Central City

By: Indy Perro

Narrated by: Brian Callanan

Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Kane Kulpa learned which laws could be bent and which broken after a short stint in prison courtesy of Detective Vincent Bayonne. Bound by time, integrity, and the reality of life in Central City, Bayonne and Kane made peace with the past. Now, gang tension spirals from corrupt to deadly, and a series of murders stresses Kane and Bayonne’s uneasy alliance. Kane balances on a razor’s edge to protect his bar, power, life, and family, and Bayonne hustles to keep another lonely man from being strangled.

Central City is a city struggling for identity. The cops protect the rackets, and the criminals shelter the injured. Innocence is only an appearance, and rage finds a voice.

©2020 Indy Perro (P)2020 Indy Perro

gritty

There are few likable characters and everyone has some kind of damage- some is visible but others bury it beneath a facade to survive the day to day grind. This is a complex story with layers. The surprising twist at the end had me flummoxed . I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving my honest opinion. The narrator did a good job bringing it to life.

The humor is subtle, don't miss it.

At first, I felt a bit lost because some characters were mentioned without much introduction, making me feel like I missed something. By the end of the story, though, most characters found their place. None of the characters are particularly likable, but they certainly are compelling. And Brian Callanan's performance of these characters is absolutely outstanding. I really liked the subtle humor sprinkled throughout this novel and the suspense kept me listening.

Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Dark Crime Thriller

This was my first experience with Indy Perro's work, and it was gritty. Years before, Detective Vincent Bayonne put Kane Kulpa behind bars. Once Kane got out of prison, he worked to turn his life around. When a power struggle between rival families started to stir within the city, Kane's and the detective's uneasy relationship would come under a great deal of stress. The story was one that I would classify as noir fiction. The characters were flawed. The themes were dark and ambiguous. The tale kept my attention. Brian Callanan's narration was good, and his performance maintained the story's ambiance. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

Riveting journey into Central City

Central City, as brought to life in this masterfully narrated audiobook by Indy Perro, is a riveting journey into the heart of a gritty crime/mystery set against the backdrop of a city teetering on the edge of lawlessness. The plot, skillfully avoiding tired tropes, follows the seasoned Detective Vinnie Bayonne and his green partner Adam McKenna as they delve into a string of murders that unravel the intricate web of organized crime.

The narration, reminiscent of a black and white movie from the '90s, adds a layer of atmospheric depth, making the story pop with vivid imagery. The characters, initially grounded in familiar detective archetypes, undergo a transformation, evolving into fully realized individuals. The efficient prose, adorned with dark humor, propels the narrative forward at breakneck speed, ensuring that the audiobook maintains its grip on the listener's attention.

The detailed descriptions of crime scenes and forensics, although unsettling, serve a dual purpose—they provoke a thoughtful response and contribute to the immersive storytelling. The unexpected twists in the plot keep the suspense alive, with the seemingly unrelated storylines converging in a satisfying third act that is sure to surprise even the most discerning listeners.

Overall, Central City's audiobook succeeds not only in its compelling narrative but also in the way it is expertly narrated, making the characters and their turbulent world come alive. For fans of fast-paced mystery/suspense procedurals, this audiobook earns its stripes, offering an engaging and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final chapter.

4.5 Stars Great

Wow. I did not see that coming. I will definitely listen to this again as I do other books. I listen to all different genres and was not quite in the mood for this one but it hooked me right from the beginning. I highly recommend this book. The narrator did a really good job so not only will I be looking for more by this author but also this narrator.
I did receive a free copy of this book for an honest review.