Burning Man

A Gideon and Sirius Novel, Book 1

By: Alan Russell

Narrated by: Jeff Cummings

When LAPD detective Michael Gideon and his police-dog partner, Sirius, are assigned to the Special Cases Unit (SCU), Gideon knows their work lives will be anything but ordinary. SCU gets the cases no one else wants, the unusual and bizarre crimes that need special handling and special investigators. When a high-school student is found crucified in a local park, Gideon and Sirius must face up to the gruesome tableau and the motivation behind the murder. Complicating matters is a nightmare from their past, the scars of a terrible fire that nearly cost them their lives. The blaze left Gideon ravaged by PTSD - and yet somehow imbued him with an eerie prescience that gives him unusual insights into the crimes he investigates.

©2012 Alan Russell (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Interesting storyline and great dog

Author provided lot of background about firefighting and effects of fire on victims caught in one. The plot kept my interest while the author's use of contemporary song allusions was a nice touch. And who doesn't love a dedicated dog to make this tale enjoyable? Look forward to reading more in this series.

lost opportunities

This was a bit slow in the beginning but started to ramp up by chapter 3. Overall the story was fairly interesting.

The voice actor had a bit of Hyde Park accent reminiscent of FDR slip in upon occasion which was a slight distraction but overall did a good job.

The dialogue between MC and girlfriend was a tad sophomoric which was a disappointment since the rest of the character interactions were good. I liked the two-pronged mystery investigations. I didn't think it realistic that the MC habitually disregarded police protocols and didn't call for backup nor inform his colleagues.

The reader ruined this for me

The storyline was OK, and it moved forward in a decent fashion. But the narrator‘s portrayal of the protagonist was so negative, so nasal and whiny, so grating and so forced that I couldn’t wait for this book to get over. I will consider the next book in the series only if it’s read by someone else.

most excellent Book

Alan Russell writes an excellent book. And I hope he keeps it up. I loved every word. The story was very believable and exciting. I shall continue to follow along with Det. Gideon and Sirius. This story has depth and good, engaging characters. I look forward to more.

Irritating reader

I really enjoyed this story but the reader’s different voices were very annoying to me. I have never had a performer irritate me like this one. I would listen to the next book in this series if the reader changes.