’ll also like this story that intersects with that life.
Scott Brick is one of my favorite readers. His tone, cadence and inflection strike a balance between staying interesting without being annoying

verbose.

it's a bit verbose, not too much action until the last quarter of the book.

Terrific story loved it

Loved the layers and location. Authentic story telling from a master.

The descriptions made me feel like I was there and meeting the Russian people.