Every Crooked Path

The Bowers Files

By: Steven James

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Length: 15 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's Summary

Who is the Piper?

Special Agent Patrick Bowers returns in an electrifying prequel to the Bowers Chess series from critically acclaimed, national best-selling novelist Steven James.

A mysterious suicide and a series of abductions draw Patrick into a web of intrigue involving an international conspiracy where no one is who they appear to be and the stakes have never been higher. Soon Patrick discovers that the secret to stopping the Piper's current crime spree lies in unlocking answers from an eight-year-old cold case - and the only way to do that is by entering the terrifying world of the conspirators himself.

Dark, probing, and chilling, Every Crooked Path takes an unflinching look at the world of today's cybercrimes and delves into a parent's worst nightmare as it launches a new chapter of Patrick Bowers thrillers.

©2015 Steven James (P)2015 Recorded Books

Could not stop listening- Excellent!!

This is my first Steven James/Pat Bowers book and OMG I am so glad I found this. I could not stop listening. I get up at 5:30am and by 5:35am I was plugged back in and listening again! I will most certainly be purchasing book one after this (since this prequel is actually the last in the series).
Anyway, l was a little hesitant about this based on some of the reviews. Let me begin by saying I find anything to do with children being abused reprehensible however I do realize that it exists. I also realize that this is fiction and take it for what it is. I'm not particularly fond of murder or terrorists either but continue to read books dealing with those subjects as well.
This book has so much going for it. Child abductions that span a 10 year period. The children are used and abused for months and then their bodies are left where they can easily be found close to their home. There are some messed up adults who are working out their own abusive pasts and unstable futures. But basically it's just plain old good vs evil.
The ending is completely unpredictable and blew me away. I can't say anymore or I would spoil it for anyone who wants to read this.
Richard Ferrone does a fantastic job narrating. His voice is perfect for this type of character since in my mind I already associate him with Lucas Davenport (John Sanford).
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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quite the story - back to the beginning sort of

I'm still trying to figure author Steven James out, what his approach to the Patrick Bowers series really is. I read an interview he did where he says there is good and evil in the world and he doesn't want to sugarcoat either side so to speak. So he has really gruesome, violent crimes and bad guys while on the good side he thinks good thoughts and tries to do good deeds for those in his live and those he's trying to protect from evil. I still can't believe an FBI agent would involve his family the way he does. This seems to me to be the hardest part to understand regarding the plots. His books can stand alone just on the psycho killer aspect but he wants to add more. I will say I think this may be the best of the Bowers series.

In this book the author takes us back in time to where he has just met his new girlfriend and her daughter who play prominent roles in the series going forward. The world of online child porn is explored in this story in a variety of its manifestations. You could almost look at this book as a primer on the subject if you have little experience with it. But the author crafts a good story where Agent Bowers is trying to crack this online ring against seemingly impossible odds. It is very easy to become and stay engrossed with this book.

Worth the credit and the time to listen

I really got into this book and almost quit because of the subject matter, but the writer reeled me in because the story was so interesting with all the ins and outs. Bad guys, and good guys. Then there are good then gad while others are bad ...good.....and back to bad.
The main character is well Done and the daughter of the girlfriend is a study in teen attitude.
A well constructed story with lots of little thrill rides along the way!

great story and reader

love this series and the readers perfect for the story. the writer tells a great storyline as well

Went too far for me

I very much enjoyed James' previous Bowers series (The Pawn - Checkmate) however, I had to stop this one after a few chapters. This book discusses child pornography and homosexuality and it's just too much for me. Loved the books up to this point, but I think I'm done.

The Bower Files

I can’t say enough good things about Steven James writing ... descriptive,thought provoking, natural story teller!! Can’t wait to start the next book as soon as I finish one. I love how he delves Into human nature to show how we all have good and evil and making choices toward one or the other. Richard Ferrone is the perfect narrator for these books... talented beyond belief!

Distasteful subject makes listening difficult

I learned something new about myself. I can't find stories about children being abused in a fictional crime story an acceptable topic. My reaction to this book was- ugh! Over the top, hard to listen to, often made me feel physically ill.