The Scarecrow

By: Michael Connelly

Narrated by: Peter Giles

Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Forced out of the Los Angeles Times amid the latest budget cuts, newspaperman Jack McEvoy decides to go out with a bang, using his final days at the paper to write the definitive murder story of his career. He focuses on Alonzo Winslow, a 16-year-old drug dealer in jail after confessing to a brutal murder. But as he delves into the story, Jack realizes that Winslow's so-called confession is bogus. The kid might actually be innocent.

Jack is soon running with his biggest story since The Poetmade his career years ago. He is tracking a killer who operates completely below police radar - and with perfect knowledge of any move against him. Including Jack's.

©2009 Michael Connelly (P)2009 Hachette

Critic reviews

"Narrator Peter Giles delivers the crisp and compelling copy with a deadpan tone and a pace that advances like Patton through Italy. Scenes involving the stalking of McEvoy and Walling raise hairs at the back of the listener's neck. Great characters and a satisfying ending cement Connelly's place as one of the best crime novelists working today." (AudioFile)

Connelly - neat and clean

In light of all the reviews that praise this book it seems Connelly fans finally have something to tie them over until the next Bosch novel comes out. I found the book to be mediocre as a thriller. For some reason I felt uncaring about the main character, a crime reporter who got the boot due to downsizing of the corporate newspaper industry. He seemed to have skill and intuition that best the FBI and other law enforcement mentioned. I know this is fiction, but hey, I just wasn't as entertained since the story was centered on him rather than the villain. The evil that this computer geek was able to perpetrate is scary to think about, especially in our time. I wish the author would have demonstrated how this type of cybercrime, and more, affects us all.

Not a bad book at all. I just wasn't as intrigued as I'd hoped for. Maybe the sequel will be better;)

Pure pleasure

I've been a long time fan of Connelly and as a result have pretty high expectations for his stuff. This one exceeded them. Great narration to boot.

Strange with hard to follow plot.

I have always enjoyed Michael Connelly's books but I wanted to put this one down awberal times. I forced my way through it. I found it difficult to see how the good guys were coming to the conclusions they did and take the actions they did.

Meh...

The story was interesting enough. I’m not sure if it’s the narrators tone or bad dialog writing. The author does better in the Harry Bosch series and narration was okay. Overall, it is average... which is better than wasting a credit on something bad.

Story was OK

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

I usually love Michael Connelly, but this is not my favorite. The reader tries too hard and distracts A lot!

It was ok

It was ok but not exceptional ok to pass the time at work. Reader ok

A SUPERB STORY START TO FI NISH

A well written story of a Pulitzer prize willing reporter hanging on to the last threads of his job as the newspaper world collapses.

Better than expected!

I really enjoy Michael Connelly books and this one did not disappoint. Story moved fast and made me want to keep listening. Lots of twists and turns as is typical from Connelly. Worth the listen!

Never bored

My first Michael Connelly. Not my last.

The Scarecrow - High-Tech Serial Killer

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

Yes. It flows smoothly.

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

The Poet. Same author, same protagonist, similar theme.

What about Peter Giles’s performance did you like?

Good characterization.

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

No. I listen in the car going from one place to another.