The Drifter

A Peter Ash Novel

By: Nick Petrie

Narrated by: Stephen Mendel

Thriller Award winner, Best First Novel, 2017.

An explosive thriller debut introducing Peter Ash, a veteran who finds that the demons of war aren't easily left behind....

Peter Ash came home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with only one souvenir: what he calls his "white static", the buzzing claustrophobia due to post-traumatic stress that has driven him to spend a year roaming in nature, sleeping under the stars. But when a friend from the marines commits suicide, Ash returns to civilization to help the man's widow with some home repairs. Under her dilapidated porch, he finds more than he bargained for: the largest, ugliest, meanest dog he's ever encountered...and a Samsonite suitcase stuffed with cash and explosives. As Ash begins to investigate this unexpected discovery, he finds himself at the center of a plot that is far larger than he could have imagined...and it may lead straight back to the world he thought he'd left for good.

Suspenseful and thrilling, and featuring a compelling new hero, The Drifter is an exciting debut from a fresh voice in crime fiction.

©2016 Nicholas Petrie (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A powerful, empathetic, and entertaining tale about the plight many combat veterans face when they come home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Top-notch storytelling.” (Kirkus Reviews [starred review])

“[Ash’s] sharply intelligent, witty voice strikes the right tone for an honest exploration of the challenges returning veterans face, and while this wandering veteran will remind some of Jack Reacher, Peter’s struggle to overcome PTSD sets him apart. An absorbing thriller debut with heart.” (Booklist)

"Petrie’s expertly paced plot sets a colorful array of characters on a collision course. Readers will look forward to seeing more of the resourceful Ash.” (Publishers Weekly)

Excellent book!

I found it difficult to believe that this was a first novel. The plot was complex but the author made it easy to keep up with. The characters were compelling and lifelike. This is a very important subject which affects not only veterans but their friends and families. I hope by reading The Drifter, people will understand just a little what war does to our brave young men and women.

An interesting story and perspective.

Well written story that brings an important issue to life in a scary but very plausible manner. Why go into the details - just get the book and enjoy as it is unlikely that you have read any books with this spin on PTSD.

Its a series worth listening to twice. Best of the returning vet genre by far

another decent read

What made the experience of listening to The Drifter the most enjoyable?

I liked the narrator

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

I really liked that stinky dog

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

I am not sure if I have or not

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no it was just pleasant

Hope there are more of these.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If they like action stories, Jack Reacher etc, yes.

What other book might you compare The Drifter to and why?

Jack Reacher series for sure.

Any additional comments?

This was a good listen. I liked the lead character who is far less of an action hero then Reacher and maybe more realistic as a result. I would be interested to see how this character develops. I hope there will be more books featuring him.

Great characters.... good plot!

This book had an engrossing plot, believable characters and the added bonus of bringing to light the challenges of our returning vets.

Fantastic

Give it a whirl you will not regret if you like a solid premise, believable characters and never ceasing mystery.

good story love the twist

Didn't think it would've been this good but I was blown away looking forward to next book

Good

It was a good book with good narration. I would try something else by the writer.

Skeptical at first but 2 thumbs up

I read the banner on the front that said something about Jack Reacher, (the print was so tiny on my phone that’s all I could clearly make out) that instantly got under my skin. I’m a big Jack Reacher fan. So I had to get it at that point so I could come here and talk about how much this was NOT Jack Reacher! Umm… here I am and I gotta say it’s a lot like Jack Reacher. Lol. Not exactly but enough so that if you’re a Reacher fan like me you’ll enjoy this one. He isn’t the biggest guy like Reacher or the most clever like Evan Smolke but Lt. Ash is a well crafted character that is just a good man trying to do the right thing despite having some very serious issues of his own. I can relate to that and look forward to the next 5 books. Which I purchased half way through this one. Hope that helps you decide if you’re on the fence about this one I say check out the sample and give it a shot if like orphan X or Jack reacher, Jon Puller and these types of characters