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)

The Best Nelson DeMille Book

I read the book years ago but I loved it so much I purchased the audio book too. Good story especially those of us who grew up during the cold war.

Riveting

I have listened to it several times and enjoy it more each time! Wish it was a movie, too!

Great Cold War thriller!

I am thoroughly enjoying this book. Well-written, interesting and seemingly well researched DeMille captures the feeling of the cold war accurately. Scott Brick is a fantastic narrator. If I were to be critical on one part of the reading, it's that there are times he may want to add a little more urgency to his voice (fight scenes, etc.) The characters are interesting and have enough depth to be realistic.

Bottom line: This is a top-notch listen!

One of his Best

The Charm School is first of Nelson's books that I read. The second was Nightfall. Another page- Turner. I like the action in TCS but I find Lisa to be a bit tedious.

excellent

One of my favorite authors. Leaves a person wondering if something like this could happen.

Another great suspense thriller

I enjoy the novels by Nelson DeMille and this one is another one that does not disappoint. It continues to draw you into the story throughout.
And Scott brick does another fantastic job of narration. He makes the story come to life. I really enjoy his acting.
Yes the novel is long although it’s worth the listen. He does go into a lot of detail, although it’s all interesting facts and story.

Worth it…

I loved 99% of the story. The audio performance was outstanding. The end was dissatisfying though. The romance was a distraction from the story IMO. Lisa was mostly useless since about 2/3 through the book. The most obvious hole though is that they all celebrated the “success” of their mission despite letting 300 Americans die (intentionally). This is completely ridiculous.

Good book, anoying reader

I like the book but I'll never listen to another read by Scott Brick. When a man and woman are talking to each other its very hard to tell if you're listening to the man or the woman.

Charm School certainly was!!

I thoroughly enjoy Scott Brick and his reading of the books. He brings to life the sarcastic humor of Nelson DeMille. He also highlights the seriousness of this book. I kept thinking of watching the Americans and comparing it to this book. I also learned a lot about Russia, and I thank Mr. DeMille for that. I really do enjoy his books and this is right at the top of those I have. 24 hours is a long time but when things get going and you can’t stop listening, it doesn’t take that long at all. Please enjoy this book as much as I did.

One of the best

The Charm School and Up country are my favorite books by Nelson DeMille. With strong lead characters and great supporting characters plus a superb plot/story, these are great reads.