The Girl Next Door

Carter Ross, Book 3

By: Brad Parks

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Reading his own newspaper’s obituaries, veteran reporter Carter Ross comes across that of a woman named Nancy Marino, who was the victim of a hit-and-run while she was on the job delivering copies of that very paper, the Eagle-Examiner. Struck by the opportunity to write a heroic piece about an everyday woman killed too young, he heads to her wake to gather tributes and anecdotes. It’s the last place Ross expects to find controversy - which is exactly what happens when one of Nancy’s sisters convinces him that the accident might not have been accidental at all.

It turns out that the kind and generous Nancy may have made a few enemies, starting with her boss at the diner where she was a part-time waitress, and even including the publisher of the Eagle-Examiner. Carter’s investigation of this seemingly simple story soon has him in big trouble with his full-time editor and sometime girlfriend, Tina Thompson, not to mention the rest of his bosses at the paper, but he can’t let it go - the story is just too good, and it keeps getting better. But will his nose for trouble finally take him too far?

Brad Parks’ smart-mouthed, quick-witted reporter returns in The Girl Next Door - another action-packed entry in his award-winning series, written with an unforgettable mix of humor and suspense.

©2012 Brad Parks (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Not my preferred style.

I did not find much mystery, and found the primary character to be immature, inept, and sometimes a bit ‘campy’, like when he equates sweating after a run with an Amazonian rain forest in his pants. Sometimes the use of simile/metaphor was an awkward stretch, perhaps an attempt at humor or creativity but I found it took me out of the story. I did finish the book and it was a quick read, but I will look for a much more complex mystery and multifaceted characters next time out.

Cerebral Humorous Mystery

What did you like best about The Girl Next Door? What did you like least?

I loved the cat! This had a mystery to be sure, but our hero was a little too weak for my tastes. You must be in the mood for sarcastic humor on this one.

Would you be willing to try another book from Brad Parks? Why or why not?

I purchased another book, one on sale, based on other reviewers liking this author before I actually listened to this one. Not sure if this author is for me. Reader is the reason I did take a chance on this author. Plus, reviewers said this had humor. For me, the jury is still out. I just got off a Philip Margolin run so this author maybe too domestic for me.

Which character – as performed by MacLeod Andrews – was your favorite?

M.A. is a genius with voices and he saved this listen for me. He also reads as Todd Haberkorn for erotica/ romances. His work on Robert Crais Suspect was excellant.

Did The Girl Next Door inspire you to do anything?

sorry, no inspiration at all.

Poor Carter

Any additional comments?

My heart was just breaking for Carter in this story. And I was so disappointed in Tina!!! The woman is playing some serious heart and head games with Carter but I was mostly disappointed that she didn't have Carter's back. I felt he worked hard for her loyalty and she kind of threw it in his face! And although there was an apology, I was still disappointed in her.

Loyalty is me refusing to purchase any more of Carter Ross series until MacLeod Andrews is brought back as the narrator! I won't even purchase the book to read! That's what I expected of Tina for Carter. -grrrr- Anyway, I hate when a series has a good narrator then is switched out for someone else. Bad idea!

So anyway, Tommy was great as usual, although more time with him would have been nice. And I adored the new intern, although I wanted more time with him too.

The story didn't draw me in as much as book 1 and 2 but parts of it did keep me laughing and Carter grew some balls in this one! The mystery was plot was intriguing as usual and of course I'm disappointed I won't finish the rest of the series.

MacLeod Andrews = 💝 🎭

ANOTHER HIT!!!

I recently discovered Brad Parks book good Cop at the library and have been hooked ever since! Carter Ross is so funny and a refreshing change from the norm. Macleod Andrews is the perfect narrator for the character. I've listen to all his book (this being the last) and think I'm going to have to buy the two that aren't on audio...LOVE LOVE!!

Great Narration

Anything MacLeod Andrews narrates will be great, but I loved the humor and the mystery of the story as well. Loving the series. It just works.