The Panther

By: Nelson DeMille

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 21 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Nelson DeMille returns with another heart-pounding John Corey thriller—this time including Corey’s FBI agent wife Kate Mayfield...and their mission is to catch an elusive terrorist mastermind before he catches them.

Anti-terrorist Task Force agent John Corey and his wife, FBI agent Kate Mayfield, have been posted overseas to Sana'a, Yemen—one of the most dangerous places in the Middle East. While there, they will be working with a small team to track down one of the masterminds behind the USS Cole bombing: A high-ranking Al Qaeda operative known as The Panther. Ruthless and elusive, he's wanted for multiple terrorist acts and murders—and the US Government is determined to bring him down, no matter the cost. As latecomers to a deadly game, John and Kate don't know the rules, the players, or the score. What they do know is that there is more to their assignment than meets the eye—and that the hunters are about to become the hunted.

Filled with breathtaking plot turns and told in John Corey's inimitable voice, The Panther is a brilliant depiction of one of the most treacherous countries in the world and raises disturbing questions about whether we can ever know who our enemies—or our allies—really are.

©2012 Nelson DeMille (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Corny dialog...needlessly long...formulaic

The whole book seems to be Corey making wisecracks...way more than necessary...dumb too. In earlier books his wisecracks were great fun but in this one it seems like every time he says something it's a wisecrack and too often not funny. In other Corey books the interchange between John and Kay is fun but in this book we hear barely a peep from her. Final scene (I won't spoil it by telling) is way over the top...more than the Corey of previous books.

Scott Brick is terrific as always.

Cary

Your Annoying Uncle

What did you like best about The Panther? What did you like least?

*rubs eyes. pinches bridge of nose* You know that annoying uncle at the family reunion who uses every opportunity to either 1) make a pun, 2) drop the f-bomb, or 3) look around to see if anyone finds him funny?

That is the main character, John Corey. Now, I *get* that's he's supposed to be this sort of 'lovable scoundrel' type that women seemingly find themselves attracted to - but let's be honest. He's the guy who would be so much more likeable if he'd shut his piehole more often and just be the good guy he is instead of always trying to be the funny guy.

I suppose none of that is really here or there - it's just that less then a third of the way in the book, I feel like I married the guy and already can't wait to divorce him just so I don't have to listen to his awful jokes.

Okay, what do I like the best? Well, I generally like DeMille and it's brainlessly interesting enough that I'm not bored. I realize that isn't exactly a glowing review - but sometimes I do just want some brain fluff and this one fits that bill. I was neither enthralled but I was also not bored.

What do I like the least? The aforementioned bad jokes by smug uncle. Lord, that is tiring.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Eh. In fact, this is my reaction to the beginning, middle and end. See? No spoilers.

What three words best describe Scott Brick’s voice?

Breathy. Serious. Manly.

Overall, I like Scott Brick. It's safe to say he breathes life into characters since most of them end up sort of dramatic sounding.

Could you see The Panther being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No, I can't see this as a movie. Hmm, who would be John Corey... not sure. But no one really awesome. I want to enjoy hating him a little while I still cheer him on. You know.

Not as good as The Lion's Game

The Panther is too long. The first two-thirds of the book should have been summarized in a chapter or two. The last third was considerably more interesting. I was happy I made it that far.

While I enjoyed "The Lion's Game", especially some of its more original elements, and I appreciated John Corey's point-of-view, I found John Corey to be a bit of bore in The Panther. How many times can you say: "right".

I also felt that some key questions were not answered at the end of The Panther. Perhaps this leaves room for one or more sequals, I felt I was short-changed.

Scott Brick, the narrator, did a great job adding expression to a so-so book.

My favorite NYPD detective.

Love listening to Scott Brick channel John Corey. I've walked miles listening to these books. Thanks Mr DeMille for a wonderful series.

Action packed with intriguing plot

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

Yes, It would take a special type of mystery fan but to the right reader its a fantastic read

Who was your favorite character and why?

Actually it was "the Panther". In my opinion the better the villain the better the novel- the Panther was easy to dislike but I was left with a begrudging respect for his skills and cunning

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

Same as above

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

No extreme reactions

Any additional comments?

Great read & entertaining performance - Scott Brick is my favorite read

Nelson DeMille is still the best

Where does The Panther rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Non stop entertainment with either John Corey in action or cracking wise. No better character.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Scott Brick could read the phone book and it would be entertaining

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Of course

Not DeMille's best work.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

My wife and I love DeMille's books but this one did not rise to his standards. We enjoy the the smart remarks and comebacks but this book just did not hold your attention like the others. Too much time spent stationary and planning. The tracking the panther was just too easy. The big "CIA plan" did not work but just take a small hike? Sub plot was fine but again resolution to easy.

Would you recommend The Panther to your friends? Why or why not?

Only to be able to say you have read all of DeMille's books.

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

John hands down. But I think Scott Brick could read the phone book and make it interesting.

Was The Panther worth the listening time?

Just.

Just OK

I was looking forward to revisiting a favorite character in the sarcastic ex-NYPD John Correy, but this book was a let down. It is a "been there done that" for the John Corry and evil terrorist genre. Maybe DeMille has run out of ideas? Different country, same kind of cartoon characters and bloody finale. Interesting factoids about Yemen, but overall not enough to get this book above 3 stars for me. And if I heard Corry's trademark "Riiight!" one more time, I was ready to shut 'er down. Sorry but in my opinion, DeMille has done better than this one with Correy.

A very addictive read (listen)

A DeMille John Corey novel narrated by Scott Brick is about as addictive an auduobook experience as you can have. I was glued to my phone for several days listening to this 21 hour book. you'll also learn more about Yeman that you ever wanted to know. Recommended.

The Panther

This is an outstanding audio book! Wow! It should come with a warning, "Warning" this book is extremely addictive. You should clear your schedule prior to listening.