The Winter of Frankie Machine

By: Don Winslow

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris

Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Frank Machianno is a late-middle-aged ex-surf bum who runs a bait shack on the San Diego waterfront. An affable Italian with a love of people and life, he's a stand-up businessman, devoted father, and a beloved fixture in the community.

He's also a hit man - specifically, a retired hit man. Back in the day, when he was one of the most feared members of the West Coast Mafia, he was known as Frankie Machine. Frank consigned his Mob ties to the past years ago, which is where he wants them to stay. But a favor being called in now by the local boss is one Frank can't refuse, and soon he's sucked back into the treacherous currents of his former life. Someone from the past wants him dead. He has to figure out who and why, and he has to do it fast.

©2006 Don Winslow (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Elmore Leonard fans who have not yet discovered Winslow will be delighted by his fourth thriller....Winslow has created plausible characters and taut scenes of suspense that will keep readers turning pages." (Publishers Weekly)

Really, really good

Don Winslow delivers again (as always). Mr. Winslow is one of the best writers in the world, although I don't always agree with his extreme left political views, I respect that he has a view.

This book is funny, tragic, dramatic, and highly entertaining.

the Gentleman's Hour!

was fun ...hard not to like Don Winslow! The image of Frankie in a wet suit on a long board gives ME hope of getting back out there!

Gotta love Frankie Machine

Great character, plenty of action and humor; excellent narration. There are a lot of monsters to keep track of ( it got a bit confusing ) and there were a few too many betrayals leading up to the finale, but you gotta love Frankie Machine. He's a guy you'd like to meet.

Rarely do I give a book FIVE stars

I liked this one. I cried and smiled through the tears. Well worth a credit AND rereading ..... probably over and over .....

explosive book

i enjoyed this book story was great never a dull moment don winslow is good

Book is a Well-Oiled Machine

A well written and well narrated Mob book. This is my first listen to Don Winslow and I wish that there was an entire Frankie Machine Series. Would have enjoyed separate books about Frankie's Spring, Summer and Fall.

Will try the author's private eye series soon.

Don Winslow doesn't disappont

I have yet to listen to a Don Winslow book that I don't immediately get wrapped up in. Frankie the Machine is yet another story that immerses you into the many sides of life, surfing, and crime in San Diego

Fabulous story, fabulous reader

This is not my usual book, mobsters etc. but this story was just so good, and the reader made it even better. I had to keep listening and enjoyed every minute. This is my second Don Winslow audio book, now I want them all. This was a total treat, so glad I took a chance.

Excellent

Every so often you catch a real gem that goes way beyond your expectations and this is clearly one of them. I put this in the top five of favorite novels in my library. Don Winslow spins a masterful story of a retired Mafia hit man who is reluctantly dragged back into the business where very little is what it seems. The plot winds it way from the present to flashbacks to build on the story, and build to an explosive ending. Violence aside (nowhere near as violent as The Power of the Dog), there is a certain sweetness to the main character, which makes him very likable (even though he's a bad guy).

Dennis Boutsikaris's narration is superb. His voice is crisp and clear, which really helps when you listen to a novel while driving. And you always know which character is speaking. I would place him on a level with Ray Porter as one of Audible's best readers.

Don Winslow is a master storyteller. His characters have great depth; the plot has many twists, turns, crosses and double crosses; and the storyline keeps you guessing until the end. Would highly recommend.

This was an awesome listen

loved it, and the narrator did an excellent job.
I was entertained by his reading.