The Poet

Michael Connelly is a master. Connelly started out as a writer for a newspaper so it makes sense he would have a story about a reporter. I really like how he switched the point of view between Jack McEvoy (the reporter) and a creepy pedophile/murderer. At first there seems to be no connection in the storyline, but eventually it becomes apparant that these two are destined to clash. When I realized how early the book was was climaxing I was happy that my radar for the bad guy seemed to be intact. I was wrong.

Isn't it fun to read 20 year old books? People having to find pay phones, dial-up internet connections and no cell phone tracking.

Another Michael Connelly blockbuster, with the requisite drama, tension, twists and turns. This guy never puts a foot wrong. An excellent airport thriller. Narration by Buck Schirner was particularly good, with effective voice variations. This was the first time I have heard him, and I will definitely be looking for more of his work. Production quality was likewise first class.

I was excited to listen to this book based on the reviews. While there were some parts that were exciting and not predictable, the ending completely fell apart for me. I won't spoil the ending, but to me, it was contrived, sloppy and unbelievable.
The ending kindof made the whole book a disappointment for me.

I liked it, I purchased it, but probably wouldn't listen again unless I'm out of new (to me) books. I'd restart the Bosch series if I couldn't read new books and then move back through to this one I suppose.

definitely Jack is my favorite character. I liked him from other books and loved reading about his background and what brought him to L.A.

I've never come across Buck Schirner as a narrator. I didn't mind his British pronunciations of certain words such as pedophile but I email and speak with Brits on a daily basis and often misspell American English now, myself, so it just doesn't bother me in general. I did see that some people minded his English pronunciations but his lack of the accent to go with it. I didn't even pick up on the pronunciations until I read it in the reviews after listening to the book. I think he did great. I like to just not notice the voice so I can focus on the story and I was able to, so well done.

yes..

My only additional comment would be just a suggestion. I wouldn't suggest one read this as an introduction to Connelly but I say this after having read his entire Harry Bosch series and Michael Haller series and I'm just trying to read everything he's written now. So from the standpoint of a huge fan, it was a good book for me. I probably wouldn't have gotten addicted to Connelly as an author if I'd started with this book. My first one was The Drop and then I went back adn started from the first Bosch book and went from there. That's all really. I liked getting to read about Rachel before he wrote about her in books I've already read. I believe I heard the narrator say this one was published in 1996 or so... so this was written earlier than most of what I have read from him. It was cool reading about the FBI guy in these early years that in the later books he's referenced.

If you haven't read any books by Michael Connelly, this one is sure to get you hooked. Mr. Connelly can develop a story with plot twists that can surprise you until the very end. Buck Schirner's reading was very well done. I found it hard to stop listening when I had to.

Love the book. The story is full of twists and unfolds dramatically, there is no gaps, I had all the answers. Read a lot of negative critigue about the narrator, but I had no problems with a deep narrator's voice here, this is a matter of preference.

I wondered how long it would be before I felt a book was so good that I would give the coveted five star's, and I found it in this one. I have listened or read most all of Michael Connelly novels and have never been disappointed but this one was by far the best, I did not think any Connelly book without Harry Bosch could be a complete winner, but it was. It walked a perfect line of suspense and twists, I did figure out who the real "bad guy" was about half way though but was never really sure until the very end. Don't pass this one up!

I have enjoyed every Michael Connelly book so far. The Poet was a standout. The story line moved quickly and the characters were varied and well developed. The plot twists kept you wondering what would happen next. I hope there are more books based on these main characters.

For the Connelly fans, this book is a little different. Missing are his two great characters, Detective Harry Bosch and Attorney Mickey Haller. Not missing is Connelly's ability to tell a story that holds the reader's attention. The Poet, whose villain reappears in one of the Harry Bosch books, has two main characters, Reporter Jack McElvoy and FBI Agent Rachel Waller. Their adventures are worth the read and as is usually the case with Connelly characters, they have enough warts to make you appreciate the good parts. The story has enough twists and turns and clues and red herrings for anyone who likes this genre. Connelly fans will miss Harry Bosch and non-Conelly fans will want to try more.

"The Poet" is a very good police procedural, but not exceptional. A reporter tracks a serial killer through some unpredictable plot twists.

But, for me, the narrator raised this into 5-star territory. Even the most minor walk-on parts have their own distinct voices, and have more individuality than Connelly gave them. I was very impressed.