The Janson Directive

By: Robert Ludlum

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 20 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the world's greatest men has been kidnapped! Nobel laureate, financier, and philanthropist Peter Novak - a billionaire committed to fostering global democracy through his Liberty Foundation - has been captured by the Caliph, a near-mythical terrorist who plans to execute him in a matter of days.

Running out of time and hope, Novak's people turn to a man with a history of defeating impossible odds: Paul Janson. For decades, Janson was a legendary covert operative and assassin. Now he has retired, and nothing could lure him back - nothing except Peter Novak, who once saved Janson's life.

Backed by the considerable resources of the Liberty Foundation, Janson assembles a crack extraction team to rescue Novak from his fortress prison. But the operation goes horribly wrong and Janson is marked for death, the target of a "beyond salvage" order.

Now he is running for his life, pursued by Jessica Kincaid, an agent who, as a student of Janson's own lethal arsenal of tactics, can anticipate his every move. To survive, Janson must outrace a conspiracy that has gone beyond the control of its creators. To win, he must counter it with a conspiracy of his own. Janson's only hope is to uncover the nearly unimaginable truth behind these events - a secret that has the power to foment wars, topple governments, and change the course of history.

©2002 Myn Pyn LLC (P)2002 Audio Renaissance, a Division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

Critic reviews

"All the trademarked Ludlum gifts of plotting, pacing, and suspense are on full display in this engrossing mystery." (Amazon.com)
"Vintage Ludlum - big, brawny, and loaded with surprises." (Publishers Weekly)
"A marvel of stunning physical detail...Ludlum's best since The Bourne Identity." (Kirkus Reviews)

Compelling

I found listening to this 3 part unabridged book very short. It kept me on the edge of my seat in suspense wanting to know what happened next. For such a long book, it seemed really short.

Janson Directive is Intriguing and creative

A good book. Slow at first and a bit difficult to follow but I got caught up in the suspense of the story. Unique ending I didn’t see coming and questions of how they knew how to handle the situations.

have always been a fan of rover ludham

great story. the ending was a surprise. very intense several times. the torture and mistreat ment wee heartbreaking. the craftsmanship of putting a story into words that grab your attention and hold your interest are so rewarding. if you're into spy's then you need to read this book

Another Ludlum gem

Great plot and character development. At more than a few points in the story, however, the narrative becomes tiresome and drags down the otherwise fast moving plot. The damage is minimal to an otherwise great action packed book. Paul Michael brings the book to life with his outstanding narration. Highly recommend!

The Janson Directive is a great listen!

I had difficulty turning it off at the end of my commute and sometimes re-played chapters to make sure that I missed nothing due to loud noise in the streets.

Far better than I expected

I was a little nervous to listen to Ludlum books. I was afraid that the books may be too dated. I'm happy to say I was wrong. I found it very hard to shut this book off. I went through this rather long book in record time. The characters are believeable, the action is gripping and I throughilly enjoied listening to it.
The plot is very, very similar to "The Bourne Identity" instead this time instead of not knowing whom he is, he is unaware of what is going on around him. A top field agent is suddenly besought by friend and foe alike. It seems like the whole world wants him dead and he has no idea why. The details are quite a ride.

Give it a chance, if you liked 'Bourne' at all, I think you'll enjoy this, too.

Wordy

Interesting story line but written as if paid by the word. Way too much detail. Narration excellent with a variety of characters represented.

just ok

Didn't care for narrator; sounded like a computerized voice. Also, story got a bit confusing jumping back in time.

Just when you think.....

A great listen. 4 instead of 5 because of some bothersome flashback sequences (which may not be as intense in the unabridged version). Otherwise, this is a thriller at its best.

classic ludlum

If you have read or listened to Robert Ludlum novels previously, you will not be dissappointed with this one. Attention to detail is present at every turn. Suspense as well. The speaker is clear and gives a strong sense of emotion to the words. I would recommend this to any fan of Robert Ludlum or to a new reader with an interest in spy novels.