Brownstone

The Jack Elliot Series, Book 1

By: Dean Kutzler

Narrated by: Tom Lennon

Length: 13 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

One secret - devastating consequences.

Jack Elliot isn't an ex-cop or marine. He doesn't know martial arts, hand-to-hand combat, or even how to fight. He's just a journalist from Montreal returning home to NYC to pay respect to a dying uncle.

An uncle with a secret.

It isn't long before Jack is twisted into a plot so thick with murder, mystery, and deceit that he's racing just as hard to save his life as he is to find the truth.

If you like fast-paced action thrillers twisted with mystery and hidden truth like novels by Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and James Rollins, then you'll love the first installment in Dean Kutzler's Jack Elliot series.

©2014 Dean Kutzler (P)2017 Dean Kutzler

Unique new approach to biblical mystery

If you could sum up Brownstone in three words, what would they be?

Biblical thriller mystery

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jack was my favorite character because he has a whimsical personality.

Have you listened to any of Tom Lennon’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Never heard any of his narration before but he was quite good in this book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes I did at several points throughout this book. There are many twists and turns that range everywhere from shocking to comical.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher. This is my honest and unbiased review.

Good Story

Having loved the DaVinci Code, was intrigued with this. . Jack finds himself a target as a reporter learning of the secrets of a century’s old religious order. Intriguing and good character, the narration was good. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

A mystery with grit

What did you love best about Brownstone?

I enjoyed the twists and turns this book provided. The magic and religious beliefs intertwine.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. You never know where the next twist is going to occur. The characters are all well written.

Have you listened to any of Tom Lennon’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. This is another great read from Mr. Lennon. He always brings the characters to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it's a little to long for one sitting.

Ordinary people

Action starts off fairly quickly. This was an enjoyable listen with very good narration. Jack is a normal guy, who like the rest of us makes foolish and hurried decisions, but the cabbie is the most interesting character Good strong storyline lots of unexpected twists and turns.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Hard to put down!

What did you love best about Brownstone?

Action starts off fairly quickly and I for one had no idea where the plot was going - Great!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harold the cab driver. Jack is likable, that's really important, but Harold is the guy I would want to have a cup of coffee with. Prince of a guy.

What about Tom Lennon’s performance did you like?

Harold. He really got into the role and had fun with it. Made it fun to listen to.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

There is much about the plot that can't hold up to close examination. Unanswered questions and just plain illogical moves by Jack at times, however you are on such a fast exciting ride at the time you don't notice. You need to remember this is entertainment, not meant to be a historical documentary. Will be buying second in this series as soon as it is out.

Good start to the series

This was an enjoyable listen with very good narration. The mystery is very convoluted and there is plenty of action. There were some things that happened in the book that I am still unsure what they were about. Perhaps in future books it will become clearer.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Brownstone

Any additional comments?

I received a free copy for an unbiased review.


I really enjoyed this book, it grabbed me from the first page to the last page I can't wait for Jacks next adventure.

Heads Up!!! Use 1.5 listening speed!!

I received this audiobook free of charge so that I could provide an unbiased review. I never recap stories in my review as you can easily hover over the title and see the synopsis. This story was hard for me to get into, mainly I believe because the narrator was soooooo slow, I couldn't bear it. I almost gave up trying to listen and then decided to try speeding up the narration a little. This worked, and at 1.5 speed, the speech seems normal, not fast at all. The story did still move a little slowly at the beginning, but if you hang it there in becomes more interesting towards the middle. I am thinking this will become a series due to 'Book One' being in the title. lol! :) In my opinion, its worth the credit to check it out and see where the series goes. You just need to get past the slow narrationl

Entertaining

Okay, if you liked 'The DaVinci Code' you'll probably like this one, too. Lots of action, and religious conspiracies and the like.

I enjoyed the researching part, and I liked that Jack sexual orientation wasn't a point on the story, just another fact. I didn't like Jack's goatee and how it was such a prominent 'character', always there. Let's be honest, only Tony Stark can have a goatee and look cool.

The plot... well, it was the usual plot on this kind of story, with a lot of nazis. And I get it, they are the villains to go in every story, but I would have preferred a little more of originality here.

Don't get me wrong, this is an entertaining story, and I probably will read something else by this author, but nothing special.

Tom Lennon did an adequated job with the narration.

Well-crafted and thought-provoking.

For readers who enjoyed "The Da Vinci Code,"  Brownstone is sure to delight. Jack Elliott is a journalist who unwittingly becomes the target of an ancient covert religious order. Tripping through present-day New York City, he uncovers evidence of a centuries-old coverup that could rock the foundations of Christianity. He also learns of dark family secrets which cause him to question many of his beliefs. And all the while, he's being hunted down like prey.

The beginning moved a little slowly for my taste, but it picked up speed before midway through. The ending left me feeling satisfied, whilst setting the stage for the next installment (which I'm yearning to begin). Narrator, Tom Lennon, does a marvelous job here. There were a couple of mispronounced words (such as "carotid"), but in no way did they affect the context or my understanding of the story. I increased the narration speed to 1.05%. Overall, very well done!

I received a promotional copy of this audiobook for free in exchange for an unbiased review. Many thanks to the narrator for this opportunity!