Silent Joe

I am just beginning to discover T. Jefferson Parker's work; and it makes me happy to see that I have many more of his audiobooks to look forward to. "Silent Joe" -- though old, now -- still holds up to modern listening, and delivers the goods. If you like Michael Connelly's work, then you will enjoy Parker's novels, as well. Like Connelly, Parker writes about Los Angeles -- its seamy underbelly and its corrupt machinations, as well as the way a good human spirit can navigate unscathed through all that corruption and still triumph. Of course, that probably couldn't actually happen in real life -- corruption corrupts -- but in our novels that we listen to for entertainment, we like having the good triumph. That definitely happens in "Silent Joe." The reader, James Daniels, has a nice voice, and does a good job distinguishing the characters from one another, even voicing the female characters -- which male actors sometimes have a hard time portraying on audiobooks -- believably. I recommend "Silent Joe" pretty much without qualification.

Parker seems to challenge himself with uniquely flawed characters that somehow he has to build a compelling story around. He succeeds again here, with a very solid A- effort, not quite his best, but still a very good story that is very well read.

All of Parker's books are entertaining, but this book along with "The Fallen" has deeper emotional resonance. The skillfully done first person narration adds to the effect, as does the wide range of themes the book taps into from identity, duty, trust, forgiveness, love, acceptance, etc. Parker, along with Michael Connelly and Stephen Cannell seem to be among the best when it comes to delivering thrillers with literary merit. To quote a catch-phrase from the book: "If you can't be happy, be quiet."

I really liked this book. It was very well-written - LOVED Parker's prose. Great story told well. I did figure out the ending before we got there, but that just made me feel clever. Maybe Parker's intention all along.

This is a very good book and the character of Joe is refreshing and likeable. If you like books about Orange County, CA, Michael Connolly, or James Lee Burke, you will probably like T. Jefferson Parker and "Silent Joe".

Joe Trona is tough, somewhat innocent, gallant, and honest. He was cruelly scarred as a baby and seems grateful every day of his life that he was adopted by the Tronas.

No I haven't.

The book was very interesting and well written. I would have liked to listen to it in one sitting and wished there was a series with Joe Trona.

Great read!

Loved this one . . . full of dark mysteries . . . great detail . . . every twist and turn kept me listening . . .

This was my first book by this author but I will be reading more. The main character was so totally admirable and honest. The writing was simply captivating. And the narration was great. Very much worth the credit and time.

Yes, lots of subtle character relationships, smart writing that engages the listener to enter the complete world and put things together for himself. Fascinating interactions.

The narrator is a nuanced talent. Many characters and they are so well differentiated that it sounds like multiple voices. Smooth and professional presentation.

After several listens I have been impressed by how well the author ties everything together with

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - from the development of the character to the twisted story line. I found Joe to be a particularly likeable central character - who gained your sympathy without being pathetic, and the different and difficult story line. Read it! You'll enjoy it.