Rogue Island

I had some serious doubts about this one. Not a big fan of reporter based crime stories but wow was I wrong. And the narrator does a simply superb job as well. This may (I hope) be the first book in a great series, and a welcome addition to my authors list now that we have lost Robert Parker's Spenser series. Give "Rogue Island" a try, if you like really good mystery/crime with characters that are pretty well developed, this is for you

unbelievably superb and delightful mystery from a first time author, but the narrator is BRILLIANT!!!! what a treat from start to finish

The characters are engaging, the setting (Rhode Island) a bit unusual and therefore interesting, the dialogue intelligent & full of wit. I hope to hear more of this author's work.

Great story, great narration. The story captures the essence of big city New England. Jeff Woodman did a wonderful job in capturing the accent and attitude of a modern Yankee. It reminded me of my north east roots. The story kept me captive and I "swallowed it whole" in one 8 hour chunk. I will be looking for more from Bruce DeSilva!

I am not certain why the overall rating of this book as I write this is under 4.0 because the majority of those writing reviews clearly enjoyed the book. And I don't think it is just a guy thing to like Rogue Island because I am an old lady giving it a 5. I enjoyed the regional nature of the characters and the humor. On top of that, I thought it was a decent who done it. Great literature it is not but a very entertaining listen it is.

I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, since I am not a fan of corrupt "wise guy" stories. What makes this a delightful exception is the witty, intelligent writing and the spot on narration that brings the story and characters to life. I have not heard this narrator before, but he has the ability to create distinct voices that ring true for all of the characters, including the females - a feat rarely accomplished by male readers. My favorite is the bookie - he's a hoot. The humor infused into the story lightens the weight of the arsons burning down the neighborhood. All is wrapped up with a very satisfying ending, leaving me ready for more from this author and, hopefully, his star investigative reporter.

I loved this book. The narrative is really fluid and the narrator does such a great job that it was like listening to a friend telling a real story, the book part became completely transparent. An amazing first novel, I look forward to read more from this author. Definitively recommended.

I think this is a first novel for this author, and I've never heard of the narrator, either. Both are to be commended for an entertaining, thoughtful and surprising book. I had heard about the corruption in Providence, Rhode Island, and of the conviction of ex-mayor Rudy Cianci. The book makes the non-fiction news into exciting fiction. The protagonist is a journalist who tries hard to solve a series of arson fires in a poor neighborhood, many of them killing residents of the houses that are burned. The author draws his characters well, and you are recruited into the search for the whos, whats and whys of the search for the bad guys. It comes as no surprise that the gangsters are involved, but this is in no way a letdown. The plot twists and turns, and never takes a cliched turn. The narrator has a great voice for the regular people of Providence, and he keeps you listening. The book sags a little in the middle, but not enough to make you lose interest. The romantic angle is well done, and again has a surprising twist at the end which you could not have seen coming, unless you happen to be Robert Crais or John Lescroarts. I am looking forward to the next book by Da Silva, and hoping that Jeff Woodman reads it. Well worth your time; very entertaining.

The voice of the protagonist did not fit his character. It was sort of Phillip Marlow meets Fletch. The sort of thing Dennis Lehane might have written in high school. He really wore out somewhat clever phrases and names. Calling his Bronco, Secretariat the whole book was a bit much. It was cute calling his cub reporter, Thanks Dad got old pretty quick. The plot was inventive and the author created some very good characters.

Rosie and Veronica were good characters. They were strong and believable. Their dialogue rang true.

Not if Jeff Woodman was doing the first person voice of a 39 year old Pulitzer prize winning, jaded anyone. It was like Justin Bieber reads Mike Hammer.

Disappointment.

Hope Bruce Silva keeps writing, the plot was good.

Soon after starting, I thought 'is this really worth one of my precious credits?' But I kept going and started to like it, and then a lot. It's not groundbreaking, but it's a well-written detective story, with great characters, not the least of whom is the narrator (a hard-bitten but likable old-school journalist, much, I expect, like Mr. DeSilva), rendered beautifully by Mr. Woodman (OK, a lapse of Rhode Island accent now and then, but never forced), with unexpected (at least to me) plot developments. It's very New England but would probably translate well to readers in other regions, especially Red Sox fans. I'd have upped the stars to fives, had "Deliverance" not just wrecked the curve. I hope Audible gives us the author's "Cliff Walk" soon.