If you’ve never read a Repairman Jack novel, this is the place to begin.
It’s 1990. A twenty-one-year-old named Jack has dropped out of college, leaving his old life behind to build a new one in New York City. Manhattan’s rough edges are jagged enough to shred any unwary newcomer, but perhaps not one who is determined to stay off the grid, at any cost, in the busiest metropolis on earth. And to do so, he’ll have to take jobs of a less than legal nature.
An interstate smuggling operation seems to fit the bill perfectly. But Jack’s initial foray into the trafficking of illicit goods carries greater risk than he bargained for, putting him afoul of a preteen slavery ring, a group of jihadists, and a pair of vigilante brothers. As if those problems weren’t enough, Jack is hunted by some machete-wielding maniacs, and his bartender Julio is harassed by the mob. How these things are linked, and what they have to do with the murder of Rabbi Meir Kahane in Manhattan’s East Side Marriott, is a mystery Jack cannot let go of.
Cold City is the first of three new novels revealing the early years of one of the most popular characters in contemporary fiction: a self-styled “fix-it” man who is no stranger to the macabre or the bizarre, hired by victimized people who have nowhere else to turn. This is where he begins the metamorphosis from a naïve New Jersey refugee into the urban mercenary known as Repairman Jack.
©2012 F. Paul Wilson (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.
"Okay, enough is enough!"
Yes and I probably will! I love Repairman Jack novels. I enjoy the blend of fed-up normal guy willing to make things right and the slowly emerging supernatural, uber-scaries!
Pretty great because it gives us a well deserved build on who and how RJ is!
I love the scenes with Black and Blue.
No.
I say "enough is enough" because FPW makes us wait for so long between audio novels! I love his works and can't wait for the next! BUT COME ON, PAUL...have mercy on us! Lets get a few more on audio! I travel a great deal for work and audio novels like this make my circumstance most tolerable! RJ / FPW... lets do this!!!!!!
KearlyJ52
"Jack's Early Years, Book 1"
Having bought the limited edition from Gauntlet Press, and the issue with the second running of Thanksgiving day, Chapter 3 in the Audio Version, I did prefer the print version. Alexander Cendese the new man doing the read has exceptional flexability in the voices. Each is distinctive and easily identifiable. Jack is my favorite character in print, by far; and this beginning shows how he started in his final chosen field. The introduction of many characters that will show up again and again and how he came to be associated with them was eye opening.I have already reserved the limited print of the second book and sincerely hope Paul will continue to have the books made available to Audible. The Print version is best, but I drive for 2 - 2 and a half hours each weekday. The Audible versions are my choice for travel listening.
Abe Grossman, He adds a bit of humor to the entire story.
Abe Grossman, as done by Alexander Cendese. The switch from Jewish when he is in normal conversation, to the dropping of it when he is questioning Jack's comments was superb. Mr. Cendese does RJ and the associated characters outstanding. I'm looking for forward to the rest of the series by Mr. Cendese.
Every Repairman Jack book I have wanted to either read or listen to in one sitting. This one was no different. As the new Urban Mercenary, RJ is THE MAN! He has been since the publication of the Tomb.
I just finished the first four books and thought Christopher Price was exceptional. Mr. Cendese in the first Pre-RJ book is outstanding!!! The difference in age for the characters in the books makes the case for both readers. Both are exceptional! Read them all!! Keep Mr. Cendese for the three book series. I'll buy them all, print and Audible!
Audio book hound
"Finally more Repairman Jack on audible"
I searched for more Repairman Jack, but there were only a few recorded. I even broke down and read the 1st book of the series. I see finally there are more audiobooks with a different narrator( I hope they keep the same narrator for the rest of the series). This 1st book explains the beginning of how young Jack became "Repairman Jack". Jack who lives off the grid and lives by his wits to become the man who repairs problems only he can fix using questionable and sometimes violent methods. I am looking foreward to the rest of the series.
"Excellent Narration"
Yes. I enjoyed the plot and the narration. (As a matter of fact, the valet at a local restaurant told me he hated to give me my car back because he was so intrigued by the narrator.)
I thought the plot was interesting, although, I'm not really sure what the plot was other than Jack getting caught up in events and his efforts to untangle them. Some of these entanglements he does not wind up. The book ends screaming sequel.
Now that I think about it, the plot was ok, and I was interested in Jack, but I liked the narration the best. Candese truly made the book for me. He slipped from character to character with ease. He didn't go over the top; each character seemed to have the appropriate accent or tone or delivery that made it easy to discern which character was speaking.
Can't remember the character's name, but the guy who owned the sporting goods store--Abe?
The sporting goods store owner.
I will eagerly listen to any book read by Alexander Cendese.