Stunningly dark, hugely intelligent and thoroughly addictive, Ghostman announces the arrival of an exciting and highly distinctive novelist.
When a casino robbery in Atlantic City goes horribly awry, the man who orchestrated it is obliged to call in a favor from someone who's occasionally called Jack. While it's doubtful that anyone knows his actual name or anything at all about his true identity, or even if he's still alive, he's in his mid-30s and lives completely off the grid, a criminal's criminal who does entirely as he pleases and is almost impossible to get in touch with. But within hours a private jet is flying this exceptionally experienced fixer and cleaner-upper from Seattle to New Jersey and right into a spectacular mess: one heister dead in the parking lot, another winged but on the run, the shooter a complete mystery, the $1.2 million in freshly printed bills god knows where and the FBI already waiting for Jack at the airport, to be joined shortly by other extremely interested and elusive parties. He has only 48 hours until the twice-stolen cash literally explodes, taking with it the wider, byzantine ambitions behind the theft. To contend with all this will require every gram of his skill, ingenuity and self-protective instincts, especially when offense and defense soon become meaningless terms. And as he maneuvers these exceedingly slippery slopes, he relives the botched bank robbery in Kuala Lumpur five years earlier that has now landed him this unwanted new assignment.
From its riveting opening, Ghostman effortlessly pulls the listener into Jack's refined and peculiar world - and the sophisticated shadowboxing grows ever more intense as he moves, hour by hour, toward a constantly reimprovised solution. With a quicksilver plot, gripping prose and masterly expertise, Roger Hobbs has given us a novel that will immediately place him in the company of our most esteemed crime writers.
©2013 Roger Hobbs (P)2013 Random House Audio
"Fast, hard and knowing: this is an amazing debut full of intrigue, tradecraft and suspense. Read it immediately!” (Lee Child)
“A slam-bang, pedal-to-the-metal crime story that fires on all cylinders and then some! Ghostman is a gritty, lean, mean adrenaline machine. Mostly, though, it was just plain fun to read. I absolutely loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough.” (Christopher Reich)
“This watertight debut [is] at once slick and gritty… Straight out of the gate, Hobbs has mastered the essentials of a contemporary thriller: a noirlike tone, no-nonsense prose and a hero with just enough personality to ensure he doesn't come off as an amoral death machine [as well as] heart-stopping scenes that illustrate how small mistakes can turn catastrophic.” (Kirkus, starred review)
"Authentic And Full of Action!!"
This book is very authentic, not like other books were the thief is so smart and so on... Nope, this book pulls you into Jack's many characters and characteristics. He is not after the usual goal (Being Rich, or Revenge) He just likes it when its fun and challenging. This character is not bad at all, with some work Jack could be an amazing character.
You have many characters here, and you have 2 different stories, one in the past, which comes every now and then, but the main one is the present time, which you think you know what is going on until you figure out the plot and the real deal.
I liked the narration,Jake Weber did a great job with the many different accents.
Overall, for a first book for this author, he did a fantastic job, and looking forward for more of his books.
"Extraordinary Debut for Author and Narrator"
What a great story by Roger Hobbs! What an amazing performance by narrator Jake Weber. I found myself completely mesmerized, nearly entranced by Weber's voice and cadence as the story wound its way through twists and turns, building out this life of a Ghostman for the listener. I knew the author was new but I hoped the narrator had other works available on Audible. Not yet. I’m looking forward to new works by both. Will the Ghostman become a series? Hard to tell and, based on the story line, I'm not sure we will know it if it happens. I really can’t wait for more by both!
"way too hyped"
Cool details about heists
Unfortunately the plot is muddled and the character does not hold together
the character should be more consistent and the plot less complex
the narration was painfully slow but the narrator has a terrific voice
not a chance
it is a mystery to me Why this book has received so much press
"Enthusiasm for the Main Character Wanes over Time"
For a first novel, Ghostman is entertaining with an interesting caper. The plot moves along at a good pace, and the action scenes are well-written. Plenty of attention to detail, and Jake Weber does a good job overall with the narration. However, my enthusiasm for the main character (the "Ghostman") waned over time. I felt that this book was a little too over-hyped prior to its release.
Mr. Hobbs has created a protagonist that is difficult to form an emotional connection with, in my opinion. The main character comes across somewhat "flat", and I found myself not caring as to what happens to him by the end of the book. That said, I would try another book by this author as I do feel that he has talent and ability. If you like characters such as Jack Reacher, Joe Pike, John Puller, etc. then you will probably find this book reasonably entertaining, albeit a notch or two below the level you might be hoping for.
"almost got it"
I think Mr Hobbs was trying to recreate a new "Jack Reacher" by giving tips and explainations to aspects of his character's crimes. Mr. Hobbs almost made it with his character "The Ghostman" I found the book entertaining and interesting even though it's no Lee Childs. I feel as this author grows along with his character, the plot and writing will get much more tighter and smooth. I will definitely check out anything new with Roger Hobbs - he's up and coming.
y
i read the reviews before listening and i must agree that the narrator - Jack Weber was a tad slow and somewhat monotonous. However, it wasn't to the point of distraction and probably wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't have read previous reviews. I guess book reviews can backfire.
y
PSB from MD
"The Bad triumph over the Really Bad"
I was engrossed from beginning to end, although it would have been nice to have a good guy or two sprinkled into the plot.
Sure - if they like dark books about criminals.
Jake does a superior job of really making you feel like you are in the book.
No.
"Two stories in one"
Great heist story
It was a bit over the top at times, but it had it's moments.
I felt the narrator did a decent job creating accents and afflictions for the characters and maintaining them through the story.
Surface level adventure story about a couple of bank heists. Entertaining certainly, but no moral high ground attained.
"Excellent , once I had got used to the switching!"
Intense, absorbing,
the bank in KL
Ghostman
no
A very interesting look into the backgrounds for crime. How much does the author really know?
Retired book buyer/book manager for wholesale distributor in the 5 largest northeast states. Prolific reader who was inundated with ARCs.
"Real noir"
Entertaining well told crime story with interesting details of a heist for those who enjoy crime trivia and good background research. Two stories in different times told in a back and forth sequence which is well developed, adds to the tension and is not confusing. especially as they relate to each other. Excellent debut by this author. Am eager for the next publication.
"Highly engaging listen"
A unique and interesting character (the Ghost Man) escorts you into the world of high profile bank robbery. A great match of voice and character personality.