Bearskin

A Novel

De: James A. McLaughlin

Narrado por: MacLeod Andrews

“Bearskin is visceral, raw, and compelling - filled with sights, smells, and sounds truly observed. It’s a powerful debut and an absolute showcase of exceptional prose. There are very few first novels when I feel compelled to circle brilliant passages, but James McLaughlin’s writing had me doing just that." (C. J. Box, number one NYT best-selling author of The Disappeared)

Rice Moore is just beginning to think his troubles are behind him. He’s found a job protecting a remote forest preserve in Virginian Appalachia where his main responsibilities include tracking wildlife and refurbishing cabins. It’s hard work, and totally solitary - perfect to hide away from the Mexican drug cartels he betrayed back in Arizona. But when Rice finds the carcass of a bear killed on the grounds, the quiet solitude he’s so desperately sought is suddenly at risk.

More bears are killed on the preserve, and Rice’s obsession with catching the poachers escalates, leading to hostile altercations with the locals and attention from both the law and Rice’s employers. Partnering with his predecessor, a scientist who hopes to continue her research on the preserve, Rice puts into motion a plan that could expose the poachers but risks revealing his own whereabouts to the dangerous people he was running from in the first place.

James McLaughlin expertly brings the beauty and danger of Appalachia to life. The result is an elemental, slow burn of a novel - one that will haunt you long after you hear the final words.

©2018 James A. McLaughlin (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Good premise and writing but ultimately a bore

I liked the idea of the book and even enjoyed the writing in much of it. But the devil's in the details and a lot of the characters and plot points were flat and somewhat unbelievable. I found a lot of it paradoxically outlandish but boring. I wish a lot of the story was more simple and straight-forward. His sabbatical in the forest was confusing and unnessary as was a lot of the backstory re: the cartel. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly why a book does or doesn't work, but I can say with confidence much of this book does not work.

Very enjoyable book

I found it difficult to put down. I do hope there is a sequel in the works.

Full bodied characters

I really enjoyed this book, however the ending could have been more satisfying. It felt like the book ended and there were still questions in my mind about different situations. I like the interactions between people who have difficulty communicating. Too often, we make over generalizations about people from the way they speak or the grammar they use. But, like people we all know and love, sometimes you have to look hard for the redeemable qualities. It's refreshing to see people that aren't so one-dimensional. I would read more from this author.

Decent enough story with great narration.

I never got tired of listening to this book as I have with some others. The story line although a little far fetched was entertaining. The narrator was great.

Incorrect pronunciation

I enjoyed this story in spite of the violence. It’s presence was subtly treated and therefore palatable. The mispronunciations of the Arizona specific terms was disconcerting, however. It is a “he la” not “gee la” woodpecker. And the pronunciation of saguaro made me cringe every time I heard it as if I was tolerating some tourist’s conversation. At least the city of Tempe wasn’t mangled as Baboquiveri was!

Thrilling

I loved it! couldn't wait to keep listening and finding out what happens next! highly recommend

So captivating - a one sitting listen!

This is an exceptional book. I closed my eyes as I listened to this soul deep book being read to me. I walked the paths, felt the textures of flora, saw the vivid colorings of the fauna, and so much more.
An incredible journey. I will listen to this book again. Soon. I did not want the story to stop!

great character development

very descriptive. interesting plot twist. Will read more from this author. worth it. thanks

Intriguing

Narrator was great! Story is interesting with a lot of twists and turns. Great for fans of wildlife and nature mysteries

Excellent

I’m always looking for the out of ordinary books and this one did it for me. Keep me intrigued to the end. Not fluff and filler or sex scenes like so many untalented writers fill their books with but certainly not cozy either. Some grisly scenes. Great narration by MacLeod Andrews.