Cry of the Needle

By: Roger Radford

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

When medical malpractice leads to violent revenge, Irish-style....

Kieran Kelly's world turns upside down when his wife's health is devastated by an epidural in childbirth. Incensed by damning evidence of medical and pharmaceutical misconduct, the tormented former IRA hit man plots revenge against those he deems responsible, including a government that doesn't seem to care.

Kelly's quest brings him face-to-face with an alcoholic physician, an altruistic scientist, and a corrupt government minister - but not before the love of a stunningly beautiful but crippled countess makes him question his motives. He meets Countess Magda von Esterhazy at a meeting of a self-help group for victims of the uniquely painful iatrogenic (doctor-caused) disease that struck down his wife. Magda awakens feelings that he thought he had lost forever.

Meanwhile, one of Kelly's targets, scientist Jonathan Tring, finds himself embroiled in the Machiavellian machinations of his boss, the gruff and corrupt owner of a pharmaceutical company, and the man's stunning young American wife. In all the mayhem, Tring, too, finds love - and desperately wants to live to enjoy it.

Cry of the Needle is a searing tale of love and vengeance. Revenge is a dish best served Irish.

©2013 Roger Radford (P)2016 Roger Radford

Evils of Malpractice

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Cry of the Needle is a great story which holds your attention from the beginning to the shocking ending.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cry of the Needle?

A play-by -play of hostage negotiations, British style

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

Nigel Patterson is prominent in my audio library because of his amazing talent. In this book he portrays an Irish rogue, a Southern Belle, a Welshman and several English characters. He is truly amazing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The love the Irishman had for his wife and children is very moving. He is willing to die to avenge the wrong that ruined his family.

Any additional comments?

Don't hesitate to listen to this wonderful story about love, the pharmaceutical industry and the power of money. Well worth your time.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great thriller

Great story well written well narrated. I have it a 4 do to the excessive sexual content. It made it so that I could not listen to it in the car around my kids. The characters and the story were captivating the scenarios had a gritty realism that kept you hooked. The message was clear good and powerful. I received this audiobook from the author narrator or publisher for free via audiobookboom in exchange for an unbiased review

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Compelling and Engaging!!!

Where does Cry of the Needle rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Out of the 250+ books I have purchased ... Cry of the Needle would rank in the top 20 because of the storyline and the possibility that this could really and probably has happened.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the fact that the storyline is complex enough that it made me want to listen to see what would happen but not so complex that I got frustrated with it. Also, that I was unable to determine where the story was going kept me engaged throughout the complete book,

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There was no one particular moment that moved me because the entire book was so compelling that I could not pick just one.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fantastic medical thriller!

Kieran Kelley is out for revenge after his wife, Theresa, is given Demerol during child birth by an obstetrician (not an anesthesiologist) and suffers tremendous pain due to a medical condition resulting from the inaccurate application of Demerol. He blames Big Pharma for mass production of drugs without the accurate human trials, the doctors for not making patients aware of the dangers/side effects of a specific procedure and the government for not protecting the patients by requiring more information before allowing Big Pharma to market their meds. The story seems too real and scary because I know this happens more frequently than we are aware.
This is a great book and very difficult to put down. Highly recommend...

Nigel is a true master with his narration. Easy to distinguish between all characters.

I was gifted this book by AudioBoom Blast in return for a review

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Pharmaceuticals and Politics, Oh My!

This is a story about pharmaceuticals and politics and all kinds betrayal. It grabbed my interest right away, with a physician injecting a questionable, poorly tested drug into the spine of woman who was in labor. The story splinters into several backstories and relationships and a fairly complex plot. I particularly enjoyed how Radford used fiction to bring awareness to the wiles of the pharmaceutical industry; willingness of the physicians to sell out at the expense of patients; and public docility.

The writing had lots of positives and some flaws. Radford is obviously well-educated in the pharmaceutical industry, either through thorough research or direct experience). His attempt to transfer this knowledge to the reader comes off dry, stifles the temple, and causes the story to drag in the beginning. Radford cleverly created Kieran, a character who is both protagonist and antagonist. Kieran's energy and grievances more than compensate for the drag. I liked the roles characters Fiona and Jonathan played, who are clear protagonists. Overall, the characters could have used a bit more depth and the dialogues a bit more richness/realism to give the story more oomph. Most of the romantic relationships developed with little substance, and made the narrative lose authenticity, but the story itself was strong enough to hold my interest.

Nigel Patterson is an excellent reader— he's crisp, clear, and maintains a good pace. There were some variations in characters voices, but sometimes they got a little lost. He makes up for this though with impressive American Southern (Georgia) and northern Irish accents.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks AudioBlast.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Compelling and Engaging

Would you consider the audio edition of Cry of the Needle to be better than the print version?

Did not read the printed version

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kieran Kelley is out for revenge after his wife

Which scene was your favorite?

It all was great

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Kelly got kill at the end

Any additional comments?

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

Excellent storyline

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Highly recommended. I was kept tuned in the entire read.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Thrilling, Interesting, Heartbreaking

If you could sum up Cry of the Needle in three words, what would they be?

A Scary Scenario

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

Definitely! Couldn't wait to find out how Kieran's plan played out.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Standoff.

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

Cry. The thought of so many people living in complete misery so the pharmaceutical industry could make a lot of money is heartbreaking. Although the book is fiction, it makes you wonder how much of this actually goes on.

Any additional comments?

Nigel Patterson was, as always, superb in his storytelling! One of my personal favorites!

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Like a cross between Robin Cook and Tom Clancy.

When a former IRA Fixer's (internal hit man) wife has an epidural go horribly wrong during their child's birth, He takes matters into his own hands to get revenge against the people who did this to his wife. These people include the Doctor who botched it, the Minister of Health for the UK, and the lead doctor of the company that produced the drug. Meanwhile, the other story arc in the story revolves around the corrupt CEO of that company, and his efforts to hide the truth, and expand his company at the same time. The story come to a head in a fiery flash of chaos and blood, that while satisfying, does seem a little rushed, which is my only complaint about the story.
My thought were that this read like a cross between a Robin Cook Medical thriller and Tom Clancy's Patriot Games. Any fan of thrillers should really enjoy this book.
As far as narration goes, Nigel Patterson does a great job handleing all the nuances of UK accents, from different areas of England to Welsh and Scottish. It really adds a polished touch to the story, and helps bring the characters to life.

I was given a copy of this book at no charge by the narrator, author or publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review through Audiobook boom.

The Politic's of Medicine

Any additional comments?

Interesting and enlightening. A fictional thriller inspired by/based on true life events.


An entertaining and educational thriller revolving around medical procedures, malpractice, political maneuvers and the pharmaceutical companies involvement in cover-ups. The synopsis of the book tells you everything you need to know about the book.

Engaging characters especially Kieran and his wife Teresa. You can't help but feel all of his emotions (despair, love, anger, hate) right along with him. Although I really liked the beginning and the ending, the middle, for me dragged at times.

You don’t realize that the newspaper article that Kieran reads it is referring to the author. I do have to say that the author's notes about his experience with this syndrome are left out at the end of the Audiobook. I don’t know if this "article" is the same as the authors footnotes. If it is not they should have been included.

Nigel Patterson did a good job with the narration. Different character voices and accents were good. Nice even pace. Pleasant voice, easy to listen to. You can feel Kieran's emotion come through in his narration.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom

Mesmerising!

Would you listen to Cry of the Needle again? Why?

Yes.This was a pleasure to listen to and worthy of another hearing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cry of the Needle?

When wheelchair-bound Countess Magda von Esterhazy tries to avert Kelly's single-minded murderous aim through love and humanity.

What about Nigel Patterson’s performance did you like?

He brings each character to life, somehow making them seem real and believable

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Mesmerising tale of love and vengeance

Any additional comments?

As the Kindle version of Cry of The Needle was one of the best books I have ever read, I was eagerly awaiting the audio book. It does not disappoint. Following his excellent narration of Radford’s Schreiber’s Secret, Nigel Patterson does another superb job in converting Radford’s highly-charged medical malpractice polemical thriller into a powerfully immersive experience. The characters in this story leap out at you, from the revenge-obsessed Kieran Kelly to the Machiavellian machinations of Big Pharma baron, the gruff Yorkshireman Jack Proctor. Nemesis is the name of a game where there are no winners. To sum up in one word: mesmerising!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Once started, I had to listen until the end.

What made the experience of listening to Cry of the Needle the most enjoyable?

The story was unusual and I learned about arachnoiditis, a condition previously unknown to me.
I was so very involved with the characters who were so very alive and the plot just galloped along. I couldn't possibly leave it until it ended and even though I knew what would happen, I still had to listen. I despised myself for my full support of violence against reason yet I was manipulated by the author and reader and loved surrendering myself to it.

What other book might you compare Cry of the Needle to, and why?

Stieg Larsson books for the pace of the novel and the spellbinding story telling.

What about Nigel Patterson’s performance did you like?

In many ways, his reading seemed to be understating the plot but it made the book so much more compelling. He allowed my own emotions to surface rather than drown them and made the whole experience so much richer.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Revenge is sweeter than life.

Any additional comments?

Why is Roger Radford not a number one best seller that we're all talking about?

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A superbly nail-biting international thriller.

Would you listen to Cry of the Needle again? Why?

Yes, a pleasure to listen to this riveting and multi-faceted adventure.

What other book might you compare Cry of the Needle to, and why?

In its depth and complexity it bears comparison to Le Carré.

Which character – as performed by Nigel Patterson – was your favourite?

All the medical characters are drawn with penetrating anger, humanity, understanding and a sharp ear for medical practice and malpractice, all of which is vividly brought to life by Nigel Patterson.

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

A very moving and occasionally uncomfortably raw novel that effortlessly manages to get under the reader's skin.

Any additional comments?

A wonderful achievement. Looking forward to the next one.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great Thriller

Where does Cry of the Needle rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a very fast paced thriller very well written with good strong character's.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kieran Kelly as he's never gives up on what he believes in.

What does Nigel Patterson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Nigel Patterson brings understanding and depth of character to the story.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Never give up on what you believe in.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Pulsating polemical thriller

If you could sum up Cry of the Needle in three words, what would they be?

Riveting. Heartsearching. Unputdownable.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sharon Proctor. A girl from the wrong side of the tracks in Savannah, Georgia, who reaches the business pinnacle as the co-owner of a major British pharmaceutical company. She retains high moral standards amongst the mass of duplicity around her - except when it comes to sex.

What does Nigel Patterson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He managed to convey the plethora of British and American accents with conviction and no shortage of skill.

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

Email messages from the victims of a little-known iatrogenic disease brought tears to my eyes.

Any additional comments?

While not agreeing with Kieran Kelly's modus operandi, I could understand his motives for revenge. This book provides a wake-up call to all those who undergo invasive spinal procedures without understanding the consequences.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A thriller to savour

This book has everything: revenge, love, medical malpractice and the nefarious deeds of a pharmaceutical giant. Into the mix are thrown unforgettable characters bound by differing moral and immoral imperatives. I challenge anyone not to be moved by Radford's writing and Nigel Patterson's excellent delivery. Unforgettable.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Stunning story of love and revenge

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. It is totally riveting. The characters are so well drawn that you find yourself immersed in their respective journeys. It is no secret that pharmaceutical manufacture is populated by a few rogues, and that governmental decisions leave much to be desired.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cry of the Needle?

Jack Proctor's birthday party. Surreal!!

Which character – as performed by Nigel Patterson – was your favourite?

Kieran Kelly

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Love and revenge at the point of a needle.

Any additional comments?

Both this and Roger Radford's other Audible thriller, Schreiber's Secret, are unmissable.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Powerful and compelling.

"Eye of the needle" is unique reading for skilfully combining human suffering,terrorism,medical malpractice and drug company greed together with a thread of romance running throughout. The best author's have personal experience of their subject matter, be their book fact or fiction, and Roger Radford's shows his experience of arachnoiditis as he speaks through his characters with the authority about the subject that only a sufferer would know of.
The plots and sub-plots are cleverly interwoven and make this book extremely difficult to put down and I think it would cater for a wide variety of tastes.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A gripping true to life read

If you could sum up Cry of the Needle in three words, what would they be?

A must listen

What other book might you compare Cry of the Needle to, and why?

This was my first medical thriller but I have read Radford's other books and enjoyed every one of them.

Which character – as performed by Nigel Patterson – was your favourite?

Kieran Kelly

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

Yes and it made me cry for all who suffer from unnecessary invasive spinal procedures

Any additional comments?

Reminded me of my own case against an uncaring physician. I ran the whole gamut of emotions as the main protagonist, Kieran Kelly, sought his revenge against those who caused harm to his wife and others. In the course of this story, superbly narrated by Nigel Patterson, Radford raises issues that the medical profession and pharmaceutical companies would prefer to sweep under the carpet.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Unforgettable

Where does Cry of the Needle rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Right up there with the best

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cry of the Needle?

Countess Magna von Esterhazy's attempt to dissuade Kieran Kelly's from completing his chosen course.

Have you listened to any of Nigel Patterson’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A searing tale of love and vengeance

Any additional comments?

The suspense and pace keep you hooked until the end. The characters are so well drawn that you think you know them. Medical and pharmaceutical malpractice writ large. You can't help but empathise with Kieran Kelly. Would make a great TV series.