A Noise Downstairs

A Novel

By: Linwood Barclay

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

The New York Times best-selling author of No Time for Goodbye returns with a haunting psychological thriller that blends the twists and turns of Gillian Flynn with the driving suspense of Harlan Coben, in which a man is troubled by odd sounds for which there is no rational explanation.

College professor Paul Davis is a normal guy with a normal life. Until, driving along a deserted road late one night, he surprises a murderer disposing of a couple of bodies. That’s when Paul’s "normal" existence is turned upside down. After nearly losing his own life in that encounter, he finds himself battling PTSD, depression, and severe problems at work. His wife, Charlotte, desperate to cheer him up, brings home a vintage typewriter - complete with ink ribbons and heavy round keys - to encourage him to get started on that novel he’s always intended to write.

However, the typewriter itself is a problem. Paul swears it’s possessed and types by itself at night. But only Paul can hear the noise coming from downstairs; Charlotte doesn’t hear a thing. And she worries he’s going off the rails.

Paul believes the typewriter is somehow connected to the murderer he discovered nearly a year ago. The killer had made his victims type apologies to him before ending their lives. Has another sick twist of fate entwined his life with the killer - could this be the same machine? Increasingly tormented but determined to discover the truth and confront his nightmare, Paul begins investigating the deaths himself.

But that may not be the best thing to do. Maybe Paul should just take the typewriter back to where his wife found it. Maybe he should stop asking questions and simply walk away while he can....

©2018 NJSB Entertainment Inc. (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic Reviews

"Linwood Barclay's spine-tingling thriller is masterfully narrated by George Newbern.... Newbern portrays an array of characters with impressive range. In particular, his affable style is perfect for Paul, the decent guy at the story's core. It also lulls the listener into a false sense of security, making it all the more jarring when Newbern delivers taut suspense, depraved motivations, and gobsmacking twists." (AudioFile)

The Gaslighter gets lit...

Linwood Barclay has written a novel worthy of Alfred Hitchcock !!
The publisher's summary gives far too much information that takes the listener right up to about two hours from the end of the book.
Barclay really fleshed out the characters and delved deep especially into the main character's psyche. The twisted ending took me totally by surprise. I really thought I had the Who figured out and I kind of did , but then I didn't because then everything changed.
If you've never read anything by Linwood Barclay this is a good place to start. Now most of his books are stand alone. All are very good. The only author I could think to compare him to would be maybe Harlan Coben.
George Newbern does an excellent job narrating.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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Oh boy!

Twisty turns and complicated whodunnit that, seriously will keep you guessing. I just mentally threw my phone at Linwood Barclay. What. A ride.

Loved It!

A fantastic story with twists I was NOT expecting! Listened to it in one day!

I love me some Linwood!

Another hit from this author. Not a thriller but more of a who-done-it. All L Barklay books are so interesting. They make me feel like I'm sitting in a comfy chair while one of my friends tells us a story about the neighbors down the road. 5 stars again for Linwood!

Always Pay Attention to the Noises Downstairs!

At first, I thought this seemed like a very ordinary book, but it didn't take long to become entranced with Paul's mental state. Is he dreaming? Is he confused? Is he as crazy as he believed his professor friend was 6 months ago? The cast of characters is wonderful each well written, and quite understandable in their parts. The reader could spend a lot of time following along and enjoying the book, or he/she could spend that time trying to figure out the "who done it" aspect. I chose to follow along, meeting everyone at the right time and under the right circumstances and not worrying about who did it. Because of that, I was surprised by the ending and I loved it! Barclay has done a splendid job with this latest book.

Avoid to maintain your sanity.

Cannot believe the great reviews this book received on Audible. The worst pulp imaginable. It made me wonder if this was a 'made for Audible' book. The story concept is right out of Lifetime network.

The narration is tedious and elementary.

I considered returning this throughout listening, but based on the Audible reviews, kept thinking it would turn around. It does not. Be careful with Audible reviews.

Wow

Wow what a great story. First few chapters are a bit slow but it really helped that all the characters all catch your attention right away!

Respectable Thriller

This story begins fast and well. The element of the supernatural that hovers around the story gives it a little something extra. It was too easy to figure out a couple of key plot points. Other twists were not foreseen, but failed to stimulate.

Okay listen to for a boring trip.

Tedious and dreadful narration

I have other audiobooks by author Linwood Barclay and have, for the most part, enjoyed them. I was leery of getting a book featuring narration by actor George Newbern. And I was right! Though I think Newbern is a phenomenal actor, a narrator he is NOT!! If one does not have the talents to properly change voice pitch and levels for various characters, then please just narrate the book. Newbern’s character "assassinations" made me cringe each time. I was going to give up, but I plodded through this narrative muck. I figured out the convoluted ending immediately. Fortunately, I got this audiobook on sale for $5 (I don't return books I pay a few bucks for). A waste of time, a treasured credit or money.
👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

This book deserves 10 stars

If you want Suspense and Mystery read this Awesome story. Alfred Hitchcock "who dunnit" It will keep you wondering what the Heck is going on ... Creepy and Sad. You will not be able to stop listening. The story captures your attention right from the start!
The violence starts out with the main character Paul and the suspense continues throughout the story. It drives you mad trying to solve the mystery....
The characters are Great, some of these characters will come to Surprise you. The entire book is a whirlwind of Suspense, Sadness and figuring out the Mystery....
You will never guess the ending.

Linwood Barclay is a Great Author. Will read more from this Author