The Shadow Patrol

By: Alex Berenson

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

In 2009, the CIA's Kabul Station fell for a source who promised to lead it to Bin Laden, but instead he blew himself up, taking the station's most senior officers with him. Now, more than two years later, the station is still floundering, agents are dying, and at Langley the CIA's chiefs wonder if the unthinkable has happened, if somehow the Taliban has infiltrated the station.

When they ask John Wells to investigate, he reluctantly agrees to return to the country where his career as an undercover operative began. But there, he finds a vipers' nest of hostility and mistrust-and clues that hint at a drug-trafficking operation involving the Agency, the military, and the Taliban. Americans are dying, and an American is responsible. And only John Wells stands in his way... for now.

©2012 Alex Berenson (P)2012 Penguin

Critic reviews

“Superbly paced action sequences and the kind of background that suggests a better-than-average understanding of what soldiers on the ground actually see in Afghanistan.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“The book never lets up as it exposes the terrors and boredom of war on the front lines.” (Providence Journal)

“This thriller pours on the blood and guts.” (Library Journal)

Not bad

This book doesn't live up to the Faithful Spy as far as intrigue and in dept believable story content. It was just alright for me. John Wells, is the Dirty Harry solider that can blend in with the insurgents and take out the bad guys even if they are Americans. The narration by George Guidall is always worth the credit. If you have read any of the other Wells saga's than you may agree with me... if you have not.... I still recommend this book if you can get it on sale.

George Guidall is a Master!

I have enjoyed all of the first six books and am looking forward to #7, which I have already purchased. However, I did find that this one was less entertaining than the past five. Mr Berenson used fewer flashbacks which in the past have highlighted John's life and loves and allowed the reader to make a deeper connection with his character. I missed that aspect of the stories as I am a reader who enjoys knowing the protagonists. The plot was interesting and there were some of the standard twists and surprises one expects in a spy novel, but it wasn't enough to make me give four or five stars.

Best yet

My favorite John Wells book so far. Pretty complex plot made to come to life in Geo. Guidall's narration. Great performance.

Realistic.

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

Yes, I can visualise this could be happening now.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The hero of cause.

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

He brings the story alive.

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

A section near the end.

Any additional comments?

No.

Excellent writing, and the best narration

This is my second Berenson book. He's an excellent writer. Very knowledgable, and weaves an excellent tale. And George Guidall is simply the best. Totally at ease, completely consistent. I have made multiple purchases over the years just to listen to him read. This is a great pairing and gets two thumbs up from me.

Wells in back in classic form

John Wells returns to roots in "The Shadow patrol" doing what he does best which is to out-man and out-gun his adversaries. The plot begins in a straightforward fashion: events in Afghanistan suggest the possibility of a CIA mole. Wells is sent to investigate in his typical poking around strategy. Eventually he stumbles into a military heroin smuggling ring. Along the way, Wells employs every trick in his tradecraft. Ellis Scheaffer is also involved stateside and displays a flair for acting and exploiting social media in creative ways.

The pacing is tight and the action is continual and well timed. There's a sense of urgency that adds to the dramatic tension. Of particular note is that Berenson recognizes and appreciates that the various sets of players are not always using the same playbook and have sets of non-identical priorities that makes for legitimate conflict. While the introspective aspects of his personality are downplayed, Wells appears to be accepting his lot in life and displays a sense of ownership and resignation for what he must do.

The narration is superb. Guidall is perfectly suited for a cloak and dagger delivery that involves messy resolutions. John Wells is a national asset and this installment further cements his standing.

Great Listen!!!!!

This is a great story with a lot of suspense. Goerge Guidall is awesome as always. Great Listen!! I highly recommend not only this book but the series as a whole. You will not be disappointed.

transgender pets and snipers who take speed!

seems like in the last book tonka was a female dog. and american snipers who use speed, because shaky hands go well with long distance shooting. entertaining if not accurate, at least they didnt butcher Missoula in this book.

Great!

This was more of a mystery -thriller than past novels but really good all in all. George narating really makes the book even more solid. I definitely recommend this book.

Good book - George Guidall is awesome!

Would you listen to The Shadow Patrol again? Why?

Yes, as long as Guidall is Narrating it!

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

Yes, Kept me interested through out

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

Everything! One of the best. A good narrator can make or break a book!!!