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

Nelson DeMille Strikes Again

Would you consider the audio edition of The Panther to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print edition, however, I think Scott Brick was the best narrator for the job.

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

I really enjoyed most of the book. My most memorable moments would cause a spoiler alert, so I'll refrain.

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Scott Brick brings the characters and essence of the story to life in a way I would have not experienced had I read the print edition. Don't get me wrong, I love to read, I just really enjoy Brick's interpretation of character personalities as well as nuances of plot and feeling that you are there. As those of us who read DeMille know, John Corey is an entertaining character. Brick does a wonderful job expressing Corey's sarcasim as well as Kate's straight man banter.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Again, without spoiling, I would have to say I really enjoyed being there. DeMille and Brick bring you to the story so you can smell the filth, feel the grit in your teeth, as well as the stark fear coupled with well timed levity alive in the characters.

Any additional comments?

I recommend reading his Cory books in order. It's possible to read as a stand alone, but much more enjoyable when you know where it all began.

Another thrill ride!

While not necessarily looking forward to a story set in Yemen, we were pleasantly surprised by the very relatable dismal locale.

This is a great continuation of the John & Kate saga, a pair who seem to singlehandedly save the world from terrorists.

Scott Brick gives another stellar performance. Totally capturing John's humor and irreverence, while still making him so incredibly likable.

Top notch story and character placement

The story was very well written and the characters could not have been better. The re-introduction of the military policeman from the General's Daughter added to the interest. Brick never wavers in his narration.

Can't stand the narration

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

I'm sure the story is great, but I couldn't make it past the horrible narration. I want my money back.

Anne Ingram

Very enjoyable book and I considered one of his best novels that I have listened to recently

Maybe I just didn't like the venue.

What did you love best about The Panther?

I love John Corey and the way he loves / riles his wife Kate. I like her long-suffering responses to his often outrageous behavior. It's a good partnership for adventure.

Would you be willing to try another book from Nelson DeMille? Why or why not?

Of course. I've read them all, whether they feature John Corey or not. But this one didn't have the appeal that others have had. You just knew that Yemen was going to be a really BAD idea. Maybe the fact that it was so full of foreboding and so alien to the reader made it the least appealing setting to date. It really strained credibility to think that any operative....even our John Corey....could get in and out with a successful mission accomplished. I think I read it more out of loyalty to Corey than anything else. Bring Corey and Kate back to more believable environs....please!

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

Scott Brick does a great job with the John Corey series. Must admit, some of his others have been less appealing. Sometimes he sounds like a pulpit preacher when he reads. There's a sing-song cadence that I react negatively to in some works.

Too many wisecracks and not enough action.

Would you try another book from Nelson DeMille and/or Scott Brick?

I have liked DeMille's previous audibooks but have always just tolerated Scott Brick. In this installment he has numerous mistakes where he emphasizes the wrong word in a sentence and by doing so changes the sentence's meaning.

What did you like best about this story?

The story has interesting people in an interesting setting. Also with the recent release of the Benghazi report the subject matter is quite topical.

What three words best describe Scott Brick’s voice?

Overly dramatic and histrionic.

Any additional comments?

I feel that John Corey went over the top with the wisecracks in this book. The humor did not make up for the overall slowness of the book. One also is left wondering why on earth would Corey and his wife remain in their jobs when their colleagues are so untrustworthy.

Too far fetched... Die Hard in Sand Land

Within a few short years, retired Police detective is running a covert operation in the Middle East.

I really enjoy detective novels, and I like the character John Corey, but the story was predictable and unlikely.

I think I'm done with this series.

DeMille's new Dan Cory novel "The Panther"

DeMille new book "The Panther" with Dan Corey is a great read. Corey is after another terrorist but, this time it is a home grown terrorist with roots in the USA. Dan Corey travels to the one place he never wanted to see again, to track down and bring to justice The Panther. I love the humor of this character. I can't wait till the next Dan Corey novel.

Enjoyable listen

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

Loved the character of John Correy. Sarcastic and cynical. DeMille produces a great read.

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

actually laughed out loud during certain scenes.

Any additional comments?

Demille delivers